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Instrumentation Tech Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

DTE Energy

Instrumentation & Controls Tech

Woodland, CA

$42.63 - $54.09/hr

... technologies, and energy services to industries in 19 states. But we're more than a leading energy ... This is a "journeymen" level position with a high degree of knowledge of instrumentation, controls ...

DTE Energy

Instrumentation & Controls Tech

Woodland, CA · On-site

$42.63 - $54.09/hr

... technologies, and energy services to industries in 19 states. But we're more than a leading energy ... This is a "journeymen" level position with a high degree of knowledge of instrumentation, controls ...

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All JobsInstrumentation Tech JobsInstrumentation Tech Jobs in California

Instrumentation Tech information

See California salary details

$15

$29

$46

How much do instrumentation tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for instrumentation tech in California is $29.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.03 and $35.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is an instrumentation technician in high demand?

Instrumentation technicians are in high demand due to their specialized skills in installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting control systems in industries such as manufacturing, oil and gas, and power generation. The job outlook is positive, with steady growth expected as industries continue to rely on automation and process control systems, often requiring certifications and knowledge of tools like PLCs and sensors.

What is an instrumentation tech?

Instrumentation Technicians, often called Instrumentation Techs, are skilled professionals who install, maintain, and repair devices used to monitor and control engineering systems, machinery, and processes. They work in industries like manufacturing, oil and gas, power generation, and pharmaceuticals. Their responsibilities include calibrating instruments, troubleshooting faults, and ensuring systems operate safely and efficiently. Instrumentation Techs play a critical role in ensuring automated equipment and control systems function properly to maintain production quality and safety standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an instrumentation tech?

To thrive as an Instrumentation Tech, you need a solid understanding of electronics, process control systems, and instrumentation principles, often supported by an associate degree or technical certification. Familiarity with PLCs, calibration equipment, and industry-standard software such as SCADA is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe, accurate, and efficient operation and maintenance of complex instrumentation systems in industrial environments.

Is instrumentation tech in high demand?

Instrumentation technicians are in high demand due to the need for skilled workers to install, maintain, and repair control systems in industries such as manufacturing, oil and gas, and power generation. Employment prospects are strong, especially for those with certifications and experience working with automation tools and calibration equipment.

What are some common challenges instrumentation techs face when troubleshooting complex automated systems?

Instrumentation Technicians often encounter challenges when diagnosing issues in complex automated systems due to the integration of various sensors, controllers, and communication protocols. Troubleshooting can be time-consuming as it requires a deep understanding of both hardware and software components, as well as the ability to interpret technical diagrams and system documentation. Successful technicians rely on methodical problem-solving skills, collaboration with engineers and operators, and continual learning to keep up with evolving technology. Being proactive in preventive maintenance and staying updated with the latest industry standards can also help mitigate these challenges.

Is instrumentation tech a stressful job?

Instrumentation technicians often work in environments that require attention to safety and precision, which can be stressful during high-pressure situations or when troubleshooting complex systems. The job may involve shift work, tight deadlines, and exposure to hazardous conditions, contributing to stress levels. However, proper training, experience, and safety protocols can help manage these stressors effectively.

What is the difference between Instrumentation Tech vs Electrician?

AspectInstrumentation TechElectrician
Required CredentialsTypically requires a technical diploma or certification in instrumentation or electronicsRequires a high school diploma and electrician's license or certification
Work EnvironmentWorks mainly in industrial plants, manufacturing facilities, and process industriesWorks in residential, commercial, and industrial electrical systems
Industry UsageCommonly employed in manufacturing, oil & gas, and chemical industriesEmployed across construction, maintenance, and electrical service sectors

Instrumentation Technicians focus on installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting control systems and sensors in industrial settings, while Electricians handle electrical wiring, systems, and repairs across various environments. Both roles require technical skills but serve different specialized functions within the industry.

What do you do as an instrumentation technician?

An instrumentation technician installs, maintains, calibrates, and repairs control systems and instruments used in industrial processes. They work with tools like multimeters and calibrators, often following technical manuals and safety protocols to ensure equipment functions accurately and reliably.

What are popular job titles related to Instrumentation Tech jobs in California?

For Instrumentation Tech jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Instrumentation Tech jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Instrumentation Tech jobs in California are:

Instrumentation Tech jobs near you
Infographic showing various Instrumentation Tech job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 10% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,921 per year, or $29.8 per hour.

Electrical and Instrumentation Tech

Harvest Hill Beverage Company

Anaheim, CA • On-site

$41.35 - $48.10/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

PLEASE READ JOB DESCRIPTION FULLY BEFORE APPLYING


Electrical, Instrumentation and Controls Technician

Sunny Delight Beverages Company in Anaheim, Ca. has an employment opportunity for a highly skilled Electrical, Instrumentation and Controls (EIC) technician. The successful candidate will demonstrate advanced levels of leadership and technical skills with minimal direction. This individual will support and maintain plant electrical, controls and instrumentation systems. The successful candidate will be expected to work on shift in a 24/5 production environment with some overtime likely.

Principal Responsibilities / Accountabilities:

-Maintain and troubleshoot plant electrical distribution panels

-Install, maintain, and troubleshoot all plant electrical systems (voltages ranging from 480vac to 24vdc) and motor control centers

-Use EI&C, mechanical and operational skills to be able to troubleshoot and repair process and packaging equipment (blend systems, labelers, fillers, conveyors, packers, palletizers, etc)

-Troubleshoot and repair or replace PLC’s, HMI’s, VFD’s, servo drives and other electronically controlled equipment

-Install, setup, calibrate, inspect and troubleshoot process instrumentation equipment

-Troubleshoot PLC and HMI (Wonderware and other) programming

-Install new equipment and implement engineering changes

-Provide on-going support for evolving machine controls needs and provide the daily support required to maintain the manufacturing systems by maintaining, troubleshooting and modifying / editing EIC systems, technologies, and documentation

-Participate in electrical training of new EIC technicians and operating technicians

-Provide leadership to the team / plant for both technical and operational challenges and flow to the work to improve team performance

-Develop others on team

-Perform necessary steps to ensure personnel safety and food safety and quality

-Perform other duties as assigned


Salary: $41.35 - $48.10/hr (depending on experience)

Plus: $1.00/hr shift differential for night shift, $0.35/hr shift differential for 2nd shift

Schedule: 8 hour shift (Overtime)

**This position may start on a rotating shift and transition into a permanent night role


Qualifications:

REQUIRED Education / Work Experience:

-High school diploma or equivalent

-Minimum 5 years work experience in electrical, controls & instrumentation position

-Experience using Microsoft Office software


DESIRED Education / Work Experience:

-Formal EI&C education via trade / vocational school, military or other industrial electrical certification or equivalent work experience

-Demonstrated mechanical skills / knowledge a plus

-Food and beverage or packaging industry experience a plus

-Experience with power distribution systems up to and including 480VAC with working knowledge of the N.E.C. and strong experience with basic electrical tools (meggers, amp meters, volt meters, conduit tools, etc)

-Able to read power and controls schematics

-Experience with integrating electrical, instrumentation, mechanical and operational knowledge as the approach to troubleshooting equipment


Experience with the utilities, process, and machine controls systems below or equivalent:

-PLC-5, SLC-500, ControlLogix 5000 -Communication networks (DH+, Controlnet, Devicenet, Ethernet)

-Experience with refrigeration / HVAC systems, vision systems, online printing / coding systems a plus

-Allen Bradley PowerFlex VFD’s, SEW drives, B&R, Rockwell or other servo controllers or equivalent

-Knowledge of operator interface systems such as Wonderware HMI and PanelView HMI or equivalent

-Experience with instrumentation

-Experienced in the calibration of flow, pressure, level, and temperature instruments.

-Capable of supporting basic board level electronic system repairs (i.e. troubleshoot to the board level and replace boards as necessary) a plus

-Familiar with P&IDs and able to use as a tool for troubleshooting

-Experience in a flexible, multi-skilled, team based working environment


Essential Functions of this position include:  

  • Work in and out-of-doors in the seasonal ranges of temperature and humidity. 
  • Lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds. 
  • Enter confined spaces – including tanks and other normal work areas 
  • Climb stairs, ladders, platforms, etc. on equipment, tankage and building structures for the purpose of inspecting, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting. 
  • Bend at the knees and bend and twist the back for the purposes of operating and maintaining equipment. 
  • Stand on concrete floors for periods of up to 12 hours/shift. 
  • Drive a material handling tractor backwards in areas of high traffic and close quarters. 
  • Operate high speed equipment requiring high levels of physical coordination and sensory capability (i.e. auditory, visual, olfactory, touch). 
  • Consistently attend work during normally scheduled work hours 
  • Work any scheduled shifts, weekends, up to 12 hours and occasional overtime.



2nd Shift 1:00 pm - 9:30 pm
3rd Shift 9:00 pm - 5:30 am