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Lead Instrumentation Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Lead Instrumentation Technician information

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$46

How much do lead instrumentation technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead instrumentation technician in the United States is $30.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.32 and $35.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Lead Instrumentation Technician do?

A Lead Instrumentation Technician is responsible for overseeing the installation, maintenance, calibration, and repair of instrumentation and control systems used in industrial settings. They lead a team of technicians, ensure that equipment operates safely and efficiently, and troubleshoot complex issues. Additionally, they may be involved in training staff, conducting inspections, and ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.

What are some common challenges faced by a Lead Instrumentation Technician and how can they be addressed?

Lead Instrumentation Technicians often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting complex instrumentation systems, managing tight maintenance schedules, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Addressing these challenges requires strong problem-solving skills, effective time management, and continuous communication with engineering, operations, and maintenance teams. Staying current with the latest technologies and industry best practices also helps in proactively identifying and resolving issues, ultimately ensuring system reliability and process efficiency.

What is the difference between Lead Instrumentation Technician vs Instrumentation Technician?

AspectLead Instrumentation TechnicianInstrumentation Technician
CertificationsOften requires advanced certifications like ISA Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)Typically requires basic certifications or technical diplomas
Work EnvironmentSupervises and coordinates instrumentation work in industrial plants, refineries, or manufacturing facilitiesPerforms installation, calibration, and maintenance of instrumentation equipment
ResponsibilitiesLeads projects, mentors team members, ensures safety and complianceExecutes routine and preventive maintenance tasks

The Lead Instrumentation Technician generally has more leadership responsibilities, advanced certifications, and oversees instrumentation projects. Instrumentation Technicians focus on hands-on installation and maintenance tasks. Both roles are essential in industrial settings, but the lead position involves supervision and project management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead Instrumentation Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Instrumentation Technician, you need a solid background in electronics, instrumentation, and industrial process control, often supported by a relevant associate degree or technical certification. Familiarity with PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), DCS (Distributed Control Systems), calibration tools, and safety regulations is typically required. Strong problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills help you effectively manage teams and coordinate with other departments. These skills are vital to ensure the accurate and safe operation of complex industrial systems and to minimize downtime.
More about Lead Instrumentation Technician jobs
Infographic showing various Lead Instrumentation Technician job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $62,743 per year, or $30.2 per hour.

Instrumentation Technician

Process Controls & Instrumentation

Tampa, FL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

SUMMARY:
Under limited supervision, installs, tests, and repairs instrumentation systems utilized by production equipment to ensure adherence to established performance levels and product quality. Performs a variety of complicated tasks. May lead and direct the work of others. Typically reports to a supervisor and/or manager. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected.
MAJOR JOB DUTIES:
  • Plans, develops, and directs the work activities of staff.
  • Support project maintenance and construction.
  • Prepares and reviews field and special reports, including instrument calibration and maintenance reports.
  • Prepares work orders to request systems maintenance and verifies work completion.
  • Dispatches field operator crews to remote systems in response to operational difficulties.
  • Makes appropriate informational contacts.
  • When needed, ensures operational needs are met with the systems and instrumentation availability.
  • Support the project supervisors or managers during bidding projects by providing quotations on instrumentation and control systems.
  • Support the designs of projects.
  • Verifies the configuration of process control strategies.
  • Reviews and recommends process control strategies.
  • Responds to emergency conditions/support customers. 
  • Adjusts system control parameters to accommodate major maintenance and construction.
 
QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. 
  • May be required to complete an apprenticeship and/or formal training in an area of specialty. Requires a minimum of 10 years of experience in the field or a related area. 
  • Familiar with a variety of the field's concepts, practices, and procedures. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.
  • Successful completion of coursework in basic principles of electricity, hydraulics, and pneumatics.  Certification with ISA (levels I, II, or III). 
  • Experience with PLCs, SCADA systems, DCS, Radio Networks, and UPS. Completion of an appropriate sequence of courses in distributed process control from a recognized training provider or completion of a plant operations apprenticeship is a plus.

Knowledge of:
  • The operation, layout, and uses of computerized process control consoles and peripheral equipment.
  • Various types of instruments, including field and bench calibration of devices.
  • Distributed process control systems.
  • Fresh water or wastewater transmission, collection, pumping and treatment processes, characteristics, and major equipment.
  • Characteristics and operation of electrically controlled pumps.
  • Graphical process control display information Human Machine Interface

Skill in:
  • Effective oral and written communication.
  • The use of a variety of computer input devices, process control, and peripheral equipment.
  • The use of telecommunications devices.
  • Entering and retrieving information from computers using a variety of computer input devices (including uploads/downloads of PLCs and Ovation process controller units)

Ability to:
  • Organize, supervise and direct training of personnel.
  • Use graphical process control display information to recover from process errors, alarms, emergency conditions, or troubleshooting.
  • Reason clearly and react effectively during abnormal or emergencies.
  • Operate a personal computer.
  • Interact effectively with all staff levels, and internal and external customers.
  • Acquire additional skills and knowledge through study and training.
  • Speak clearly to give instructions and information over a variety of telecommunication devices.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Valid State of Michigan driver's license.  
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:                  
Work is performed in a control center/office environment/customer sites/indoor/outdoor/confined space. This position may require out-of-town travel, and overnight stay.