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Trainee Instrument Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Grifols

Instrumentation Technician

Clayton, CA

The Instrumentation Technician is responsible for routine calibration and repair of plant ... of new and existing instrument standards. Requirements: Trainee: * High School Diploma or ...

GRIFOLS, S.A.

Instrumentation Technician

Clayton, NC · On-site

The Instrumentation Technician is responsible for routine calibration and repair of plant ... of new and existing instrument standards. Requirements: Trainee: * High School Diploma or ...

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How much do trainee instrument technician jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee instrument technician in the United States is $37,968.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30,000.00 and $42,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Trainee Instrument Technicians?

Trainee Instrument Technicians are entry-level professionals who assist in the installation, maintenance, and repair of instruments and control systems used in industries such as manufacturing, oil and gas, and power generation. They work under the supervision of experienced technicians or engineers to learn how to calibrate, troubleshoot, and ensure the proper functioning of various measurement and control devices. Their role is essential for maintaining safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance in industrial settings. Trainees typically receive both on-the-job training and classroom instruction to build their technical skills and knowledge. Over time, they may progress to more senior technician roles as they gain experience and certifications.

How to get into instrumentation technician?

To become an instrumentation technician, typically one needs a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by completing a technical diploma or apprenticeship in instrumentation or electrical technology. Relevant skills include knowledge of control systems, calibration, and troubleshooting, often supported by certifications such as NCCER or ISA. Gaining hands-on experience through internships or entry-level positions is also valuable for entering the field.

What is the difference between Trainee Instrument Technician vs Instrument Technician?

AspectTrainee Instrument TechnicianInstrument Technician
CertificationsBasic technical certifications, on-the-job trainingAdvanced certifications, trade licenses
Work EnvironmentTraining sites, supervised tasksFull-time industrial or plant settings
Job RoleLearning and assisting with instrument maintenancePerforming maintenance, calibration, troubleshooting

The main difference is that a Trainee Instrument Technician is in the learning phase, focusing on gaining skills and certifications, while an Instrument Technician is fully qualified, performing independent maintenance and troubleshooting tasks in industrial environments.

How much does an instrument tech make?

An instrument technician's average salary varies by experience and industry, but typically ranges from $45,000 to $70,000 annually. In Louisiana, salaries may be slightly lower or higher depending on the region and employer, with additional pay for certifications and overtime work.

What are some typical responsibilities and learning opportunities for a Trainee Instrument Technician during their first year on the job?

As a Trainee Instrument Technician, your first year will focus on hands-on learning, including assisting with the installation, calibration, and maintenance of various instrumentation systems. You'll work under the guidance of experienced technicians, gaining exposure to safety protocols, technical drawings, and troubleshooting techniques. Expect to rotate through different tasks, such as supporting preventive maintenance and documenting instrument performance, which helps build a strong foundation for progressing to more complex assignments. Collaboration with engineers, electricians, and other maintenance staff is common, providing valuable teamwork and communication experience.

How long does instrumentation apprenticeship take?

An instrumentation apprenticeship typically lasts between 2 to 4 years, combining on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Trainee Instrument Technicians learn skills such as calibration, troubleshooting, and installation of instrumentation equipment during this period, often earning certifications along the way.

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

To excel as a Trainee Instrument Technician, you need a basic understanding of instrumentation principles, electrical systems, and a relevant technical diploma or certification. Familiarity with calibration tools, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and industry safety standards is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications ensure accurate instrumentation maintenance, safe operations, and reliable support for engineering teams in industrial environments.

Are instrument technicians in demand?

Instrument technicians are in demand in industries such as manufacturing, oil and gas, and utilities, where they install, maintain, and repair control systems and instrumentation. The job outlook is positive due to ongoing infrastructure upgrades and technological advancements requiring skilled technicians with certifications and knowledge of tools like PLCs and calibration equipment.
What cities are hiring for Trainee Instrument Technician jobs? Cities with the most Trainee Instrument Technician job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Instrument Technician jobs? The most popular types of Instrument Technician jobs are:
What states have the most Trainee Instrument Technician jobs? States with the most job openings for Trainee Instrument Technician jobs include:
Trainee Instrument Technician jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trainee Instrument Technician job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 39% Full Time, 56% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,968 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography)

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

White City, OR • On-site

$36K/yr

Other

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

To serve in a developmental role, the Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography) or Polysomnography Technician in the Sleep Lab is responsible for operating electroencephalographs and other specialized equipment to monitor and record brain activity during sleep.
Trainees at the GS-4 and GS-5 levels in the Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography) position work under the technical and administrative supervision of the Sleep/PAP Supervisor.
Qualifications:Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
Basic Requirements:
  • United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
  • Education. There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. Education may be substituted for experience only at the GS-4 and GS-5 levels. See the grade requirements part of this standard for information regarding educational substitutions.
    • Education/Training. To be creditable education must have been gained in an accredited Community College, College, or University.
    • Training. Completion of appropriate training such as in-service training programs, on the job training, training acquired while in the Armed Forces, government sponsored developmental training programs, and/or training under physicians certified in the functional area will be allowed on a month-for- month basis through the GS-5 level.
    • Foreign Education: To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. programs. Specialized developmental experience obtained under supervision of appropriately certified individuals may be credited at higher levels and is addressed in individual appendices.
  • Licensure or Certification. Licensure or Certification is not required for this occupation; however, it is strongly desirable at GS-6 or above as evidence of possession of the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities.
  • English Language Proficiency. Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part.
May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates.
GS-4 Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography)(Trainee)
  • Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the position to be filled. Six months of this experience may have been in medically related fields such as nursing assistant, practical nursing, or similar fields. The remaining six months must have been in operating diagnostic and therapeutic equipment covered by this occupation. Experience gained in the operation of equipment for animal diagnosis or treatment may be credited at this level. OR
  • Education. Successful completion of two years of education above high school or an associate's degree with a major field of study directly related to the medical instrument technician occupation.
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
    1. Knowledge of basic medical terminology.
    2. Ability to learn the components, operating characteristics, and settings of the equipment to be used.
    3. Ability to learn typical patient reactions to the basic procedures involved and ability to recognize signs of distress.
    4. Ability to learn the standard positions for the procedure being conducted.
    5. Ability to communicate orally and in writing.
GS-5 Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography)(Trainee)
  • Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the position to be filled. This would be experience in operating equipment related to the particular specialization for which application is made or in related functional areas. Experience gained in the operation of equipment for animal diagnosis or treatment may be credited through this grade level. OR
  • Education. Successful completion of [4 academic years above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation, or a bachelor's degree in a major field of study appropriate to medical instrument technician functions.
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
    1. Knowledge of standard medical terminology to interpret physician orders or instructions.
    2. Knowledge of common physical disabilities and ability to position patients for the examination or treatment.
    3. Ability to learn the normal and abnormal results for routine procedures to recognize and report obvious abnormalities.
    4. Ability to operate the equipment to administer routine/standard diagnostic treatment or procedures.
    5. Ability to perform standard operator maintenance on the equipment including the ability to disassemble, clean, reassemble, and calibrate the machine.
GS-6 Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography)
  • Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled.
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
    1. Knowledge of standard, computerized polysomnographs for recording continuous all night physiological data including EEG, EOG, EKG, EMG and respiratory parameters.
    2. Knowledge of standard devices such as oximeters, respiratory effort devices, nasal pressure devices, thermistors, thermocouples, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, and laboratory computers including the ability to calibrate and operate the equipment and recognize and eliminate recording artifacts.
    3. Knowledge of medical terminology and medical record organization to review medical records, sleep study orders, consent forms, medical charts, etc.
    4. Knowledge of polysmnographic procedural protocols (including overnight sleep studies, MSLT, MWT, PAP, etc.).
    5. Knowledge of basic anatomy and physiology and the international 10-20 electrode placement system in order to conduct the sleep studies.
Certification. No certification or registration is required at this level. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification is desirable.
GS-7 Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography)
  • Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. This would be experience which provided the individual with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to independently conduct difficult but standardized polysomnography examinations.
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
    1. Knowledge of CPAP function and operation to select and fit appropriate PAP patient interface devices.
    2. Ability to independently titrate and document PAP level to achieve therapeutic goals.
    3. Knowledge of indications, complications, and contraindications of CPAP therapy.
    4. Knowledge of Bi-Level pressure titrations.
    5. Ability to recognize changes seen during the PSG tracing and identify all stages of sleep. This includes the ability to score and analyze sleep stages in clinical polysomnography recordings.
Certification. No certification or registration is required. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification is desirable.
Continued on to Education Section. Education:Continued from Qualifications
GS-8 Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography)
  • Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. This would be experience which provided a knowledge of the more complex procedures as well as knowledge of the uncommon and/or rare sleep disorders.
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
    1. Advanced knowledge or the International Classification of Sleep Disorders and the ability to recognize uncommon and/or rare sleep disorders.
    2. Ability to summarize and report polysomnographic data in narrative form.
    3. Knowledge of event characteristics (e.g., respiratory, cardiac, sleep stage, seizures, etc.) and ability to take appropriate action.
    4. Ability to provide briefings and orientation to hospital staff including physicians.
Certification. No certification or registration is required. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable for employees at this level.
Preferred Experience: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-4. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-4 to GS-5.
Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER

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