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Trainee Instrument Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Grifols

Instrumentation Technician

Clayton, CA · 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 ...

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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Trainee Instrument Technician information

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How much do trainee instrument technician jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,968 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound)

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Lawton, OK

$37K/yr

Other

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

The Oklahoma City VA Health Care System is hiring one (1) Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound) located in Fort Sill, OK.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. Citizenship of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Grandfathering Provision. 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 criteria discussed in the applicable headings, or that defined in the appendices, must be met when determining the grade of candidates.
For individuals at the GS-4 and GS-5 levels, the approved title will be Medical Instrument Technician (Trainee).
Medical Instrument Technician (Trainee), GS-4

  • 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 7 associate's degree with a major field of study directly related to the medical instrument technician occupation.
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.
    • Knowledge of basic medical terminology.
    • Ability to learn the components, operating characteristics, and settings of the equipment to be used.
    • Ability to learn typical patient reactions to the basic procedures involved and ability to recognize signs of distress.
    • Ability to learn the standard positions for the procedure being conducted.
    • Ability to communicate orally and in writing.

Medical Instrument Technician (Trainee), GS-5

  • 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.
    • Knowledge of standard medical terminology to interpret physician orders or instructions.
    • Knowledge of common physical disabilities and ability to position patients for the examination or treatment.
    • Ability to learn the normal and abnormal results for routine procedures to recognize and report obvious abnormalities.
    • Ability to operate the equipment to administer routine/standard diagnostic treatment or 8 procedures.
    • Ability to perform standard operator maintenance on the equipment including the ability to disassemble, clean, reassemble, and calibrate the machine.

Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound), GS-6

  • 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. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.
    • Knowledge of medical terminology and human anatomy in order to receive and interpret physician requests for routine, standardized ultrasonography procedures.
    • Knowledge of tissue harmonics and soundwave propagation within the body to adjust TGC (Time Gain Compensation) for optimal image quality.
    • Knowledge of the physics of velocity, frequency of soundwaves, and their physical properties.
    • Ability to set up and adjust the ultrasound equipment to meet the conditions of the examination and the patient and to operate the equipment for standardized, routine procedures.
    • Ability to interact with patients explaining procedures and positioning the patient for the procedure.
  • Certification. No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) certification.
Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound), GS-7
  • 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 diagnostic ultrasonography examinations. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.
    • Ability to set up and adjust the ultrasound equipment to meet the conditions of the examination and the patient and to operate the equipment for more complex, but standardized procedures.
    • Knowledge of zoom, expansion, prospectus, color Doppler, and pulsed echo Doppler.
    • Knowledge of the digital transmission of images.
    • Ability to alter standard, but complex procedures and protocols to meet patient needs and physical limitations.
  • Certification. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are desirable.
Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound), GS-8
  • 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 overall knowledge, skills, and abilities to conduct diagnostic ultrasound examinations in complex and unusual cases. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.
    • Ability to perform diagnostic ultrasound examination on multiple areas of the body, including, but not limited to, the abdomen, pelvis, transvaginal, chest, small parts, thyroid, breast, and scrotum
    • Ability to perform vascular studies such as vertebral, renal artery, aortic aneurysm, portal-systemic shunts, etc.
    • Ability to assist radiologists with biopsy procedures determining the location, depth, and required needle angle for the lesion to be sampled.
    • Ability to assist in surgical procedures and fluid aspirations.
Preferred Experience: ARDMS
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.Education: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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