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Trainee Instrument Technician Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN

Trainee Instrument Technician information

See Oak Ridge, TN salary details

$25.3K

$36.3K

$55K

How much do trainee instrument technician jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee instrument technician in Oak Ridge, TN is $36,299.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28,700.00 and $40,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a trainee instrument technician?

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.

What are the typical responsibilities and learning opportunities for a trainee instrument technician during their first year?

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a trainee instrument technician?

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.

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.

Are trainee instrument technicians in demand?

Trainee instrument technicians are in demand in industries such as manufacturing, oil and gas, and utilities, where skilled technicians are needed to install, maintain, and repair instrumentation systems. The demand is driven by ongoing infrastructure upgrades and the need for technical expertise, with opportunities often requiring certifications and familiarity with control systems and calibration tools.

How hard is it to be a trainee instrument technician?

Becoming a trainee instrument technician involves learning technical skills related to installing, maintaining, and repairing instrumentation systems, often requiring a background in electronics or engineering. The role typically involves on-the-job training, understanding safety protocols, and gaining certifications such as OSHA or specific industry licenses, making it moderately challenging for those without prior technical experience.

How to get into a trainee instrument technician?

To become a trainee instrument technician, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with technical training or an apprenticeship in instrumentation or electrical systems. Relevant skills include understanding of control systems, troubleshooting, and familiarity with tools and safety procedures; certifications such as OSHA safety training can also be beneficial.

EKG/Neurodiagnostics Tech, FT Days

Prisma Health

Maryville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


Prisma Health rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 351 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

380th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Inspire health. Serve with compassion. Be the difference.

Job Summary

Performs quality EEGs (routine and video) and seizure monitoring. Facilitates aspects of study completion and reporting within the department. Participates in outstanding customer service and accepts responsibility in maintaining relationships that are equally respectful to all healthcare personnel. Carries out all applicable processes of the EEG department. Takes call on a rotating basis. Assumes responsibility for designated areas and procedures.

Essential Functions

  • All team members are expected to be knowledgeable and compliant with Prisma Health's purpose: Inspire health. Serve with compassion. Be the difference.

  • Performs quality EEGs including awake and asleep studies, video EEGs, cerebral silence, photic stimulation, portable EEGs and other studies/procedures performed within the department.

  • Performs calibrations and evaluations and adjusts the EEG instrument to the proper technical standards with emphasis on sensitivity, time axis, and mechanical/electrical baselines in order to obtain top-quality EEG recordings.

  • Performs EEGs in accordance with 10-20 system outlined by ACNS and in accordance with the Medical Director guidelines, departmental policies and departmental procedures on patients of all ages.

  • Communicates with physicians and team members concerning patients. Examples may include test availability and email notifications to physicians concerning transfer of studies or change in patient condition.

  • Recognizes and responds to life-threatening EEG tracings.

  • Trainees, under close supervision, will receive training and instruction in performing electroencephalographic examinations.

  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory/Management Responsibilities

  • This is a non-management job that report to a supervisor, manager, director or executive.

Minimum Requirements

  • Education - High School diploma or equivalent; OR post high school diploma. Completion of a formal neurodiagnostic program preferred.

  • Experience - No previous experience required. Neurodiagnostic experience preferred.

In Lieu Of

  • NA

Required Certifications, Registrations, Licenses

  • BLS certification

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Detail-oriented

  • Organizational skills

  • Communication skills.

  • Ability to demonstrate basic understanding of interpretation of EEGs.

  • Ability to maintains a high skill level of knowledge of EEG through ongoing education and information sharing.

Work Shift

Day (United States of America)

Location

Blount Memorial Hospital

Facility

Blount Memorial Hospital, Inc.

Department

Electro-Neuro Diagnostics

Share your talent with us! Our vision is simple: to transform healthcare for the benefits of the communities we serve. The transformation of healthcare requires talented individuals in every role here at Prisma Health.


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