60 Instrument technician jobs in Columbus, OH


19 of the Highest Paying Instrument Technician Jobs in 2026

The best Instrument Technician jobs can pay up to $127,000 per year.

As an instrument technician, or instrumentation control technician, you monitor various mechanical systems, often in a manufacturing plant, and ensure necessary maintenance and repairs are performed on the equipment. Your responsibilities include overseeing the operation of automated industrial equipment and ensuring it is functioning properly. In this position, your job is to ensure maximum safety and productivity for your company through your training and expertise regarding the operating equipment used in your industry. Technicians will have tasks specific to the industry and setting in which they work.

Instrument technicians need an associate degree in instrumentation technology or a related field; some employers also prefer or require certification in instrumentation technology. Associate degree programs at community colleges provide you and opportunity to study the basics of instrumentation technology to gain the skills you need for this career. An apprenticeship will give you more hands-on training specific to the industry in which you want to work.

High Paying Instrument Technician Jobs

List of the top 10 highest paying Instrument Technician positions in 2026, with salary ranges, according to ZipRecruiter.
  • Electrical and Instrumentation Supervisor

    Salary range: $98,500 - $127,000

    The majority of Electrical and Instrumentation Supervisor salaries across the United States currently range between $98,500 (25th percentile) and $127,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Electrical and Instrumentation Supervisor job market in the United States is somewhat active, with a few companies hiring.

  • Instrumentation Supervisor

    Salary range: $67,500 - $111,500

    The majority of Instrumentation Supervisor salaries across the United States currently range between $67,500 (25th percentile) and $111,500 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Instrumentation Supervisor job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

  • Senior Controls Technician

    Salary range: $79,000 - $103,000

    The majority of Senior Controls Technician salaries across the United States currently range between $79,000 (25th percentile) and $103,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Senior Controls Technician job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

  • Instrumentation Specialist

    Salary range: $48,000 - $91,000

    The majority of Instrumentation Specialist salaries across the United States currently range between $48,000 (25th percentile) and $91,000 (75th percentile) annually. This large range of salary potential suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay depending on skill level, location and years of experience. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Instrumentation Specialist job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

  • Instrument and Electrical Technician

    Salary range: $64,500 - $90,000

    The majority of Instrument and Electrical Technician salaries across the United States currently range between $64,500 (25th percentile) and $90,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Instrument and Electrical Technician job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

  • Instrumentation and Controls Technician

    Salary range: $60,000 - $85,000

    An instrumentation and controls technician maintains and improves equipment, systems, and machinery for manufacturing operations. In this career, your duties include the installation, maintenance, and repair of machinery, robotic elements, and equipment used to measure vital information that employees need to monitor the manufacturing process. Your responsibilities include ensuring the efficient and effective performance of the machinery and gauges within the manufacturing system, and you also work to make sure the system is operating safely for employees who manage or monitor the equipment on the plant floor.

  • Electrical and Instrument Mechanic

    Salary range: $63,500 - $82,500

    The majority of Electrical and Instrument Mechanic salaries across the United States currently range between $63,500 (25th percentile) and $82,500 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Electrical and Instrument Mechanic job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

  • Controls Technician

    Salary range: $60,000 - $79,000

    A controls technician is an electrical engineering professional who specializes in machine automation and the calibration of machine controllers. As a controls technician, your duties include calibrating and operating automation equipment, as well as performing necessary maintenance. You also monitor readings from these machines to ensure factors like temperature and pressure are in the acceptable range. Your job is to make sure that the plant, line, generator, or whatever system you are monitoring, is functioning at its best for the sake of safety and productivity.

  • Apprentice Instrument Technician

    Salary range: $60,000 - $76,000

    An apprentice instrument technician’s duties include installing and repairing electrical and mechanical controls under the supervision of a more senior technician. As an apprentice technician, you are training to use numerous tools to maintain and repair a variety of electrical systems and instruments, such as recording devices, control systems, drives, communication and data systems, counters, and speed indicators. You also learn health and safety operations and responsibilities related to handling industrial electrical equipment.

  • Instrument Specialist

    Salary range: $48,000 - $75,500

    The majority of Instrument Specialist salaries across the United States currently range between $48,000 (25th percentile) and $75,500 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Instrument Specialist job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

  • Instrument Mechanic

    Salary range: $57,500 - $75,000

    Factories and manufacturing plants utilize many different automated tools and machines that need to be monitored regularly. Instrument mechanics install, repair, and calibrate these types of equipment. In this career, you watch these systems and make adjustments when necessary to ensure the systems operate effectively. Employers prefer to hire candidates with specialized skills, such as the ability to take apart and reassemble instruments. Qualifications include completion of a training program and apprenticeship, or an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in an industry-related field. Some positions may also require licensing or certification.

  • Instrumentation Fitter

    Salary range: $43,000 - $61,000

    An instrumentation fitter installs instruments that can transmit, record, measure, indicate, and control laboratory equipment. In this career, you assemble the equipment you use and fit it to a variety of machines. You also calibrate your tools to make sure your reports are accurate. Your day-to-day duties include checking already installed instruments, disassembling and reassembling parts, setting up equipment, interfacing, and performing tests to ensure proper operations of instruments. Instrumentation fitters who have been in the field for a long time and understand the ins and outs may even work directly with scientists to help design or modify new equipment.

  • Instrument Person

    Salary range: $42,500 - $61,000

    The majority of Instrument Person salaries across the United States currently range between $42,500 (25th percentile) and $61,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Instrument Person job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

  • Electronic Calibration Technician

    Salary range: $46,000 - $53,500

    The majority of Electronic Calibration Technician salaries across the United States currently range between $46,000 (25th percentile) and $53,500 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Electronic Calibration Technician job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

  • Master Control Operator

    Salary range: $36,500 - $50,000

    A master control operator monitors and records television broadcasts to ensure quality and compliance with government regulations. As a master control operator, your duties include observing and recording satellite, cable, or live on-air programs, and using technology to record, dub, or make other adjustments to the broadcasts. To pursue a career as a master control operator, you need at least a high school diploma or GED certificate and relevant work experience. Some employers prefer candidates with a college degree in communications, journalism, or a related field and technical skills training. Additional qualifications include attention to detail, technical knowledge to operate broadcast equipment and troubleshoot malfunctions, and the ability to archive and organize large amounts of media.

  • Instrument Operator

    Salary range: $39,000 - $49,000

    As a survey instrument operator, your duties are to assist a surveying or construction crew in assessing the topography and geography of a building site or parcel of land. As the instrument operator, your main responsibilities are to calibrate and operate a variety of specialized surveying equipment, such as a theodolite, transit and leveling devices, and GPS tools. You measure the boundary of the area as well as other features, taking notes as you survey. You collect data and give it to the builders, contractors, or survey leaders.

  • Solids Control Technician

    Salary range: $40,000 - $44,000

    As a solids control technician, you work alongside other oil and gas service members at a drilling site or well. Your main responsibilities are to operate and to maintain the solids control equipment, which is used to separate solid particles and debris from the drilling fluids so that fluids are safe to recycle. The qualifications you need are a high school diploma or GED certificate, mechanical ability, and problem-solving skills. Employers prefer candidates with solids control training. The career offers opportunities in onshore and offshore drilling sites.

  • Instrument Man

    Salary range: $35,000 - $42,500

    The majority of Instrument Man salaries across the United States currently range between $35,000 (25th percentile) and $42,500 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Instrument Man job market in the United States is active, with some companies hiring.

  • Instrument Technician Helper

    Salary range: $30,000 - $38,000

    The majority of Instrument Technician Helper salaries across the United States currently range between $30,000 (25th percentile) and $38,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Instrument Technician Helper job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.