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What is an instrument fitter and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
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An instrument fitter works in industrial or factory settings wherein they are responsible for assembling instruments, tools, equipment, and various types of systems. Their specific duties include installing precise instruments that are used to measure and control; checking instruments for accuracy; calibrating instruments as needed; dismantling mechanisms or equipment; and checking the performance of instruments and equipment regularly.

Instrument fitters often work with minimal supervision, but they may also work closely with engineers, scientists, and tool designers when creating tools and instruments. One can expect to work in a noisy, fast-paced environment like a factory or manufacturing plant.

The basic requirement to become an instrument fitter is a high school diploma and completion of an apprenticeship. More than that, an instrument fitter must be physically fit, have good manual dexterity, be able to stand for long periods, and have good knowledge of safety measures and protocols. Furthermore, an instrument fitter must have good communication and comprehension skills to ensure efficiency on the job. Instrument fitters work on a typical forty-hour schedule and make an average of $48,000 a year.

ScoreInstrument FitterUS Average
Salary
3.1

Avg. Salary $39,186

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
7.8

Growth Rate 2%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
8.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.95%

Asian 1.78%

Black or African American 7.05%

Hispanic or Latino 27.34%

Unknown 4.14%

White 58.74%

Gender

female 6.40%

male 93.60%

Age - 41
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 41
Stress Level
7.8

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
8.7

Complexity Level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
6.4

Work Life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Instrument Fitter career paths

Key steps to become an instrument fitter

  1. Explore instrument fitter education requirements

    Most common instrument fitter degrees

    High School Diploma

    39.1 %

    Associate

    32.0 %

    Bachelor's

    10.9 %
  2. Start to develop specific instrument fitter skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Switches20.34%
    Read P13.00%
    Safety Regulations11.94%
    Transmitters7.37%
    Gas Compressors7.34%
  3. Complete relevant instrument fitter training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 4-10 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New instrument fitters learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an instrument fitter based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real instrument fitter resumes.
  4. Research instrument fitter duties and responsibilities

    • Cut, thread, using tools such as saws, cutting torches, and pipe threaders and benders.
    • Assist with the calibration and installation transmitters, switches, and other instrumentation.
    • Install flow meters, pressure transmitters, differential transmitters and pneumatic instrumentation.
    • Use of hand and power tools, plumb bobs, levels, wedges, dogs, or turnbuckles.
  5. Prepare your instrument fitter resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your instrument fitter resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an instrument fitter resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Instrument Fitter Resume templates

    Build a professional Instrument Fitter resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Instrument Fitter resume.
    Instrument Fitter Resume
    Instrument Fitter Resume
    Instrument Fitter Resume
    Instrument Fitter Resume
    Instrument Fitter Resume
    Instrument Fitter Resume
    Instrument Fitter Resume
    Instrument Fitter Resume
    Instrument Fitter Resume
  6. Apply for instrument fitter jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an instrument fitter job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Instrument Fitter Job

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Average instrument fitter salary

The average Instrument Fitter salary in the United States is $39,186 per year or $19 per hour. Instrument fitter salaries range between $32,000 and $47,000 per year.

Average Instrument Fitter Salary
$39,186 Yearly
$18.84 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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