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What is an instrument technician apprentice and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted expert
Caid Kroeger
introduction image

Instrument technician apprentices help set up, test, and control instruments and electronic equipment used in various technical or medical applications. They manufacture and restore many instruments used for various operations, such as surgery, mechanical procedures, metalworking, woodworking, or a wide range of other instruments-based professions. They typically work under the senior instrument technician.

Some apprentices use this opportunity to specialize in repairing musical instruments. It takes the same expertise and precision to replace keys, strings, and buttons on musical instruments as it does on surgical instruments. Often instrument technician apprentices also specialize in the production of machinery and tools for one area rather than in the development of tools for several different occupations.

Instrument technicians apprentices usually receive certificates from an organization such as the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation or other organizations similar to the area in which they wish to practice. Those who wish to work as medical instrument technicians receive a different form of qualification than someone who wishes to work with electrical or mechanical instruments. Some instrument technician apprentices are trained in a number of fields so that they can work with a lot of different organizations.

What general advice would you give to an instrument technician apprentice?

Caid Kroeger

Associates Degree Coordinator/Instructor, Weber State University

As the automotive industry continues to develop and manufacture EVs and hybrids, technicians with expertise in high-voltage systems, battery management, and electric powertrains will find their skills in great demand. Alongside this, a deep understanding of Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, collision avoidance, autonomous driving, and lane assist, will be necessary. This evolution in vehicle technology emphasizes the need for technicians to be well-versed in both EV/hybrid technologies and ADAS. Such a combination of diagnostic and analytical skills will be key to thriving in the constantly evolving automotive industry.
ScoreInstrument Technician ApprenticeUS Average
Salary
3.1

Avg. Salary $39,849

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity
2.5
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.15%

Asian 8.05%

Black or African American 6.26%

Hispanic or Latino 10.43%

Unknown 4.32%

White 70.79%

Gender

female 10.08%

male 89.92%

Age - 52
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 - 52
Stress level
5.5

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.0

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
6.2

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Instrument technician apprentice career paths

Key steps to become an instrument technician apprentice

  1. Explore instrument technician apprentice education requirements

    Most common instrument technician apprentice degrees

    High School Diploma

    28.4 %

    Associate

    26.4 %

    Bachelor's

    24.6 %
  2. Start to develop specific instrument technician apprentice skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Hand Tools7.70%
    Customer Satisfaction7.62%
    Diagnosis7.12%
    OSHA6.98%
    Cleanliness6.59%
  3. Complete relevant instrument technician apprentice training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New instrument technician apprentices 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 technician apprentice based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real instrument technician apprentice resumes.
  4. Gain additional instrument technician apprentice certifications

    Instrument technician apprentice certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific instrument technician apprentice certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for instrument technician apprentices include OSHA Safety Certificate and Instrumentation Certification.

    More About Certifications
  5. Research instrument technician apprentice duties and responsibilities

    • Achieve multiple ASE certifications within first year of employment.
    • Maintain the cleanliness of the shop.
    • Train, working under ASE certification standards.
    • Wire low volt and high volt generators for caterpillar.
  6. Prepare your instrument technician apprentice resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your instrument technician apprentice 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 technician apprentice 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 technician apprentice resume templates

    Build a professional instrument technician apprentice 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 technician apprentice resume.
    Instrument Technician Apprentice Resume
    Instrument Technician Apprentice Resume
    Instrument Technician Apprentice Resume
    Instrument Technician Apprentice Resume
    Instrument Technician Apprentice Resume
    Instrument Technician Apprentice Resume
    Instrument Technician Apprentice Resume
    Instrument Technician Apprentice Resume
    Instrument Technician Apprentice Resume
  7. Apply for instrument technician apprentice jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an instrument technician apprentice 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 technician apprentice job

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Average instrument technician apprentice salary

The average instrument technician apprentice salary in the United States is $39,849 per year or $19 per hour. Instrument technician apprentice salaries range between $27,000 and $57,000 per year.

Average instrument technician apprentice salary
$39,849 Yearly
$19.16 hourly

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How do instrument technician apprentices rate their job?

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Instrument technician apprentice reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2022
Pros

Love the challenge to diagnose those insane offbeat issues that just don't fit into the everyday problems

Cons

Pay is minimal for your knowledge. Hours are better for white collar professionals. Have to buy your own tools with witch you could have bought your home with and no one cares. Treated as a second rate individual because you said "I'm an automotive mechanic." Expected to be perfect from customers who wonder why you didn't get it fixed on the first try when MD's almost never get it right. Expected to be an expert on over 60k types of automobiles that change every friggan year.....want more? If I had the choice to do it all over again I'd go into politics so I could rip off ppl every day and get rich and no one would ever complain.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2020
Pros

Lubrication exchanging of car spare parts like brake pads gear box chloch pods and other spare parts of the car.

Cons

I don't like while am working somebody speaking to me.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2019
Pros

Love taking something that can't be used and giving it life again...

Cons

The pay is too low for the experience one must have...


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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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