What is an Instrument Technician?

To be a technician, you have to know your stuff. Some may refer to you as an expert in your field or maybe people will know you as skilled in an art or craft. Then again, you may just be needed to look after technical equipment.

Your workload as a technician will vary, depending on what you're trained in. You may be needed to set up a new computer system or maybe you'll need to fix an electricity problem. Either way, you'll probably only need to work 40 hours a week.

The degree of education required for this job depends on what you're specific skillset is. Some technicians only need a high school diploma, others may want to complete an associate's program or earn a certificate to help their employment opportunities. There's definitely something for everyone in the field of technicians.

Wherever there is electricity, you will find an electronic technician. In places where there is lighting, heating, computers, machinery, or public transport, sooner or later they show up.

Electronic technicians know everything about circuits, amplifiers, resistors, switches, and regulators. They design electronic devices and components, maintain electronic systems, and install electrical equipment.

Choosing to be an electronic technician might be the best decision of your life. Electricity is magic, there is never enough of it. The amount of electricity used in the U.S. alone today is 13 times the quantity needed in 1950, and this tendency is not about to reverse anytime soon.

The average hourly pay of an electric technician is $21.31. You can do the math. If not, you might want to look for another profession, keep browsing those job posts.

If you've got a natural aptitude in technical applications and you enjoy the first crack at testing new products, you may be well-suited for the role of a test technician. Being a test technician, generally, your primary task is to analyze systems and conduct various performance and production-related tests on equipment and instruments used in the production area of a specific business.

In this position, you may assist the technical teams with recommendations to resolve the testing problems. Evaluating the products, machinery, and equipment malfunctions will be your primary duties. Usually, you may report your findings to engineers, supervisors, product developers, and other technical professionals.

Typically, you may work full-time, but overtime and weekend work may come in some cases to test and identify the recurring problems. Being a test technician, you may work in laboratories, factories, or even offices. The educational requirements for becoming a test technician may vary by employer. However, most employers require test technicians to have an associate's degree or diploma in science or engineering, while some may require a bachelor's degree in engineering or related discipline.

To be successful, you must have a keen eye for detail, the ability to read blueprints, and familiarity to calibrate and repair various testing equipment and tools. Monitoring and performing equipment maintenance, you may earn a median annual wage of $42,000 along with health insurance benefits, retirement coverage, vacation, sick time, and longtime bonuses.