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How to hire an instrument technician

Instrument technician hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring instrument technicians in the United States:

  • There are a total of 33,627 instrument technicians in the US, and there are currently 45,965 job openings in this field.
  • The median cost to hire an instrument technician is $1,633.
  • Small businesses spend $1,105 per instrument technician on training each year, while large companies spend $658.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • It takes approximately 12 weeks for a new employee to reach full productivity levels.
  • HR departments typically allocate 15% of their budget towards recruitment efforts.
  • Indianapolis, IN, has the highest demand for instrument technicians, with 13 job openings.

How to hire an instrument technician, step by step

To hire an instrument technician, you should create an ideal candidate profile, determine a budget, and post and promote your job. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to hire a instrument technician:

Here's a step-by-step instrument technician hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write an instrument technician job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new instrument technician
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does an instrument technician do?

An instrument technician is an individual who is responsible for testing, repairing, and inspecting all manufacturing equipment to ensure proper operations of the machines. Instrument technicians collaborate with engineers to develop and produce equipment design and provide advice to process technicians about equipment operation. They remove defective equipment so that they can decontaminate and replace the damaged ones with new machines. They are also required by their employer to obtain certification in the field of instrumentation technology.

Learn more about the specifics of what an instrument technician does
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    Before you post your instrument technician job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find an instrument technician for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    An instrument technician's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, instrument technicians from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

    The following list breaks down different types of instrument technicians and their corresponding salaries.

    Type of Instrument TechnicianDescriptionHourly rate
    Instrument TechnicianElectrical and electronics engineering technicians help engineers design and develop computers, communications equipment, medical monitoring devices, navigational equipment, and other electrical and electronic equipment. They often work in product evaluation and testing, using measuring and diagnostic devices to adjust, test, and repair equipment... Show more$18-39
    Technical Testing EngineerA technical testing engineer is responsible for inspecting and reporting the quality of products across the production cycle. You will thoroughly check procedures, materials, and electrical and mechanical systems to produce high-quality products for customers... Show more$29-60
    Cryptological TechnicianIn the information technology industry, a cryptological technician specializes in installing and maintaining systems to ensure quality and efficiency in designs. Among their responsibilities include responding to issues and concerns, conducting inspections, troubleshooting problems, and performing corrective repairs... Show more$14-35
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Patients
    • Surgical Instruments
    • Cleanliness
    • Hand Tools
    • Control Systems
    • PLC
    • Transmitters
    • Analyzers
    • Process Control
    • Test Equipment
    • Ladders
    • Sterilizers
    • Thyroid
    • Electrical Equipment
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Lead the planning and coordination of QC instrumentation and software qualification to be compliant with best practices.
    • Lead a team of 10 engineers to develop an infrare telescope that are launched on the NASA high-altitude balloonproject BRRISON/BOPPS.
    • Accomplish team sales of 464K in clinical chemistry and hematology instrumentation.
    • Adhere to safe work practices including lock out/tag out, OSHA regulations, NFPA, and NEC code regulations.
    • Clean and sterilize various surgical instruments for multiple surgery cases.
    • Skil in the installation, maintenance, electrical devices from 24 volt DC to 4160 VAC.
    More instrument technician duties
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your instrument technician job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. An instrument technician can vary based on:

    • Location. For example, instrument technicians' average salary in maine is 54% less than in hawaii.
    • Seniority. Entry-level instrument technicians 54% less than senior-level instrument technicians.
    • Certifications. An instrument technician with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
    • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in an instrument technician's salary.

    Average instrument technician salary

    $56,918yearly

    $27.36 hourly rate

    Entry-level instrument technician salary
    $38,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 14, 2025

    Average instrument technician salary by state

    RankStateAvg. salaryHourly rate
    1California$69,902$34
    2District of Columbia$69,133$33
    3Washington$66,900$32
    4New Mexico$62,089$30
    5Virginia$59,115$28
    6Colorado$58,947$28
    7Oregon$57,162$27
    8Indiana$55,769$27
    9Kansas$55,285$27
    10Nevada$53,966$26
    11Minnesota$53,152$26
    12Louisiana$52,847$25
    13Texas$51,632$25
    14Michigan$49,393$24
    15North Carolina$49,067$24
    16Georgia$48,381$23
    17Arizona$48,117$23
    18Wisconsin$48,080$23
    19Pennsylvania$47,396$23
    20Ohio$47,374$23

    Average instrument technician salary by company

    RankCompanyAverage salaryHourly rateJob openings
    1Phillips 66$112,865$54.266
    2Arkema$111,894$53.802
    3Genentech$102,451$49.263
    4Apple$99,955$48.0620
    5BASF$99,371$47.771
    6OMNOVA Solutions$98,855$47.53
    7The Dow Chemical Company$98,496$47.355
    8Occidental Petroleum$96,598$46.445
    9Bristol-Myers Squibb$96,299$46.30
    10Eli Lilly and Company$95,456$45.894
    11Pfizer$92,107$44.284
    12Air Products$91,589$44.033
    13TPC Group$91,512$44.003
    14Amgen$91,480$43.986
    15Los Alamos National Laboratory$86,146$41.4210
    16Westinghouse Appliances Australia$83,839$40.318
    17Corteva$82,991$39.902
    18Abbott$79,357$38.1522
    19Jacobs Engineering Group$77,588$37.30
    20Parsons$76,916$36.9842
  4. Writing an instrument technician job description

    A good instrument technician job description should include a few things:

    • Summary of the role
    • List of responsibilities
    • Required skills and experience

    Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of an instrument technician job description:

    Instrument technician job description example

    Occidental Chemical Corporation (OxyChem) is a leading North American manufacturer of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resins, chlorine and caustic soda – key building blocks for a variety of indispensable products such as plastics, pharmaceuticals and water treatment chemicals. Other OxyChem products include caustic potash, chlorinated organics, sodium silicates, chlorinated isocyanurates and calcium chloride. OxyChem's market position is among the top three producers in the United States in 2021 for the principal products it manufactures and markets. Based in Dallas, Texas, the company has manufacturing facilities in the U.S., Canada and Latin America.

    In a fast-paced industry that demands precision, we create a supportive workplace where the safety and well-being of our employees are paramount. We are committed to rewarding top performers, offering very competitive pay and benefits, and providing tremendous career development opportunities.

    We are looking for an experienced and self-motivated individual to fill the position of Instrument Technician with the Chemical Manufacturing Facility located in Wichita, Kansas.

    Essential Job Duties :

    Maintain protection of the environment and the health and safety of our employees, customers, and the communities in which we operate and/or transport our products, as our highest priority.

    Install, maintain, inspect, troubleshoot, repair and perform preventative maintenance on all plant instrumentation equipment, control systems, and analyzers.

    Responsible for prompt and accurate diagnosis of minor problems and the implementation of corrective action. Consult directly with equipment vendors on problems for resolution as necessary.

    Set up and operate limited types of shop tools and specialized test, measuring equipment and hand tools utilized in any phase of machine installation or maintenance.

    Conduct evaluation tests on valves, motors, instruments, etc.

    Must be proficient in troubleshooting 24volt DC/120 volt AC controls and switch gear.

    Research specifications for materials, testing and repair of instrumentation and electrical equipment.

    Trained and qualified to operate mobile equipment such as forklifts, man-lifts, etc.

    *Qualifications*

    High School Education or GED required.

    Minimum three (3) years technical experience.

    Ability and willingness to serve as member of Emergency Response Team.

    Must be proficient in troubleshooting using loop drawing, schematics, ladder logic, electrical one-line, and P&I drawings.

    Ability to work overtime, weekends, and holidays.

    High proficiency in Microsoft applications.

    Ability to read, write and speak in English.

    Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

    Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to work as part of a team.

    Must possess valid driver’s license.

    Physical requirements – Must be able to lift 40 lbs, climb ladders and stairs. Walking, bending, stooping is required. Must be able to wear personal protective equipment including the use of a respirator. Must be able to respond to visual and audible alarms.

    Additional Desired Qualifications

    Additional chemical plant or manufacturing experience is preferred.

    Good working knowledge of SAP

    Technical degree in instrumentation from an accredited technical college or completion of an approved state apprenticeship in instrumentation.

    Occidental is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, marital status, political preference, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.

  5. Post your job

    There are various strategies that you can use to find the right instrument technician for your business:

    • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
    • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
    • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your instrument technician job on Zippia to find and recruit instrument technician candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    During your first interview to recruit instrument technicians, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

    It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new instrument technician

    Once you have selected a candidate for the instrument technician position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

    It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

    Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new instrument technician. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
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How much does it cost to hire an instrument technician?

Hiring an instrument technician comes with both the one-time cost per hire and ongoing costs. The cost of recruiting instrument technicians involves promoting the job and spending time conducting interviews. Ongoing costs include employee salary, training, benefits, insurance, and equipment. It is essential to consider the cost of instrument technician recruiting as well the ongoing costs of maintaining the new employee.

You can expect to pay around $56,918 per year for an instrument technician, as this is the median yearly salary nationally. This can vary depending on what state or city you're hiring in. If you're hiring for contract work or on a per-project basis, hourly rates for instrument technicians in the US typically range between $18 and $39 an hour.

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