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How to hire an instrumentation electrician

Instrumentation electrician hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring instrumentation electricians in the United States:

  • In the United States, the median cost per hire an instrumentation electrician is $1,633.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • Human Resources use 15% of their expenses on recruitment on average.
  • On average, it takes around 12 weeks for a new instrumentation electrician to become settled and show total productivity levels at work.

How to hire an instrumentation electrician, step by step

To hire an instrumentation electrician, 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 instrumentation electrician:

Here's a step-by-step instrumentation electrician hiring guide:

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

    Before you start hiring an instrumentation electrician, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

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

    An instrumentation electrician's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, instrumentation electricians 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 instrumentation electricians and their corresponding salaries.

    Type of Instrumentation ElectricianDescriptionHourly rate
    Instrumentation ElectricianElectricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems in homes, businesses, and factories.$20-38
    ApprenticeAn apprentice is responsible for learning specialized tasks on their chosen field through actual job training under the supervision of tenured staff. An apprentice's duties include performing administrative tasks as needed, creating observation reports of daily operations, providing possible recommendations on improving productivity, and adhering to the business' safety standards and regulatory procedures... Show more$12-24
    Low Voltage TechnicianA low voltage technician is responsible for monitoring and installing low-voltage cables and systems for electronic equipment and communication devices. Low voltage technicians analyze blueprints and schematics to connect the cables safely and accurately... Show more$14-24
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • PLC
    • Control Systems
    • Ladders
    • Transmitters
    • Control Valves
    • Electrical Equipment
    • Process Control
    • Cranes
    • HMI
    • DOT
    • Electrical Systems
    • HVAC
    • Ac
    • Dc
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Repair or replace rectifier controls for DC motors.
    • Adhere to OSHA and EPA regulations in manufacturing industry.
    • Fasten small metal or plastic boxes to well in house electrical switches and outlets.
    • Help to set up computer networks for the PLC's and illusion to work to gather.
    • Perform Electrical/Mechanical/Hydraulic maintenance on CNC machinery.
    • Perform Electrical/Mechanical/Hydraulic maintenance on CNC machinery.
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your instrumentation electrician job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. An instrumentation electrician salary can vary based on several factors:
    • Location. For example, instrumentation electricians' average salary in mississippi is 56% less than in washington.
    • Seniority. Entry-level instrumentation electricians earn 48% less than senior-level instrumentation electricians.
    • Certifications. An instrumentation electrician with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
    • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in an instrumentation electrician's salary.

    Average instrumentation electrician salary

    $59,130yearly

    $28.43 hourly rate

    Entry-level instrumentation electrician salary
    $42,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 17, 2025
  4. Writing an instrumentation electrician job description

    A good instrumentation electrician 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 instrumentation electrician job description:

    Instrumentation electrician job description example

    Job Description NOW OFFERING SIGN ON BONUS!!!!!!! WHY WORK FOR DOVER????
    • 100% Company Paid Medical, Prescription and Dental Policy Premiums
    • YES!!! $0 Monthly Premium Deductions
    • Company Paid Life Insurance
    • Family/Team Work Environment
    • Career Stability and Skill Growth
    • Advancement Opportunities- We Like To Hire Within Here!
    • Tuition Reimbursement Opportunities
    • Tickets To Work Benefits
    • And Many More Perks !!!


    ROLE OBJECTIVE:

    The Instrumentation Electrician works under the direction of management and is responsible for the installation, repair and/or replacement of all pneumatic, electrical and electronic instrument of distributed control system (DCS) components. All tasks must be completed in compliance with Federal and State Code requirements.


    STARTING RATE OF PAY:

    With CSST Certification $28.24: $1 dollar raise after one year of service, with annual incremental raises per labor agreement

    Without CSST Certification $27.04; $1 dollar raise after one year of service, with annual incremental raises per labor agreement


    PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

    1. Required to diagnose instrument problems, maintain a preventative maintenance program and keep accurate records on all tasks and equipment.

    2. Responsible for maintaining a spare part inventory on equipment and suggest improvements for the equipment and will occasionally make schematics of improvements.

    3. Makes schematics of wiring and maintains a complete preventative maintenance program on all equipment.

    4. Installs and/or repairs and/or replaces all pneumatic, electrical, electronic and other types of control devices and recording instruments. Also is responsible for cleaning and preparation of all equipment.

    5. Diagnoses instrument problems quickly and accurately and schedules the repair and/or replacement.

    6. Maintains a preventative maintenance program on all instruments and records instrument failures.

    7. Suggests improvements in instruments or systems.

    8. Reads schematics and drawings and will occasionally prepare both.

    9. Prepares instrument reports.

    10 Performs calibration of all ISO 9001 critical instruments and maintains these records.

    11. Troubleshoots/diagnoses Rockwell system using operator interface to verify communication between Rockwell system & process.

    12. Performs loop checkout procedures.

    13. Inputs information into and extracts information from FDMS Work Order system.

    14. Prepares electrical safety reports and maintains records and log sheets on all repairs and installations.

    15. Works with electricians and/or mechanics to install and/or repair and/or replace any and all electrical machinery, equipment, motors and pumps.

    16. Reads schematics and follows blueprints for installation and/or repairs and/or troubleshoots existing conditions.

    17. Maintains an equipment log on electrical installations and/or equipment.

    18. Assists Mechanics or Electricians.

    19. Must be able to operate forklift, man lift, and scissor lift.

    20. Trains new Instrumentation Electricians.

    21. Keeps the control room and/or office clean and neat.

    22. Inspects work areas or units to detect leaks and equipment malfunctions, monitors operating conditions and shuts equipment down if necessary.

    23. Troubleshoots equipment and process problems along with monitoring gauges, recording instruments, flowmeters, and other indicators to ensure that specified conditions are maintained and operational systems are working properly.

    24. Performs safety inspections in your area that may include eye wash stations, safety showers, hazardous waste satellite areas, ladder storage areas, labeling, and all other safety requirements as deemed necessary by management.

    25. Provides information to management and co-workers by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

    26. Follows and abides by all safety and emergency procedures.

    27. Empties trash dumpsters and performs housekeeping.

    28. Other duties as may be assigned by management or leader.

    29. All of the above duties are to be performed in the safest most efficient manner possible to achieve the optimum production of a quality product.

    REQUIREMENTS :

    1. Must have a high school diploma or Graduate Equivalency Diploma (GED).

    2. Must be able to work any shift, including weekends, overtime, holidays, with workdays from 8-12 hours.

    3. Must take a pretest with a passing grade of seventy percent (70%) or higher or complete the Company approved training curriculum.

    4. Must be able to pass a 12-minute timed test

    5. Must possess or be able to receive the ISA CCST Level 1 Certification with Company provided training within the 120 day probationary period.

    6. Must be able to perform physical activities that require moving your whole body with considerable use of arms and legs, such as reaching, bending, twisting, standing, climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials with potential for dust explosion.

    7. Must be able to lift, push, or pull 50 lb frequently and through mechanical means roll or handle 100 lb containers occasionally.

    8. Must be able to work some heights and climb stairs frequently and climb railcar ladders occasionally.

    9. Must be able to wear a full face respirator, supplied air, or an SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus)

    NO SOLICITING CALLS ACCEPTED

  5. Post your job

    There are a few common ways to find instrumentation electricians for your business:

    • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
    • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
    • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your instrumentation electrician job on Zippia to find and recruit instrumentation electrician candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites such as constructionjobs.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    During your first interview to recruit instrumentation electricians, 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. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

    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 instrumentation electrician

    Once you've decided on a perfect instrumentation electrician candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

    It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

    Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new instrumentation electrician. 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 instrumentation electrician?

There are different types of costs for hiring instrumentation electricians. One-time cost per hire for the recruitment process. Ongoing costs include employee salary, training, onboarding, benefits, insurance, and equipment. It is essential to consider all of these costs when evaluating hiring a new instrumentation electrician employee.

Instrumentation electricians earn a median yearly salary is $59,130 a year in the US. However, if you're looking to find instrumentation electricians for hire on a contract or per-project basis, hourly rates typically range between $20 and $38.

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