Career Explorer Engineering and architecture
Grows with AI
Calibration technologists and technicians
Execute or adapt procedures and techniques for calibrating measurement devices, by applying knowledge of measurement science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and electronics, sometimes under the direction of engineering staff. Determine measurement standard suitability for calibrating measurement devices. May perform preventive maintenance on equipment. May perform corrective actions to address identified calibration problems.
Changing faster than most: more resilient than 36% of the 831 careers we score. AI exposure is high (the Bureau of Labor Statistics rates it high), and US jobs are projected to change by +4.8% by 2035, faster than average. The work leans on ethical judgement and physical dexterity.
AI can help with many of the tasks, and demand is still growing. Being fluent with AI is the edge here.
- Median pay (2025)
- $67,820
- Job growth to 2035
- +4.8%
- Openings a year
- 1,500
- People doing it (2025)
- 17,000
- Usual route in
- Associate's degree
Where people already use AI for this work
- Present research or technical information
- Develop operational or technical procedures or standards
- Adjust equipment to ensure adequate performance
From Microsoft Research, Working with AI (2025).
Work AI rarely helps with
- Inspect facilities or equipment
- Inspect completed work or finished products
- Assemble equipment or components
What the work looks like
- Maintain or repair measurement devices or equipment used for calibration testing.
- Verify part dimensions or clearances using precision measuring instruments to ensure conformance to specifications.
- Conduct calibration tests to determine performance or reliability of mechanical, structural, or electromechanical equipment.
- Read blueprints, schematics, diagrams, or technical orders.
- Visually inspect equipment to detect surface defects.
From O*NET 31.0, US Department of Labor.
Careers using similar strengths, with a stronger outlook
- Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all otherHuman edge, steady, Index 46, +2.8%
- Clinical laboratory technologists and techniciansHuman edge, steady, Index 45, +2.7%
- Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and techniciansGrows with AI, Index 77, +11.9%
- Chemical techniciansGrows with AI, Index 51, +4.9%
Also known as: Calibration Specialist, Calibration Technician (Calibration Tech), Gauge Specialist, Instrument Control Technician (Instrument Control Tech), Instrument and Control Technician (I and C Tech), Quality Technician (Quality Tech).
Is this career on your child's list?
Build a free Career Playbook matched to your child, or get a 90-day Action Plan with dated next steps, written for your child by name.
Sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2025 to 2035; O*NET 31.0; Microsoft Research (2025); Anthropic Economic Index (2026); Eloundou and colleagues (Science, 2024); Felten, Raj and Seamans (2023). How we score. Updated 12 October 2026.