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Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician I Salary in the United States

How much does a Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician I in the United States is $60,980 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.

However, a Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $75,690
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $54,680 to $68,680
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $48,944
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician I Salaries

A Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician I Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $67,580.
  • California: $67,280.
  • Massachusetts: $66,380.

Top Paying Cities for Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician Is

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $76,980
  • San Francisco: $76,080
  • Oakland: $74,480

What Skills Can Increase a Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 6.53% Job Postings): Customer service is the provision of service to customers before, during and after a purchase. The perception of success of such interactions is dependent on employees "who can adjust themselves to the personality of the guest". Customer service concerns the priority an organization assigns to customer service relative to components such as product innovation and pricing. In this sense, an organization that values good customer service may spend more money in training employees than the average organization or may proactively interview customers for feedback. From the point of view of an overall sales process engineering effort, customer service plays an important role in an organization's ability to generate income and revenue. From that perspective, customer service should be included as part of an overall approach to systematic improvement. One good customer service experience can change the entire perception a customer holds towards the organization.
  • Customer Relationship (Mentioned in 1.79% Job Postings): Customer relations is the company-wide process of nurturing positive relationships with your customers . It helps you connect with your customers on a much more personal level and create a sense of mutual understanding with them.
  • Laboratory Equipment (Mentioned in 0.7% Job Postings): Utilizing various tools and equipment to conduct scientific researches, teach practical science, or perform laboratory experiments.
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 6.53%
Customer Relationship 1.79%
Laboratory Equipment 0.7%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician I's salary.

  • Pneumatics: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
  • Process Improvement: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
  • Accountability: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Pneumatics $67,078
10%
Process Improvement $65,858
8%
Accountability $64,639
6%
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Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $68,148. While startup companies pay approximate $57,646.

Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $57,646
Growth Stage 51~500 $60,966
Established 501~5000 $65,805
Enterprise 5000+ $68,148

Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Transportation and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician positions in Telecom or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Transportation$91,470$44.050%
Software & Networking$88,421$43.045%
MFG Durable$85,372$41.040%
Pharmaceuticals$82,323$40.035%
Internet$79,274$38.030%

How Education impacts a Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician Is enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician I with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $54,914 and $59,105).

Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician I
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 3.1%
High School 56.3%
Associates 21.9%
Bachelors 18.8%
Masters 0.0%
Doctorate 0.0%
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Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$54,680
Average $60,980/year
$68,680
$4,557
Average $5,082/month
$5,723
$1,052
Average $1,173/week
$1,321
$26
Average $29/hour
$33
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $68,680 $5,723 $1,321 $33
Average $60,980 $5,082 $1,173 $29
25th Percentile $54,680 $4,557 $1,052 $26

Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician I Salary Growth & Career Path

Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician I

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Intermediate Calibration Technician $67,580 11%
Precision Instrument Technician, Sr. $77,200 27%
Tool Crib Clerk III $59,800 -2%

Most common benefits for Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician I

Here are companies hiring for Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician I?

The Transportation industry offers the highest average compensation for Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician I roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.

2. What is the highest salary for instrument technician?

The highest salary for a Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician is $70,180 per year. Salary estimates indicate a range from a minimum of $53,980 to a midpoint of $61,080, reflecting the varying levels of experience and expertise in the field.

3. Do you need a degree to be a Calibration Technician?

Calibration technicians generally require an associate's degree or postsecondary training in a technical or scientific field. Some may enter the profession with just a high school diploma and gain skills through on-the-job training. Salaries for this role range from $53,980 to $70,180, with a median salary of $61,080.

4. Can you be a technician without a degree?

Yes, you can be a technician without a degree. Many positions, including Tool & Instrument Calibration Technicians, prioritize skills and experience over formal education. With the right certifications and hands-on experience, you can earn a salary ranging from $53,980 to $70,180, depending on your expertise and the specific role.

5. What is the highest paid IT job?

The highest-paid roles in technology can vary, but positions like Principal Software Engineer, Engineering Manager, or Machine Learning Engineer often lead the pack. For example, a Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician earns between $53,980 and $70,180, reflecting the demand for advanced technical skills and experience in the field.

6. What do calibration technicians do?

Calibration technicians are responsible for the inspection, maintenance, and repair of instruments and equipment to ensure they are calibrated correctly and provide accurate measurements. Their salaries typically range from $53,980 to $70,180, with a median salary of $61,080, reflecting their essential role in maintaining measurement accuracy.

7. What technician job pays the most?

Among technician jobs, the Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician offers competitive salaries, with a minimum of $53,980, a mid-range of $61,080, and a maximum of $70,180. This positions it as a lucrative option within the technical field, alongside other high-paying roles like avionics and engineering technicians.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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