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Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician III Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician III in the United States is $83,180 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $97,126
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $72,780 to $90,480
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $63,311

Key Factors That Influence Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician III Salaries

A Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician III'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 III 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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $92,080.
  • California: $91,780.
  • Massachusetts: $90,580.

Top Paying Cities for Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician IIIs

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: $104,980
  • San Francisco: $103,780
  • Oakland: $101,580

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Troubleshooting (Mentioned in 3.06% Job Postings): Troubleshooting is a form of problem solving, often applied to repair failed products or processes on a machine or a system. It is a logical, systematic search for the source of a problem in order to solve it, and make the product or process operational again. Troubleshooting is needed to identify the symptoms. Determining the most likely cause is a process of elimination—eliminating potential causes of a problem. Finally, troubleshooting requires confirmation that the solution restores the product or process to its working state. In general, troubleshooting is the identification or diagnosis of "trouble" in the management flow of a system caused by a failure of some kind. The problem is initially described as symptoms of malfunction, and troubleshooting is the process of determining and remedying the causes of these symptoms. A system can be described in terms of its expected, desired or intended behavior (usually, for artificial systems, its purpose). Events or inputs to the system are expected to generate specific results or outputs. (For example, selecting the "print" option from various computer applications is intended to result in a hardcopy emerging from some specific device). Any unexpected or undesirable behavior is a symptom. Troubleshooting is the process of isolating the specific cause or causes of the symptom. Frequently the symptom is a failure of the product or process to produce any results. (Nothing was printed, for example). Corrective action can then be taken to prevent further failures of a similar kind.
  • Schematic (Mentioned in 1.03% Job Postings): A schematic, or schematic diagram, is a representation of the elements of a system using abstract, graphic symbols rather than realistic pictures.
  • Avionics (Mentioned in 0.74% Job Postings): Avionics are the electronic systems used on aircraft, artificial satellites, and spacecraft. Avionic systems include communications, navigation, the display and management of multiple systems, and the hundreds of systems that are fitted to aircraft to perform individual functions. These can be as simple as a searchlight for a police helicopter or as complicated as the tactical system for an airborne early warning platform. The term avionics is a portmanteau of the words aviation and electronics.
Skills Demand Percentage
Troubleshooting 3.06%
Schematic 1.03%
Avionics 0.74%

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 III's salary.

  • Customer Satisfaction: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
  • Research and Development: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
  • SOP: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Customer Satisfaction $89,834
8%
Research and Development $89,834
8%
SOP $88,171
6%

Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician III Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $92,957. While startup companies pay approximate $78,632.

Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $78,632
Growth Stage 51~500 $83,161
Established 501~5000 $89,762
Enterprise 5000+ $92,957

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

For Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 10% above the average. In contrast, Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician positions in Biotechnology or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$91,498$44.010%

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

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician IIIs 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 III with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $79,253 and $84,744).

Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician III Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician III
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 4.9%
High School 39.0%
Associates 34.1%
Bachelors 22.0%
Masters 0.0%
Doctorate 0.0%

Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician III Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician III'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
$72,780
Average $83,180/year
$90,480
$6,065
Average $6,932/month
$7,540
$1,400
Average $1,600/week
$1,740
$35
Average $40/hour
$44
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $90,480 $7,540 $1,740 $44
Average $83,180 $6,932 $1,600 $40
25th Percentile $72,780 $6,065 $1,400 $35

Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician III Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Instrumentation/Calibration Supervisor role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $109,800 - a projected growth of 32% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician III

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

Common company salaries for Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician III

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

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FAQ about Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician III

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

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician III roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.

2. How much does fluke pay calibration technician?

A Calibration Technician at Fluke Electronics can expect a salary ranging from $75,980 to $94,880, with a mid-range salary of $85,680. This reflects competitive compensation in the industry, aligning with the skills and expertise required for the role.

3. How much does a Level 3 manufacturing technician make?

The estimated total pay for a Level 3 Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician ranges from $75,980 to $94,880 per year, with an average salary of approximately $85,680. These figures reflect the midpoint of the salary range based on collected data.

4. How much does a calibration engineer earn in the US?

A Calibration Engineer in the US earns between $75,980 and $94,880 annually, with a median salary of $85,680. This translates to an hourly wage ranging from approximately $36.50 to $45.60, with the average being around $41.16. Salary can vary based on experience, location, and industry.

5. How much does Abbott calibration technician make?

The salary for a Tool & Instrument Calibration Technician typically ranges from $75,980 to $94,880 annually, with a mid-range salary of $85,680. Pay may vary based on location and experience, providing opportunities for career growth and advancement in the field.

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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