As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Calibration Technician I in the United States is $60,985 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.
However, a Calibration Technician I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Calibration Technician I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Calibration Technician I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Calibration Technician I | 1-3 years | $60,985 |
| Calibration Technician II | 3-5 years | $67,551 |
| Calibration Technician III | 5-7 years | $83,152 |
| Calibration Supervisor | 7+ years | $109,674 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Calibration Technician Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 6.53% |
| Customer Relationship | 1.79% |
| Laboratory Equipment | 0.7% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Pneumatics
|
$67,084 |
10%
|
|
Process Improvement
|
$65,864 |
8%
|
|
Accountability
|
$64,644 |
6%
|
|
Analysis
|
$64,644 |
6%
|
|
Consulting
|
$64,034 |
5%
|
|
Resource Management
|
$64,034 |
5%
|
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 $68,211. While startup companies pay approximate $57,686.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $57,686 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $61,012 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $65,871 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $68,211 |
For 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, Calibration Technician positions in Telecom or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Calibration Technician I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transportation | $91,478 | $44.0 | 50% |
| Software & Networking | $88,428 | $43.0 | 45% |
| MFG Durable | $85,379 | $41.0 | 40% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $82,330 | $40.0 | 35% |
| Internet | $79,280 | $38.0 | 30% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many 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 Calibration Technician I with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $55,440 and $59,546).
Calibration Technician I Salaries by Degree Level
| 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% |
Understanding how a 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 July 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Calibration Technician II | $67,551 | 11% |
| Precision Tool Inspector, Sr. | $77,117 | 26% |
| Tool Crib Attendant III | $59,704 | -2% |
Salaries for a Calibration Technician I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $49,102 in 2023 to around $48,719 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Calibration Technician I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $49,102 |
| 2024 | $49,070 |
| 2025 | $48,719 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Calibration Technician I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Calibration Technician I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Calibration Technician I is $76,920.
The highest pay for Calibration Technician I is $75,594.
The lowest pay for Calibration Technician I is $48,865.
Calibrates, maintains, repairs, installs, and troubleshoots instrumentation and equipment used to measure temperature, light, electrical, mechanical, weight, flow, pipette, pressure, and other properties in materials or the environment. Conducts routine inspection and testing to ensure conformance to established calibration standards. Utilizes calibration software and diagnostic tools to identify faults or non-conformance and to track results. Understands industry and quality concepts and standards such as ISO, GMP, NIST. Requires a high school diploma or graduation from a technical or trade school. May require Certified Calibration Technician (CCT) or Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory (PMEL). Typically reports to a supervisor. Works under moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. Typically requires 1-3 years of related experience.
The Transportation industry offers the highest average compensation for Calibration Technician I roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.
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.)
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