As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Instrument Technician II in the United States is $61,412 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.
However, an Instrument Technician II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Instrument Technician II'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 an Instrument Technician II'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Instrument Technician I | 1-3 years | $55,254 |
| Instrument Technician II | 3-5 years | $61,412 |
| Instrument Technician III | 5-7 years | $79,206 |
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 Instrument Technician IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Troubleshooting | 10.62% |
| Preventative Maintenance | 2.97% |
| Data Acquisition | 1.72% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Customer Focus
|
$65,097 |
6%
|
|
Coordination
|
$64,483 |
5%
|
|
Commitment
|
$63,868 |
4%
|
|
Initiative
|
$63,868 |
4%
|
|
Repairing
|
$63,254 |
3%
|
|
HVAC
|
$63,254 |
3%
|
Instrument Technician II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $68,689. While startup companies pay approximate $58,090.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $58,090 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $61,439 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $66,332 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $68,689 |
For Instrument Technician II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 30% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 15% above the average. In contrast, Instrument Technician positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Instrument Technician II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $70,624 | $34.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $68,781 | $33.0 | 12% |
| Energy & Utilities | $68,167 | $33.0 | 11% |
| Insurance | $67,553 | $32.0 | 10% |
| Biotechnology | $66,325 | $32.0 | 8% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Instrument Technician IIs 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 an Instrument Technician II with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $63,236 and $70,271).
Instrument Technician II Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 50.0% |
| High School | 50.0% |
| Associates | 40.0% |
| Bachelors | 10.0% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how an Instrument Technician II'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, 2026For an Instrument Technician II, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Instrument Technician III role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $79,206 - a projected growth of 29% over your current level.
Salaries for an Instrument Technician II can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $53,863 in 2023 to around $53,436 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Instrument Technician II salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $53,863 |
| 2024 | $54,026 |
| 2025 | $53,436 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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An Instrument Technician II'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, an Instrument Technician II earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Instrument Technician II is $77,459.
The highest pay for Instrument Technician II is $83,739.
The lowest pay for Instrument Technician II is $53,774.
Assembles, installs, tests, and calibrates electrical wiring control panels and associated components used for manufacturing systems, automotive equipment, or other devices. Follows blueprints, bill of materials, schematics, or piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&ID). Selects, measures, and prepares electrical wiring or coaxial cabling. Connects wiring and labels to panels. Performs instrument startup, calibration, functional, and safety testing. Requires a high school diploma or graduation from a technical or trade school. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Works independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. Typically requires 3-5 years of related experience.
The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Instrument Technician II roles, with salaries approximately 15% 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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