Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers earn $61,210 median salary in 2024
The median annual salary for Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers is $61,210, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That works out to roughly $29 per hour. The lowest-earning 10 percent make $38,050 or less, while the top 10 percent earn over $98,330. This occupation employs 83,720 people nationwide, spanning industries from medical device manufacturing to aerospace.
How much Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers earn
The median wage of $61,210 is the midpoint: half of workers earn more, half earn less. The mean (average) salary is slightly higher at $65,370, which suggests some high earners pull the average up. Most repairers fall between $45,000 and $80,000 annually.
Pay varies by industry. Those working in scientific research and development services tend to earn above the median, while repairers in retail or instrument maintenance shops often earn less. Experience also matters: entry-level positions start near the 10th percentile, but with a few years of specialization, salaries climb toward the median and above.
- 10th percentile: $38,050
- Median: $61,210
- 90th percentile: $98,330
Pay by state
State-level data is limited for this occupation, but geographic pay differences follow typical patterns. States with a high concentration of manufacturing, research labs, or medical device companies—like California, Massachusetts, and Washington—often pay above the national median. On the lower end, states in the Southeast and Midwest may offer salaries closer to the bottom of the range. Check your state's labor board for local BLS estimates.
How to become Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairer
Most repairers start with a high school diploma and complete on-the-job training, but some employers prefer an associate degree in electronics, instrumentation, or a related field. Apprenticeships and vocational programs provide hands-on experience with calibrators, oscilloscopes, and diagnostic tools.
Certifications can boost your resume. The International Society of Automation (ISA) offers Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) credentials. For medical instrument repair, the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) provides a Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET) certification. Licensing is not typically required at the state level.
- High school diploma or equivalent
- On-the-job training or associate degree
- Voluntary certifications (ISA or AAMI)
- Specialize in industrial, medical, or scientific instruments
Job outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not project specific growth for Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers for 2024–2034. However, employment is tied to demand for high-tech equipment in healthcare, manufacturing, and research. As instruments become more complex, skilled repairers remain essential. Replacement of retiring workers should create openings.
Frequently asked questions
What does a Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairer do?
They calibrate, repair, and maintain precision instruments such as medical devices, industrial gauges, and laboratory equipment. Work involves testing, disassembly, parts replacement, and alignment to ensure accuracy.
What is the difference between median and mean salary?
The median ($61,210) is the middle salary in the distribution—half earn more, half less. The mean ($65,370) is the average, pulled higher by top earners. Median is a better indicator of typical earnings.
Is this job in demand?
The BLS didn't publish a specific growth rate for this occupation for 2024-2034, but steady demand is expected due to the need for maintaining complex equipment in healthcare and manufacturing, plus replacements for retirees.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers data.