Calibration Technician Salary: United States
At Skilled Trades Headhunters, this is what we do all day: recruit skilled trades professionals.
The median annual wage for Calibration Technician in the United States was $67,820 in May 2025 (BLS). The middle half of workers earned between $56,380 and $92,080.
Broader occupation Our title "Calibration Technician" is reported by BLS as SOC 17-3028 Calibration Technologists and Technicians. BLS groups Calibration Technician within Calibration Technologists and Technicians; it does not publish this niche title or credential level separately.
Annual wages
Calibration Technician, the United States, annual wages: 10% earned less than $46,680, half earned less than the median of $67,820, 90% earned less than $106,550 (BLS, May 2025).
| Measure | Annual wage | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $46,680 | 10% of workers in this occupation and area earned less than this. |
| 25th percentile | $56,380 | 25% earned less than this. |
| Median (50th) | $67,820 | Half earned less, half earned more. |
| 75th percentile | $92,080 | 75% earned less than this. |
| 90th percentile | $106,550 | 90% earned less than this. |
| Mean | $74,170 | Arithmetic average of reported wages. |
Hourly wages
Calibration Technician, the United States, hourly wages: 10% earned less than $22.44, half earned less than the median of $32.61, 90% earned less than $51.23 (BLS, May 2025).
| Measure | Hourly wage | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $22.44 per hour | 10% of workers in this occupation and area earned less than this. |
| 25th percentile | $27.11 per hour | 25% earned less than this. |
| Median (50th) | $32.61 per hour | Half earned less, half earned more. |
| 75th percentile | $44.27 per hour | 75% earned less than this. |
| 90th percentile | $51.23 per hour | 90% earned less than this. |
| Mean | $35.66 per hour | Arithmetic average of reported wages. |
Employment: BLS estimates 16,540 workers in this occupation nationally.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. SOC 17-3028 Calibration Technologists and Technicians, National.
What BLS wages include. Base pay plus any guaranteed or production-based incentive pay. They leave out overtime, discretionary bonus, benefits, per diem and relocation.
BLS definitions, verbatim
wages
Base rate; cost-of-living allowances; guaranteed pay; hazardous-duty pay; incentive pay, including commissions and production bonuses; and tips are included. Excluded are overtime pay, severance pay, shift differentials, nonproduction bonuses, employer cost for supplementary benefits, and tuition reimbursements.
hours
Annual wages have been calculated by multiplying the hourly wages by 2,080 hours; for occupations where hourly wages are not published, annual wages were taken directly from the reported survey data.
Target metros
| Metro | Median | 25th to 75th percentile | Employment | Location quotient |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL | $62,780 | $54,470 to $76,470 | 130 | 0.43 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | $58,850 | $44,460 to $91,550 | 110 | 0.71 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL | $55,500 | $45,670 to $65,830 | Not published by BLS | Not published by BLS |
| Raleigh-Cary, NC | $83,500 | $63,030 to $99,250 | 70 | 0.83 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $71,950 | $57,140 to $92,100 | 630 | 0.62 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $71,950 | $57,140 to $92,100 | 630 | 0.62 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | $64,150 | $58,510 to $93,620 | 890 | 2.06 |
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX | $78,610 | $60,760 to $101,420 | 1,930 | 5.51 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $59,590 | $53,810 to $63,250 | 190 | 0.41 |
How does Calibration Technician pay differ by industry?
These are national industry estimates for SOC 17-3028, not local offers or separate estimates for the niche title. Industry names are exactly as BLS publishes them.
| Industry | NAICS | Median | Basis | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utilities | 22 | $101,950 | Annual | 310 |
| Utilities | 221000 | $101,950 | Annual | 310 |
| Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution | 221100 | $107,350 | Annual | 100 |
| Natural Gas Distribution | 221200 | $97,470 | Annual | 210 |
| Construction | 23 | $80,660 | Annual | 620 |
| Construction of Buildings | 236000 | $76,970 | Annual | 60 |
| Nonresidential Building Construction | 236200 | $76,970 | Annual | 60 |
| Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction | 237000 | $79,720 | Annual | 180 |
| Utility System Construction | 237100 | $79,720 | Annual | 180 |
| Specialty Trade Contractors | 238000 | $80,670 | Annual | 380 |
| Building Equipment Contractors | 238200 | $80,670 | Annual | 360 |
| Food Manufacturing | 311000 | $62,790 | Annual | 120 |
| Grain and Oilseed Milling | 311200 | $75,130 | Annual | 50 |
| Sugar and Confectionery Product Manufacturing | 311300 | $62,780 | Annual | 40 |
| Manufacturing | 31-33 | $73,760 | Annual | 5,950 |
| Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing | 324000 | $107,220 | Annual | 140 |
| Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing | 324100 | $107,220 | Annual | 140 |
| Chemical Manufacturing | 325000 | $98,060 | Annual | 1,580 |
| Chemical Manufacturing (3251, 3252, 3253, and 3259 only) | 3250A1 | $101,260 | Annual | Not published by BLS |
| Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing | 325400 | $79,500 | Annual | 680 |
| Plastics and Rubber Products Manufacturing | 326000 | $65,830 | Annual | 140 |
| Plastics Product Manufacturing | 326100 | $67,190 | Annual | 130 |
| Primary Metal Manufacturing | 331000 | $78,010 | Annual | 40 |
| Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing | 332000 | $62,180 | Annual | 340 |
| Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing (3321, 3322, 3325, 3326, and 3329 only) | 3320A1 | $65,050 | Annual | 210 |
| Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing (3323 and 3324 only) | 3320A2 | $83,630 | Annual | 40 |
| Machine Shops; Turned Product; and Screw, Nut, and Bolt Manufacturing | 332700 | $54,570 | Annual | 90 |
| Machinery Manufacturing | 333000 | $66,730 | Annual | 530 |
| Machinery Manufacturing (3331, 3332, 3334, and 3339 only) | 3330A1 | $66,030 | Annual | 400 |
| Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing | 333300 | $70,730 | Annual | 70 |
| Engine, Turbine, and Power Transmission Equipment Manufacturing | 333600 | $82,080 | Annual | 40 |
| Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing | 334000 | $59,380 | Annual | 1,560 |
| Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing | 334400 | $60,410 | Annual | 370 |
| Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing | 334500 | $58,820 | Annual | 1,180 |
| Electrical Equipment, Appliance, and Component Manufacturing | 335000 | $64,400 | Annual | 200 |
| Electrical Equipment Manufacturing | 335300 | $60,490 | Annual | 60 |
| Other Electrical Equipment and Component Manufacturing | 335900 | $67,190 | Annual | 140 |
| Transportation Equipment Manufacturing | 336000 | $74,130 | Annual | 820 |
| Motor Vehicle Manufacturing | 336100 | $75,030 | Annual | 60 |
| Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing | 336300 | $63,420 | Annual | 150 |
| Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing | 336400 | $88,360 | Annual | 450 |
| Railroad Rolling Stock Manufacturing | 336500 | $66,750 | Annual | 40 |
| Ship and Boat Building | 336600 | $77,910 | Annual | 40 |
| Other Transportation Equipment Manufacturing | 336900 | $52,910 | Annual | Not published by BLS |
| Miscellaneous Manufacturing | 339000 | $65,100 | Annual | 450 |
| Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing | 339100 | $65,100 | Annual | 410 |
| Other Miscellaneous Manufacturing | 339900 | $75,180 | Annual | 40 |
| Pipeline Transportation | 486000 | $98,250 | Annual | 460 |
| Pipeline Transportation of Crude Oil | 486100 | $95,680 | Annual | 110 |
| Pipeline Transportation of Natural Gas | 486200 | $102,790 | Annual | 330 |
| Support Activities for Transportation | 488000 | $64,210 | Annual | Not published by BLS |
| Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | 53 | $65,800 | Annual | 230 |
| Real Estate | 531000 | $82,190 | Annual | Not published by BLS |
| Rental and Leasing Services | 532000 | $59,590 | Annual | Not published by BLS |
| Rental and Leasing Services (5322, 5323, and 5324 only) | 5320A1 | $59,590 | Annual | Not published by BLS |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | 54 | $61,800 | Annual | 4,280 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | 541000 | $61,800 | Annual | 4,280 |
| Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services | 541300 | $60,440 | Annual | 3,390 |
| Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services | 541600 | $47,100 | Annual | 250 |
| Scientific Research and Development Services | 541700 | $85,900 | Annual | 440 |
| Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | 541900 | $60,860 | Annual | Not published by BLS |
| Repair and Maintenance | 811000 | $61,930 | Annual | 1,660 |
| Automotive Repair and Maintenance | 811100 | $52,000 | Annual | 120 |
| Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance | 811200 | $61,940 | Annual | 1,440 |
| Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment (except Automotive and Electronic) Repair and Maintenance | 811300 | $66,910 | Annual | 100 |
Industry estimates are national. Do not combine an industry median with a local percentile to invent an industry-specific local rate.
Which related roles have a different BLS occupation?
A supervisory occupation is not an experience percentile for the craft. Compare the actual responsibilities and the published SOC.
I&E Foreman (47-1011)I&C Supervisor (17-3023)Which metros publish the highest and lowest medians?
This ranking uses the May 2025 annual median for Calibration Technologists and Technicians. It is not adjusted for living costs. A metro is a BLS statistical area, not just the city limits. Top-coded or suppressed medians are not ranked.
| Metro | Median | Employment | Location quotient | Trade median / all-occupations median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $107,220 | 240 | 1.1 | 1.48 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $101,840 | 150 | 1.23 | 1.21 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $99,660 | 240 | 0.93 | 1.34 |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX | $99,400 | 260 | 14.92 | 2.04 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | $95,180 | 40 | 1.27 | 1.81 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $86,280 | 110 | 0.68 | 1.47 |
| Portland-South Portland, ME | $85,180 | 70 | 2.19 | 1.50 |
| Raleigh-Cary, NC | $83,500 | 70 | 0.83 | 1.61 |
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | $82,100 | 60 | 1.19 | 1.74 |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $80,670 | 330 | 7.58 | 1.66 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $57,570 | Not published by BLS | Not published by BLS | 1.16 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY | $56,160 | 130 | 2.32 | 1.11 |
| El Paso, TX | $55,530 | 40 | 1.1 | 1.41 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL | $55,500 | Not published by BLS | Not published by BLS | 1.19 |
| Albuquerque, NM | $53,750 | 50 | 1.05 | 1.12 |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $51,310 | 60 | 2.67 | 1.08 |
| San Juan-Bayamon-Caguas, PR | $38,490 | 430 | 5.89 | 1.31 |
| Ponce, PR | $37,260 | 80 | 11.13 | 1.38 |
| Midland, TX | $36,690 | 140 | 10.5 | 0.67 |
| Mayaguez, PR | $36,200 | 70 | 13.17 | 1.43 |
The wage ratio is simple arithmetic: this occupation's median divided by the all-occupations median in the same area and unit. It is not a cost-of-living measure. Location quotient describes the concentration of employment, not relative pay. Neither predicts what a particular candidate will accept.
What do these published wages mean for an offer?
Skilled Trades Headhunters reads the May 2025 figures for Calibration Technician in National as an offer reference, not a quote for a particular candidate. For Calibration Technician in National, the published median for SOC 17-3028, Calibration Technologists and Technicians, is $67,820 per year. The middle half of the Calibration Technician in National wage distribution runs from $56,380 to $92,080, a width of $35,700 per year; that spread shows how much published pay varies within the occupation and area, without assigning experience levels.
For the national Calibration Technician comparison, Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX reports $78,610 per year while Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX reports $64,150 per year; these are the largest-employment metros with published medians for the occupation, rather than neighboring places to a national estimate. The United States Calibration Technician figure pools markets with different work scopes and schedules, so use the area table before setting a local offer.
The highest published medians among the selected national industry rows for Calibration Technologists and Technicians, read alongside Calibration Technician in National, are Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution at $107,350 per year (NAICS 221100); Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing at $107,220 per year (NAICS 324000); Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing at $107,220 per year (NAICS 324100). Those Calibration Technician in National industry comparisons are national cross-sections, not local industry estimates; BLS does not give us a metro-by-industry wage cut here, and overlapping industry groups should not be added together.
The Calibration Technician in National median was $65,040 per year in May 2024, compared with $67,820 in May 2025, a published difference of $2,780. That Calibration Technician in National comparison is between separate BLS releases, not the raise paid to the same workers or a projection of next year's offer. Read the $65,040 and $67,820 Calibration Technician in National estimates with both dates visible, because the employers and workers represented by the survey can change.
Before offering $67,820 per year for Calibration Technician in National, separate on-call duties, overtime, travel reimbursement, tool replacement and any truck allowance separately; prevailing wage and union requirements must be checked against the actual assignment. The Calibration Technician in National BLS comparison includes ordinary wages and qualifying incentive pay, but leaves overtime, discretionary bonuses, benefits and relocation outside this wage figure. A candidate's take-home pay and the employer's total cost for Calibration Technician in National can therefore differ from the median without either number being an error.
The mapping for Calibration Technician in National is broader: BLS groups Calibration Technician within Calibration Technologists and Technicians; it does not publish this niche title or credential level separately. For a Calibration Technician in National opening, establish the equipment, license requirements and responsibility before deciding which people the pay range should attract. A broader occupation can combine jobs that a Calibration Technician in National buyer would screen separately, which is why the badge and SOC remain beside the figures.
Questions about this occupation and area
What does the middle-half band tell a Calibration Technician in National buyer?
Calibration Technician in National has a published middle-half band of $56,380 to $92,080, a width of $35,700 per year, with median $67,820. An offer inside that Calibration Technician in National band is not automatically competitive for every scope; match the required work and the separate pay terms first.
Which areas should I compare before hiring Calibration Technician in National?
Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX and Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX are the largest-employment comparison markets used for Calibration Technician in National. Comparing those Calibration Technologists and Technicians tables with the $67,820 Calibration Technician in National median does not measure commuting costs or predict what a particular applicant will accept.
Are the industry figures local to Calibration Technician in National?
Calibration Technician in National uses national industry rows for SOC 17-3028, not local sector-specific wages. Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution leads the selected sortable rows at $107,350 per year, but that national industry figure is not a quoted offer for Calibration Technician in National.
What changed between the releases for Calibration Technician in National?
Calibration Technician in National moved from $65,040 in May 2024 to $67,820 in May 2025. These Calibration Technician in National published medians do not describe an individual raise or establish a future wage trend.
What changed since May 2024
SOC 17-3028. Published annual median: $65,040 (May 2024) and $67,820 (May 2025). These are two BLS releases, not a projection.