SOC 49-9069.00
All precision instrument and equipment repairers not listed separately.
Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition
Source: BLS 2025 wages · 2025–35 projections
Annual pay range
9,400 people work in this occupation.
In short
This career involves repairing specialized, high-accuracy devices and machinery. Precision instrument and equipment repairers earn a median annual pay of $68,990, with salaries ranging from under $40,140 to over $102,990.
Written with AI from the BLS, O*NET and CareerOneStop data on this page. Every figure is checked against that data before it is published.
All precision instrument and equipment repairers not listed separately.
Workers in this field specialize in maintaining, testing, and fixing highly sensitive devices. Depending on their specific role, these professionals might work as gauge controllers, hydrometer calibrators, or gyroscope repairers. The daily work requires a strong focus on detail and precision to ensure that delicate instruments measure and function correctly.
To succeed in this occupation, individuals need practical knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems. They must be comfortable using specialized tools to diagnose problems, disassemble components, and calibrate equipment to exact standards. This work appeals to those with realistic interests who enjoy hands-on troubleshooting and solving tangible, technical problems.
Entering this field typically requires a high school diploma. Many people prepare for these roles by pursuing postsecondary training in related college majors, such as electromechanical technologies or precision systems maintenance and repair.
While not always mandatory, obtaining professional credentials can help demonstrate expertise. For example, individuals can earn the Specialist in Precision Optics certification from ETA International. Additionally, licensing requirements vary by location, as some states list a license for this work.
The median annual wage for these repairers is $68,990. The lowest-earning 10 percent of workers make less than $40,140, while the highest-earning 10 percent bring in more than $102,990.
There are 9,400 people employed in this occupation. Between 2025 and 2035, employment is projected to grow by 2.5 percent, which is as fast as the average for all occupations. About 1,000 job openings are expected to become available each year during this ten-year period.
Apprentice Instrument Technician · Electrical Instrument Repairer · Gauge Checker · Gauge Controller · Gyro Compass Tester · Gyro Mechanic · Gyroscope Repairer · Gyroscopic Instrument Mechanic · Gyroscopic Instrument Tester · Hydrometer Calibrator
Career pathway
Interests that fit the work, the career, majors that lead there and colleges whose graduates in those majors earn the most. Hover or focus a step to follow one path.
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Majors
Colleges
College Scorecard program outcomes
Programs that lead to this career, ranked by what their graduates earn four years after finishing. Earnings are for graduates who received federal aid.
Okmulgee, OK · Electromechanical Technologies/Technicians · Bachelor's
Delhi, NY · Electromechanical Technologies/Technicians · Bachelor's
Rochester, NY · Electromechanical Technologies/Technicians · Bachelor's
Virginia Beach, VA · Electromechanical Technologies/Technicians · Bachelor's
Williamsport, PA · Electromechanical Technologies/Technicians · Bachelor's
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard field-of-study data, 2025. Programs with few graduates are not listed.
NCES CIP–SOC crosswalk
Related programs by four-digit CIP code. They are common routes in, not the only ones.
512 colleges offer it
33 colleges offer it
CareerOneStop
What precision instrument and equipment repairers, all other may need beyond a degree, where a license is required, and what the work pays in each state.
Core certifications employers recognise for this work.
Programs of study that prepare people for this work.
2 states list a license for this work. Open your state for the license and the agency that issues it.
REGISTERED SERVICEPERSON
Apprentice, Registered (Industrial Trades)
Data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor (Employment and Training Administration, with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development). Retrieved November 9, 2026.
Your plan
Courses, majors, colleges, scholarships and a timeline for this career, built from your profile.
Written with AI from the BLS, O*NET and CareerOneStop data on this page. Every figure is checked against that data before it is published.
People in this occupation are known by many different names depending on their specific focus. Some common titles include apprentice instrument technician, electrical instrument repairer, gauge checker, gyro mechanic, and hydrometer calibrator.
A high school diploma is the typical entry-level education needed to enter this field. However, completing a college program in electromechanical or precision systems technologies can provide valuable preparation.
Certification is available, such as the Specialist in Precision Optics credential from ETA International. Some states also list licensing requirements for this type of precision repair work.
Every figure on this page comes from these public datasets. Missing values are shown as not reported, never estimated.
Version 31.0
Version 2025-35 · Data year 2025
Version 2025 · Data year 2025
Version 2020 · Data year 2020
O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. CollegesRef has modified all or some of this information.
Data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor (Employment and Training Administration, with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development). Retrieved November 9, 2026.
Page data updated November 5, 2026.