Calibration technologists and technicians
SOC Code: 17-3028
Calibration technologists and technicians carries a 30% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $65,040 and +4.7% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 15,800 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 30% AI exposure, Calibration technologists and technicians sits 7 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 30% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Calibration technologists and technicians sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Calibration technologists and technicians has ai exposure of 30%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Calibration technologists and technicians vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Calibration technologists and technicians is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Calibration technologists and technicians (SOC 17-3028) carries an AI exposure score of 30%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 15,800 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +4.7% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $65,040, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Associate's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Calibration technologists and technicians. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Analyze test data to identify defects or determine calibration requirements.
- 2. Attend conferences, workshops, or other training sessions to learn about new tools or methods.
- 3. Calibrate devices by comparing measurements of pressure, temperature, humidity, or other environmental conditions to known standards.
- 4. Conduct calibration tests to determine performance or reliability of mechanical, structural, or electromechanical equipment.
- 5. Develop new calibration methods or techniques based on measurement science, analyses, or calibration requirements.
- 6. Disassemble and reassemble equipment for inspection.
- 7. Draw plans for developing jigs, fixtures, instruments, or other devices.
- 8. Maintain or repair measurement devices or equipment used for calibration testing.
- 9. Operate metalworking machines to fabricate housings, jigs, fittings, or fixtures.
- 10. Order replacement parts for malfunctioning equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Calibration technologists and technicians?
Calibration technologists and technicians has an AI exposure score of 30%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Calibration technologists and technicians?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Calibration technologists and technicians is projected to grow by 4.7% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 15,800 workers.
What skills are needed for Calibration technologists and technicians?
Calibration technologists and technicians requires a combination of technical knowledge and interpersonal skills. Typical education requirement: Associate's degree.
How much do Calibration technologists and technicians earn?
The median annual wage for Calibration technologists and technicians is $65,040, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Calibration technologists and technicians?
The typical entry-level education for Calibration technologists and technicians is Associate's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Calibration technologists and technicians?
Calibration technologists and technicians roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).