Instrumentation Technicians

The employment outlook for instrumentation technicians varies by specialty. For example, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) predicts that employment for mechanical engineering technicians will grow by 2 percent (more slowly than the average for all careers) through 2033. A 1 percent decline in employment is expected for electromechanical technicians, while industrial engineering technicians will experience average (4%) growth through 2033. Medical equipment repairers, however, have a better job outlook. The DOL reports that employment for workers in this specialty will grow by 18 percent (much faster than the average) through 2033. Opportunities will be best for graduates of postsecondary technical training programs. As technology becomes more sophisticated, employers will continue to look for technicians who are skilled in new technology and require a minimum of additional job training.

Most developments in automated manufacturing techniques, including robotics and computer-controlled machinery, rely heavily on instrumentation devices. The fields of air and water pollution control are other areas of growth. Scientists and technicians measure the amount of toxic substances in the air or test water with the use of instrumentation.

Oceanography, including the search for undersea deposits of oil and minerals, is another expanding field for instrumentation technology, as is medical diagnosis, including long-distance diagnosis by physicians through the use of sensors, computers, telephone lines, and satellite technology.

One important field of growth is the teaching profession. As demand rises for skilled technicians, qualified instructors with combined knowledge of theory and application will be needed. Opportunities already exist, not only in educational institutions but also in those industries that have internal training programs.