Calibration technologists and technicians are trained specialists who inspect, adjust, and test measurement devices against specific standards. These devices are widely used in diverse sectors, including manufacturing and healthcare, among others. The primary role of these technicians includes ensuring that these devices are functioning optimally and correctly. In their line of work, they encounter a range of work environments, with the majority of them engaged in full-time positions.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that as of May 2022, calibration technologists and technicians earn a median annual salary of $62,050, with most professionals holding an associate’s degree or some postsecondary training in a technical or scientific discipline, though some start with a high school diploma and gain experience on the job. The BLS predicts a 4% growth rate, adding roughly 1,100 new positions for these specialists annually from 2022 to 2032, a rate on par with the average for all occupations, and attributes many of these openings to workforce exits for career shifts or retirements.

Industrial machinery mechanics, also known as machinery maintenance workers or millwrights, utilize their expertise in maintenance and repair to handle complex industrial machinery. They draw on a diverse skillset that includes conducting diagnostic tests for identifying problems, the disassembly and repair of machinery, and the replacement of outdated parts. A major part of their work also lies in ensuring the safety and proper functioning of all machinery. Although these specialists are equipped to analyze problems through computer software, their primary means of addressing these problems comes through the usage of technical manuals and an array of industrial tools, such as welders.

In 2022, per the data shared by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 507,900 individuals operating as industrial machinery mechanics in the United States. These professionals were making a median annual income of $59,470. Over the span of 2022 to 2032, the BLS projects the market for industrial machinery mechanics to grow at an impressive rate of 13%, translating to the creation of 64,700 jobs. As a testament to their indispensable role, the industry witnesses relatively high salaries with entry-level positions requiring only a high school diploma or its equivalent.