Career Overview
Install, repair, and maintain mechanical regulating and controlling devices, such as electric meters, gas regulators, thermostats, safety and flow valves, and other mechanical governors.
Also Known As
- Instrument and Electrical Technician (I and E Technician)
- Measurement Technician
- Meter Technician
- Valve Technician
Alternate Job Titles
- Air Valve Mechanic
- Air Valve Repairer
- Automation and Controls Specialist
- Automation Controls Technician
- Certification Technician
- Control Panel Technician (Control Panel Tech)
- Control Specialist
- Control Systems Technician (Control Systems Tech)
- Control Valve Mechanic
- Control Valve Technician
- Controls Service Technician (Controls Service Tech)
- Controls Specialist
- Controls Technician
- Electric Meter Installer
- Electric Meter Repairer
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Record maintenance information, including test results, material usage, and repairs made.
- Disassemble and repair mechanical control devices or valves, such as regulators, thermostats, or hydrants, using power tools, hand tools, and cutting torches.
- Lubricate wearing surfaces of mechanical parts, using oils or other lubricants.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Mechanical
- Engineering and Technology
- Public Safety and Security
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Oral Comprehension
- Near Vision
- Problem Sensitivity
- Oral Expression
- Deductive Reasoning
- Information Ordering
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Manual Dexterity
- Speech Recognition
- Written Expression
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
- Integrity
- Stress Tolerance
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Support
- Independence
- Working Conditions
- Relationships
- Achievement
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience Required: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Microsoft Visio
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
Tools & Equipment
- Acetylene torches
- Adjustable wrenches
- Air compressors
- Ammeters
- Bench vises
- Bucket trucks
- Burden testers
- Cable cutters
- Circuit testers
- Clamp-on meters
- Claw hammers
- Conduit benders
- Copper cutters
- Crescent wrenches
- Cutting torches
Work Environment
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Telephone Conversations
- Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Contact With Others
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $43,840 |
| Median | $74,690 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $109,050 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 46,920
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $53,990
Industrial Machinery Mechanics
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $63,760
Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $52,540
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
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Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $100,940
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.