Installation, Maintenance & Repair
Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door
Also called: Control Valve Mechanic, Control Valve Technician, Electric Meter Technician, Instrument and Electrical Technician (I and E Technician)
US median pay
$74,340
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+4.3%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
3,600
50,400 employed
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
Preparation 3/5 · Medium preparation
What this job is
Install, repair, and maintain mechanical regulating and controlling devices, such as electric meters, gas regulators, thermostats, safety and flow valves, and other mechanical governors.
What they do day to day
- 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.
- Calibrate instrumentation, such as meters, gauges, and regulators, for pressure, temperature, flow, and level.
- Install, inspect and test electric meters, relays, and power sources to detect causes of malfunctions and inaccuracies, using hand tools and testing equipment.
- Test valves and regulators for leaks and accurate temperature and pressure settings, using precision testing equipment.
- Record meter readings and installation data on meter cards, work orders, or field service orders, or enter data into hand-held computers.
- Turn meters on or off to establish or close service.
- Shut off service and notify repair crews when major repairs are required, such as the replacement of underground pipes or wiring.
- Install regulators and related equipment such as gas meters, odorization units, and gas pressure telemetering equipment.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Repairing3.2/5
- Troubleshooting3.1/5
- Quality Control Analysis3.1/5
- Operations Monitoring3.1/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.1/5
- Equipment Maintenance3.1/5
- Operation and Control3.0/5
- Coordination3.0/5
Knowledge
- Mechanical4.1/5
- Engineering and Technology3.6/5
- Public Safety and Security3.5/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.2/5
- Computers and Electronics3.2/5
- Mathematics3.2/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 3 of 5 — Medium preparation. Usually vocational training, an associate's degree or an apprenticeship.
Typical entry education (BLS): High school diploma or equivalent.
Highest education of people in this job:
- High school diploma47%
- Post-secondary certificate42%
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.