Architecture & Engineering
Robotics Technicians
Also called: Automation Technician, Electrical and Instrumentation Technician (E and I Technician), Instrument and Automation Technician, Instrument Specialist
US median pay
$73,900
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+2.6%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
1,400
15,700 employed
Typical entry education
Associate's degree
Preparation 3/5 · Medium preparation
What this job is
Build, install, test, or maintain robotic equipment or related automated production systems.
What they do day to day
- Make repairs to robots or peripheral equipment, such as replacement of defective circuit boards, sensors, controllers, encoders, or servomotors.
- Troubleshoot robotic systems, using knowledge of microprocessors, programmable controllers, electronics, circuit analysis, mechanics, sensor or feedback systems, hydraulics, or pneumatics.
- Install, program, or repair programmable controllers, robot controllers, end-of-arm tools, or conveyors.
- Maintain service records of robotic equipment or automated production systems.
- Modify computer-controlled robot movements.
- Perform preventive or corrective maintenance on robotic systems or components.
- Align, fit, or assemble components, using hand tools, power tools, fixtures, templates, or microscopes.
- Attach wires between controllers.
- Evaluate the efficiency and reliability of industrial robotic systems, reprogramming or calibrating to achieve maximum quantity and quality.
- Test performance of robotic assemblies, using instruments such as oscilloscopes, electronic voltmeters, or bridges.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Troubleshooting4.0/5
- Repairing4.0/5
- Equipment Maintenance3.9/5
- Operations Monitoring3.8/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.8/5
- Quality Control Analysis3.6/5
- Operation and Control3.4/5
- Time Management3.1/5
Knowledge
- Engineering and Technology4.4/5
- Computers and Electronics4.4/5
- Mechanical3.7/5
- Design3.5/5
- Mathematics3.5/5
- English Language3.5/5
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): Associate's degree.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Associate's degree45%
- Post-secondary certificate23%
- Bachelor's degree18%
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Investigative
Ideas, research and solving problems
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.