Robotics Technician

Build, install, test, or maintain robotic equipment or related automated production systems.

Also called: Robotics Technicians, Automation Technician, Electrical and Instrumentation Technician (E and I Technician), Instrument and Automation Technician, Instrument Specialist, Instrument Technician, Instrumentation and Controls Technician, Instrumentation and Process Controls Technician, Process Control Technician, Programmable Logic Controllers Technician, Assembly Technician, Automation Control Integrator, Automation Control Technician, Automation Controls Expert, Automation Controls Specialist, Automation Engineering Technician, Automation Technologist, Electrical and Instrumentation Specialist, Equipment Maintenance Technician (Equipment Maintenance Tech), Field Technician (Field Tech), Robot Operator, Robot Programmer, Robot Technician, Robotic Technician, Robotic Weld Technician, Robotic Welder, Robotics Mechanic, Robotics Technician (Robotics Tech), Robotics Technologist, Sensor Technician, Test Technician (Test Tech)

This is a career information profile, not an advertised job opening.

What the worker does

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, machines and equipment

Troubleshooting
Repairing
Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking
Equipment Maintenance
Active Listening
Complex Problem Solving
Operations Monitoring
Quality Control Analysis
Operation and Control
Writing
Speaking

Education and training

Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree (45.45% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

O*NET Job Zone 3: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations. 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. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships

Ask an employer or registered apprenticeship sponsor about current programs, eligibility, training and pay. A career profile does not confirm that a program is available.

Salary reference

59,780–88,540 USD per year · United States · 2025. Source: BLS OEWS via O*NET · 25th–75th percentiles · SOC 17-3024.

Occupational-group wage references are not guaranteed pay for this specialty or an employer's offer.

Career advancement

Deepen PLC, controls, robot integration, and safe troubleshooting skills; explore senior technician, integration, or automation project responsibilities.
Ask employers which demonstrated skills, education, or credentials are needed for the next role. Related careers are exploration options, not automatic promotions.

How Do I Get This Job?

Review the skills and responsibilities above.
Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree (45.45% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
O*NET Job Zone 3: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations. 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. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.
Compare real openings and confirm requirements directly with the employer.

View available jobs — availability is not guaranteed; sample listings are not real openings.

Related career information

Sources and limitations

O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. ShopFloor adapted occupational grouping, selected manufacturing-relevant occupations, and retained seven legacy guide titles. Specialties and alternative titles are grouped under O*NET occupations; these occupations can also occur outside manufacturing. Source: https://www.onetcenter.org/database.html. No wage, vacancy, certification, or video data is implied. ShopFloor advancement suggestions are general editorial guidance, not O*NET findings or guaranteed career progression. BLS wage ranges, when available, are national 25th–75th percentiles for the source occupational grouping, across industries; they are not local, apprentice, entry-level, or specialty-specific offers.

Robotics Technicians