Metrologist
Also known as: lab calibration technician, research scientist, research engineer, metrology technologist, metrology research engineer, machine assembly calibration technician
About this occupation
Metrologists study and practice the science of measurement. They develop quantity systems, units of measurement and measuring methods to be used in science. Metrologists establish new methods and tools to quantify and better understand information.
Essential skills and knowledge
- study the relationships between quantities
- develop measuring equipment
- operate scientific measuring equipment
- troubleshoot
- maintain technical equipment
- assemble measuring equipment
- create solutions to problems
- write calibration report
- operate precision measuring equipment
- instrumentation engineering
- quality standards
- perform scientific research
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Calibration Technologists and Technicians (O*NET 17-3028.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Maintain or repair measurement devices or equipment used for calibration testing.
- Verify part dimensions or clearances using precision measuring instruments to ensure conformance to specifications.
- Conduct calibration tests to determine performance or reliability of mechanical, structural, or electromechanical equipment.
- Read blueprints, schematics, diagrams, or technical orders.
- Visually inspect equipment to detect surface defects.
- Calibrate devices by comparing measurements of pressure, temperature, humidity, or other environmental conditions to known standards.
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Conventional, Investigative
US median pay: US$67,820 a year (2025), 16,540 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- 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.
- Training
- 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.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
- Robotics Technicians
- Automotive Engineering Technicians
- Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
- Electromechanical Equipment Assemblers
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers
- Medical Equipment Repairers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.