Why We Love It
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$56,320Potential Avg. Salary
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0.7%Job Growth Rate
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Growing DemandJob Outlook
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Dependable Daily WorkloadCareer Attribute
Robotics technicians assist with the tasks of building, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing robots. They may work on large-scale robot installations used in industries like manufacturing, or they may work on more specialized robots used in the military, medical, engineering, or entertainment industries.
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What is a Robotics Technician?
The following job responsibilities are common for individuals in robotics technician roles:
- Build robots according to specifications set by an engineer
- Troubleshoot and repair malfunctioning robotics equipment
- Install robots in factories and other venues
- Calibrate software in order to train robots how to perform tasks
- Create test cases and execute tests to ensure robots are working as designed
A Day in the Life
Modern technology has brought robot technology from sci-fi movies to businesses all over the world, and robotics technicians helped make that happen. Robotics technicians perform an important role in the development, installation, and maintenance of robots that are used in the workplace. They help engineers build robots, install robots in the locations where work will be performed, calibrate robot software for specific jobs, and conduct thorough testing to ensure robots function properly.
In today’s society, robots are used to perform a variety of job functions. They’re commonly used in manufacturing, performing tasks in factories that are too simple or too dangerous for human workers. They work in medicine and engineering, performing tasks like building parts and performing surgeries that require detailed work that is difficult for humans to execute consistently. They may also work in entertainment or hospitality—some airports have robots that talk to guests and provide directions.
Robotics technicians work alongside these robots, ensuring robots are fully functional and able to complete their assigned tasks. They build and maintain many of the components used in robotics—such as microprocessors, circuitry, sensors, and hydraulics—and use a variety of tools, including hand tools, computer-aided design (CAD) software, and voltmeters. All of these tasks help to make businesses more productive and/or safer, and robotics technicians aid in the achievement of those goals.
Typical Work Schedule
Most robotics technician jobs are full-time roles, though they may be required to work varying shifts. In manufacturing especially, robotics technicians may need to be on hand at any time of day or any day of the year to troubleshoot and repair defective or malfunctioning robots, so the role does not necessarily guarantee a typical 9-5 business schedule.
Projected Job Growth
The technology of robotics is still relatively new, and many businesses are only recently beginning to adopt the technology. As the technology advances, more businesses are expected to adopt it, which should increase demand for robotics technicians significantly in the coming decade.
Typical Employers
Most robotics technicians work in the manufacturing industry, installing, troubleshooting, and repairing robots used in factories. However, robotics technicians are also commonly hired to work in healthcare, government, and entertainment industries. As the technology grows, so should the number of industries that employ robotics technicians.
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How To Become a Robotics Technician
While it’s not an absolute requirement to hold a degree to find work as a robotics technician, earning a minimum of an associate’s degree is usually preferred. Some robotics technicians may be hired with only a high school diploma, but those technicians will be required to have a significant amount of professional experience in the field. The role requires the use of highly specialized tools and equipment, and while some on-the-job training is usually provided, most employers want technicians to have a background in robotics.
If you have no work experience in robotics, an associate’s degree may be the right step in helping you find entry-level work in the field. Common degrees pursued by aspiring robotics technicians include electrical engineering technology or mechanical engineering technology. These degrees introduce students to the tools, techniques, and components used in robotics engineering and prepare students to build, troubleshoot, and repair robots professionally.
Some robotics technicians may also choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree after earning an associate’s degree in order to take on high-paying roles later in their career. With a bachelor’s degree in mechanical or electrical engineering, robotics technicians can qualify for engineer positions, and can move from maintaining robots to developing new and advanced robot technology.
Robotics Technician Salary Data
We’ve provided you the following to learn more about this career. The salary and growth data on this page comes from recently published Bureau of Labor Statistics data while the recommendations and editorial content are based on our research.
National Anual Salary
Low Range
$41,600Average
$56,320High Range
$84,520National Hourly Wage
Low Range
$20/hrAverage
$27/hrHigh Range
$41/hrHow do Robotics Technician salaries stack up to other jobs across the country? Based on the latest jobs data nationwide, Robotics Technician's can make an average annual salary of $56,320, or $27 per hour. This makes it an Above Average Salary. On the lower end, they can make $41,600 or $20 per hour, perhaps when just starting out or based on the state you live in.
Salary Rankings And Facts
#311 Nationally for All Careers
Programs and Degrees
Here are the most common degrees for becoming a Robotics Technician. a is usually recommended and specifically a degree or coursework that prepares you for the particular field, see below.
Highest Education Among Robotics Technicians
- 0.5% Doctorate
- 2.6% Masters
- 15.2% Bachelors
- 21.6% Associates
- 33.5% College
- 22.6% High School
- 4% Less than High School
Job Growth Projections and Forecast
2014 Total Jobs
14,7002024 Est. Jobs
14,800Job Growth Rate
0.7%Est. New Jobs
100How does Robotics Technician job growth stack up to other jobs across the country? By 2024, there will be a change of 100 jobs for a total of 14,800 people employed in the career nationwide. This is a 0.7% change in growth over the next ten years, giving the career a growth rate nationwide of Below Average.
Growth Rankings And Facts
#585 Nationally for All Careers
What Companies Employ The Most Robotics Technicians
| Industry | Current Jobs | New Jobs Needed | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing | 1,900 | -200 | 0% |
| Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing | 1,300 | -200 | 0% |
| Support activities for mining | 1,100 | 200 | 0% |
