Instrument Technician
This page gives you the real story about what it's like to be an Instrument Technician (with insights from someone who’s actually doing the job).
Your goal: Decide if this sounds interesting enough to explore further, or if it's clearly not for you. Both answers are useful!
If it sounds like something you'd like to know more about, you'll be able to:
📞 Join a call - On online call where you can ask your own questions and hear more about what the job's really like
It will take about 5 minutes to read through - by the end, you'll know if this is worth exploring or if you should look at something else.
What do they do?
An instrument technician is the person who makes sure all the machines that measure and control things are working exactly the way they should.
They install, check, adjust, and fix equipment like temperature sensors, pressure gauges, flow meters, and computer-based control systems. These instruments help factories and power plants run safely and smoothly.
If you’re at a wind farm, an oil platform, or a power station, instrument technicians are the ones making sure all the devices that track and control the process are accurate, reliable, and safe to use..
How much do they earn?
Salaries vary depending on the company, location, and your experience level. Here's a rough guide for commercial analyst roles:
Apprentice (Modern/Graduate Apprenticeship) £13,000 - £25,000 per year You're learning on the job while earning
Uni Graduate £26,000 - £33,000 per year
With Experience £35,000 - £50,000 per year (more if offshore)
Senior Level £50,000 - £80,000+ per year (more if offshore)
What affects your salary:
The size of the company you work for
Whether you're offshore (usually higher pay) or onshore
The specific sector you're in (oil & gas tends to pay more)
Additional qualifications or certifications you gain
Shift patterns and overtime opportunities
Remember: These are approximate figures for Scotland and can vary. The good news is there's clear progression as you gain experience.
You like figuring out how things work
When you see a piece of equipment or tech, you're curious about what's happening inside. You're the type who wants to understand why your bike gears shift the way they do, or how your WiFi actually connects to your phone, not just that it does.
You'll Be Successful In This Career If...
You follow instructions carefully
When you're building something from instructions or following a process, you actually read through the steps properly rather than just winging it. You understand that with technical stuff, the order and details matter, and that missing a step can mess everything up.
You like knowing there's a right answer
With maths or technical problems, you prefer situations where there's a correct solution you can work towards. You like being able to test something and know for sure whether it's working or not.
You’re good with your hands
You're comfortable using tools and working with equipment. Whether it's wiring something up, adjusting components, or working in tight spaces, practical hands-on work appeals to you more than sitting at a desk all day.
You’re patient and persistent
When something's tricky to figure out, you don't give up easily. You're willing to stick with a problem, try different approaches, and keep going even when it takes longer than you expected. You'd rather solve it properly than just walk away.
The Bottom Line
These traits make you incredibly valuable in technical industries. Instrument technicians who have them build successful, well-paid careers because organisations absolutely need people who can keep critical systems running safely.
Meet Andrew - Instrument Technician at Scottish Gas Networks
Andrew works as an instrument technician, monitoring systems in industrial facilities. He came through the apprenticeship route, starting at Ineos Petrochemicals, then working offshore, and now works for Scotia Gas Networks
What the job actually involves
“We handle the technical equipment that keeps operations running safely."
"You're checking systems are functioning correctly, troubleshooting problems when they arise, and making sure everything is calibrated properly. It's hands-on work with technical equipment."
"You work with different trades like electricians, mechanical technicians, control systems engineers.”
Why he likes it
“There’s good job security, there's a strong demand for qualified technicians, especially instrument technicians."
"UK experience is highly regarded internationally. There are opportunities in Australia, Africa - lots of places. Some people move into wind turbine maintenance as well."
Why he chose this path
"I'd 100% do the same path. I can't speak highly enough of the route for me. The end result is worth the challenging periods”
"Don't be discouraged by low apprenticeship wages - focus on long-term benefits.”
“Apprenticeships are four years. I received £5,500 in my first year, which rose to £12,000 in second year. Upon qualification, there was a significant jump - I went to £37,500."
His best advice
"If you've got the right attitude, people will do absolutely everything to help you."
"You can't apply for enough. Apply to multiple companies, follow them on LinkedIn, contact companies directly even without advertised positions."
“What Does A Typical Day Look Like?”
Where he works:
At gas distribution sites and infrastructure facilities across Scotland. He’s working hands-on with monitoring and control equipment at industrial sites - gas pressure reduction stations, metering sites, and distribution network facilities.
What he’s actually doing:
Monitoring and maintaining the instruments that measure critical factors like pressure, temperature, flow rates, and gas quality. He’s making sure the systems that control gas distribution are working accurately and safely
Breaking that down more specifically:
Reading gauges and checking instrument displays to make sure measurements are accurate
Testing and calibrating equipment to ensure it's measuring correctly
Replacing faulty sensors, transmitters, or control valves when something breaks
Using diagnostic tools and multimeters to troubleshoot problems
Following safety procedures for working with pressurized systems or electrical equipment
Updating logbooks and maintenance records
Working alongside electricians, mechanical fitters, and control systems engineers
Responding to alarms or system faults that need immediate attention
Carrying out planned maintenance checks on instruments
The Summary
Many sectors (energy, utilities, water treatment, oil and gas, chemical plants, manufacturing and more) need instrument technicians to keep their monitoring and control systems running safely and reliably.
So if you like hands-on technical work, have strong attention to detail, and want a career with excellent earning potential and job security, then becoming an instrument technician gives you the chance to turn your abilities into a well-paid and satisfying career.
Sign up for the ‘Insight Call’
A short online session (30 mins) where you can:
Hear from Andrew about the role
Find out what they really do day to day
Ask your own questions about routes in, pay, progression and lifestyle
Decide if you want to explore the role further
Thursday 18th December at 17:30
