What Does it Take to Be a Robotics Technician?
Occupation Description Build, install, test, or maintain robotic equipment or related automated production systems.
Robotics Technician Responsibilities
- Test performance of robotic assemblies, using instruments such as oscilloscopes, electronic voltmeters, or bridges.
- Evaluate the efficiency and reliability of industrial robotic systems, reprogramming or calibrating to achieve maximum quantity and quality.
- Develop three-dimensional simulations of automation systems.
- Perform preventive or corrective maintenance on robotic systems or components.
- Develop robotic path motions to maximize efficiency, safety, and quality.
- Make repairs to robots or peripheral equipment, such as replacement of defective circuit boards, sensors, controllers, encoders, or servomotors.
What a Robotics Technician Should Know
These are the skills Robotics Technicians say are the most useful in their careers:
Repairing: Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Troubleshooting: Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Equipment Maintenance: Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Types of Robotics Technician
- Process Control Technician
- Electrical and Instrumentation Technician (E and I Technician)
- Robot Programmer
- Automation Engineering Technician
- Instrument Technician
Job Opportunities for Robotics Technicians
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 13,800 jobs in the United States for Robotics Technician. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 3.6% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 500 new jobs for Robotics Technician by 2026. The BLS estimates 1,200 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Robotics Technician are Idaho, Nevada, and Utah. Watch out if you plan on working in Washington, Massachusetts, or West Virginia. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Average Robotics Technicians Salary
The typical yearly salary for Robotics Technicians is somewhere between $37,090 and $88,860.
Robotics Technicians who work in Washington, Georgia, or Colorado, make the highest salaries.
How much do Robotics Technicians make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $62,140 |
Arizona | $58,940 |
California | $63,830 |
Colorado | $65,870 |
Connecticut | $57,960 |
Florida | $48,320 |
Georgia | $68,690 |
Idaho | $58,550 |
Illinois | $65,260 |
Indiana | $56,590 |
Iowa | $53,840 |
Kentucky | $49,530 |
Louisiana | $58,450 |
Maryland | $68,390 |
Massachusetts | $57,710 |
Michigan | $56,860 |
Minnesota | $56,980 |
Nebraska | $57,420 |
Nevada | $51,030 |
New Hampshire | $60,410 |
New Jersey | $59,660 |
New York | $67,440 |
North Carolina | $61,510 |
Ohio | $64,720 |
Oklahoma | $57,640 |
Oregon | $57,080 |
Pennsylvania | $51,160 |
South Carolina | $58,280 |
Tennessee | $52,900 |
Texas | $57,070 |
Utah | $62,780 |
Virginia | $56,020 |
Washington | $81,790 |
West Virginia | $59,830 |
Wisconsin | $58,340 |
Wyoming | $60,260 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Robotics Technicians
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Robotics Technicians:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- JavaScript
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Git
- Microsoft Outlook
- Python
- Word processing software
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Project
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Spreadsheet software
- Database software
- Structured query language SQL
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- Linux
- UNIX
- Computer aided design CAD software
- C
How do I Become a Robotics Technician?
What kind of Robotics Technician requirements are there?
How Long Does it Take to Become a Robotics Technician?
Who Employs Robotics Technicians?
The table below shows the approximate number of Robotics Technicians employed by various industries.
Similar Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Robotics Technician might also be interested in the following careers:
Are you already one of the many Robotics Technician in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
Image Credit: AAAndrey A via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.