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Robotics Technician

Overview and Key Facts

Robotics technician
Education
Education
Associate's degree
Median Pay
Median Pay
$70,760
Job Growth
Job Growth
1.10%
(Below US Average)
Jobs in 2034
Jobs in 2034
15,100

What Do They Do?

A robotics technician could...

 
Surgery robot
Test and prepare a medical robot for a long day of surgeries.
Camel racing
Contribute to the creation of camel racing jockeys and other entertainment robots.
Manufacturing robot
Maintain manufacturing robots in good working order to maximize productivity.
Military robot
Help test and develop a military robot.
 
Surgery robot Camel racing Manufacturing robot Military robot

Overview Listen to this section

Robots are no longer futuristic machines. Robots are here and now and are used in manufacturing, health care, service industries, and military applications. They perform tasks that are repetitive and hazardous—things that humans don't want to do or are unsafe to do. But robots are still machines, which means they require humans to build, maintain, program, and keep them functioning efficiently. Robotics technicians work with robotics engineers to build and test robots. They are responsible for installing and maintaining robots and keeping them in working order for their employers. If you are interested in working with robots, your future is here and now.
Watch this video to see what Jessica Amsden does as a robotics technician working in the area of automated manufacturing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdzsJxXqWFU

Do You Have the Skills and Characteristics of a Robotics Technician?


  1. Troubleshooting: ?
  2. Repairing: ?
  3. Equipment Maintenance: ?
  4. Reading Comprehension: ?
  5. Critical Thinking: ?
More skills...

Core Tasks

Think about if you'd like the typical tasks a Robotics Technician might do:
  • 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.
  • Train customers or other personnel to install, use, or maintain robots.
  • Build or assemble robotic devices or systems.
  • Assist engineers in the design, configuration, or application of robotic systems.
  • Document robotics test procedures and results.
  • Install new robotic systems in stationary positions or on tracks.

Salary & Job Openings

Median Salary (Yearly Pay)

Tap or scroll over map to see median salaries for each state
No data available for some states (white on the map)

Future Jobs

Blast-Off:

How Will Robotics Technician Jobs Grow by 2034?
Projected % Growth
Rapid growth
(10% or higher)
Much faster than average
(7% - 10%)
Faster than average
(5% - 7%)
About as fast as average
(3% - 5%)
Slower than average
(0% - 3%)
Decreasing
Average of all U.S. jobs (5.3%)
Robotics Technician jobs (1.10%)
Source: https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/occupational-projections-and-characteristics.htm

Steps to Get There: Becoming a Robotics Technician

High School Subjects to Study

Aim to study the yellow-shaded subjects.
Math
Algebra 1
Geometry
Algebra 2
Pre-Calculus
Calculus
Statistics
Science
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Environmental Science
Physiology
Bio-Medical / Biotech
IT &
Engineering
Computer Science
Applied Technology
Drafting & CAD Training
Core
English
Foreign Language
Business
Psychology / Sociology

Career Pathway Listen to this section

Many employers encourage their robotics technicians to take additional college courses and gain a higher degree. They may offer educational fee reimbursement as a benefit to their employees undertaking further training.

Robotics technicians can become certified as a manufacturing technologist by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. To gain certification, the robotics technician must prepare for and pass a 3-hour examination. They must also have four years of combined experience and education.

Education- Typical Degree Needed After High School Listen to this section

Degree
Post
high school credential
AA
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctoral or Professional Degree

Typical degree for an entry-level position: Associate's degree ? Types of Degrees and Credentials

The minimum degree required for an entry-level position as a robotics technician is an associate's degree in electrical engineering technology or mechanical engineering technology.

Companies That Hire Robotics Technicians

Try it Out with an Activity or Project

STEM Activities

STEM activities are fun hands-on explorations that usually take from 10 minutes to one hour and use readily available household or classroom materials while introducing you to STEM concepts common in this career.

Science Project Ideas

Project Ideas are in-depth STEM explorations that have a strong focus on controlling variables, taking accurate measurements, and analyzing data suitable for investigating the scientific method or the engineering design process.

On the Job

Role Models

Missy Phelan's journey to a welding career started when she bought her own small welding machine so that she could fix her car.
I found robotic programming to be really interesting. I'm kind of a nerd, so I enjoyed it a lot.I’ve bounced around quite a bit and I’ve found that all of these different experiences have revealed my weaknesses and strengths. 
Missy Phelan

Nature of the Work

The word robot is derived from the word robota, which means "worker" in Czech, and that is what they do. Robots work to make life easier for humans. Robots do repetitive tasks that may injure or demean a human worker. They can also function in hazardous environments without any ill effects. But robots are machines and, like all machines, need someone to build, program, maintain, and fix them. Robotics technicians help design, test, install, maintain, troubleshoot, and fix robots and automation control systems.

There are two kinds of robotics technicians. Some robotics technicians work with engineers and designers to assemble robots and test them. They help to develop the computer programs that control the robot and direct them to do tasks. These technicians understand computers, electrical and electronic systems, sensors, and the inner workings of robots and automation control systems.

Other robotics technicians work with robots that are used in industrial manufacturing. These technicians are responsible for maintaining and troubleshooting both the electrical and mechanical systems of the robot. They make sure that the robots are functioning efficiently so that the manufacturing floor never stops making products.

Robotics technicians can work on installing robots at plant sites. In this capacity, they are responsible for ensuring that the robot or automation control system is working properly. They must also train personnel on how to maintain and control the robot or automation control system.

Work Environment

Robotics technicians can work on repairing, programming, and maintaining robots or they can work on assembling and testing robots. Robotics technicians who work on maintaining and fixing robots usually work in manufacturing or production operations. These environments can vary from noisy and dirty factory floors to wafer fabrication clean rooms where the environment is strictly controlled. In both environments, robotics technicians must follow all safety procedures and wear safety gear. Robotics technicians who work on assembling and testing robots work in well-equipped laboratories.

Robotics technicians work a standard 40-hour week. At times, deadlines may bring extra pressure to the job, requiring robotics technicians to work overtime hours. Shift work may be required for those employed by robot users. In factories, work may be scheduled over long holiday periods for installation of new robots or during major modifications.

Some robotics technicians travel to the customer's plant in order to install or service their robots.

More Information

Ask Questions

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Additional Resources

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