ROBOTICS TECHNICIAN CAREER PATH

The world is becoming increasingly reliant on robotic and automated equipment. It’s used in industries ranging from manufacturing to automotive and healthcare.

Robotics technicians ensure electromechanical equipment functions properly. Their day-to-day work involves testing, maintaining and operating equipment that’s “unmanned,” which means the equipment relies on computer programming to execute tasks automatically.

If you want to pursue a hands-on job in robotics with some of the world’s most cutting-edge technology, a career path as a robotics and automation technician may be for you. Read below to learn what to expect when pursuing robotics employment opportunities.

Train for a Robotics Technician Career

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), those who work as electro-mechanical or mechatronic technologists or technicians typically need formal education to enter the field. That’s because automated technology is complex and always evolving. Learning in a supportive and supervised setting ensures the trainee stays safe and gains the skills needed to pursue an entry-level position.

In Universal Technical Institute’s Robotics and Automation Technician program, students can train on real equipment in state-of-the-industry labs to learn the skills they need to pursue an entry-level role in robotics and automation.¹ Instructors use their experience in the field to support students during their training.

Our schools also provide a Career Services team, which offers assistance to students looking for part-time employment while in school.

What Does a Robotics Technician Do?

Robotics technicians play a crucial role in the automation industry, specializing in the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting and repair of robotic systems. As industries increasingly rely on robotics systems to improve efficiency and precision, there's a demand for skilled professionals to fill robotics technician jobs.

Benefits of a Career in Robotics & Automation

There are many benefits to pursuing careers in robotics, including the opportunity to be a part of an innovative industry.

Those who want to work with technology and electronics systems would enjoy the field of robotics and automation which offers the chance to engage with artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, advanced control systems and more.

Along with the high-tech atmosphere, another exciting aspect of the robotics industry is the opportunity for experienced technicians to pursue more advanced robotics technician jobs as they gain additional skills and knowledge.

Our program's grads are prepared to pursue entry-level roles. As with any industry, over time, technicians may be able to advance in their careers with experience and hard work.

Robotics & Automation Industry Overview

Trends in Robotics and Automation

With the changing landscape in robotics and automation, there are several trends in the field, including:

AI & machine learning in robotics: AI-powered robotics are revolutionizing industries by enabling robots to learn, adapt and make decisions based on real-time data.

Autonomous vehicles and drones: Self-driving technology is expanding beyond cars, with autonomous robots and drones being used for warehouse automation, delivery services and even disaster response.

Robotics in healthcare & medical technology: Medical robotics is a rapidly growing field, with surgical robots, rehabilitation robots and AI-driven diagnostic tools improving healthcare outcomes.

Warehouse automation and logistics robotics: The rise of e-commerce and supply chain automation has driven demand for robotic fulfillment centers, automated material handling systems, and AI-driven inventory management.

These are just a few of the developing trends within the robotics and automation field.

Industries That Rely on Robotics Technicians

Given the transformations taking place within the workforce, careers in robotics are present in a variety of industries. These include:

• Manufacturing
• Aerospace
• Logistics
• Healthcare
• Renewable energy
• Defense and security
• Consumer electronics
• Construction

Robotics Technician Median Annual Salary

According to the BLS, the median annual salary for robotics and automation technicians in the United States was $65,080 in May 2023.⁵⁹

This means half earned more and half earned less. Keep in mind that salary depends on several factors, including experience, employer, demand and cost of living in the area.

Factors That Influence Salary Potential

Robotics technician salary is impacted by a variety of factors, including:

Level of experience: Whether you're entry-level or more advanced in your career can factor into your pay potential.

Industry and sector: Some industries pay higher wages based on demand, complexity and technical requirements.

Geographical location: Salaries are often higher in areas with a strong tech presence and industrial hubs, though it depends on the needs at the time.

Education and certifications: A degree or technical training in the robotics and automation field can boost salaries, alongside obtaining industry certifications.

Careers in Robotics

With robotics and automation training, there are various careers in robotics a graduate could pursue. Our grads are prepared to pursue entry-level roles. As with any industry, over time, technicians may be able to advance in their careers with experience and hard work. Some entry-level and advanced careers in robotics could include the following:⁷⁷

Entry-Level

Robotics and automation technician: Robotics and automation technicians are responsible for the installation, maintenance and troubleshooting of assembly machinery and robotic systems. They conduct performance diagnostics, interpret schematics and drawings, perform repairs and write progress reports. These technicians work on electrical and mechanical systems to perform maintenance, make improvements and replace old or damaged parts.

Control systems technician: Also known as instrumentation technicians, these individuals monitor the controls of automated equipment. They are responsible for troubleshooting problems to minimize interruptions to production schedules, and understand how pressure, flow, level and temperature affect their systems.

Maintenance technician: Automation maintenance technicians are responsible for overall upkeep, troubleshooting and preventative maintenance on electromechanical systems and manufacturing equipment. These technicians often travel to perform on-site set up, programming and repairs and write progress reports.

Advanced

Instrumentation and controls technician: Instrumentation and controls technicians test, calibrate, install, repair and inspect automated and robotic equipment. Their duties also include documenting calibrations and repairs as needed. These technicians use a variety of equipment, including computer software, electrical and electronic testing equipment and more.

Service technician III: Robotics and automation service technicians are often employed by manufacturers and distributors to respond to service calls. This would entail going into the field to install, troubleshoot, diagnose and repair electromechanical automated equipment. As technicians develop more skills and are able to work on more advanced programs and systems, they can expand their responsibilities.

Senior maintenance technician: Senior maintenance technicians in robotics and automation have similar duties as those of maintenance technicians, with the addition of leadership tasks. They may lead teams of technicians, be involved in the training and development of technicians, and collaborate with other managers to implement new processes.

Process control technician: Process control techs are responsible for monitoring control systems, including remotely controlled equipment. These technicians use a variety of software tools to manage, measure, diagnose and troubleshoot control systems. They have a comprehensive understanding of controllers, sensors and other instrumentation that help monitor pressure, temperature, flow and other factors that affect the automated processes they’re working on.

Product tech specialist: Product tech specialists focus on single or multiple products. Depending on the industry, they may work directly with customers to fix issues occurring with that product or product line. Someone who communicates well, enjoys collaborating with others and likes finding solutions may be a good fit for this role.

Test engineering technician: These technicians design and develop automated strategies to identify bugs or issues within automated software and robotics systems. They create test cases that assess whether the product is working properly and convey their findings with developers and engineers.

System integrator: System integrators are responsible for connecting subsystems to build automated solutions. They typically work with software, hardware, various devices and machines in an integrated automated system.

System integrators construct, develop and execute technology solutions that are tailored to the demands of an organization. Someone who enjoys computer technology, analytical thinking and is detail oriented may be well suited for this role.

Robotics engineer: Robotics engineers design prototypes, build and test machines and maintain the software that controls autonomous machines (robots) or automated systems. These engineers are focused on creating machines that replicate human actions and can help make that industry or business more efficient.

Project engineer: Project engineers are responsible for all technical and engineering aspects of a specific project. They collaborate with project staff to create a strategic plan and determine cost estimates of materials, time, labor and other necessary resources for project completion. Someone who enjoys working with various teams, is excellent with time management, has great communication skills, is quick to find resolutions and likes being in a leadership role would do well as a project engineer.

Control engineer: Control engineers, or control systems engineers, oversee the production of various types of equipment and systems. They also research, design and manage the development of equipment used to monitor control systems and machinery.

Control engineers play an important role in designing and developing systems for manufacturing operations. They focus on finding resolutions and process improvements within their organizations.

Automation program manager: Automation program managers maintain and expand the robotic and automated programs for a specific company. They work with various departments to enhance the communication and functionality between various parts of the automation program.

Their duties include managing personnel, strategic planning, mentoring and advising colleagues and driving emerging automation technologies throughout their organizations. Someone looking to lead various teams and personnel, who possesses a desire to use strategic thinking to further enhance an entire program, would be well suited for this role.

Build the Skills Needed To Pursue a Robotics and Automation Technician Career

With an educational foundation in subjects like electronics, electricity, computer-aided design and programming, graduates can pursue entry-level jobs that require these skills.

In our program, students take courses where they learn skills like:

• 3D printing
• Applied physics and precision measuring
• Computer-aided design
• Foundational programming
• DC and AC electricity
• Electronics
• Industrial networking
• Industrial robotics
• Instrumentation and control
• Manufacturing systems and technology
• Programmable logic controllers
• Troubleshooting

Upon graduation, students are prepared to apply for entry-level jobs in robotics and automation, as well as related fields.