Instrument Maker Overview

Required Education and Training To Become an Instrument Maker

Best Schools to become a Instrument Maker in U.S. 2024

Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College

Minden, LA

In-State Tuition:$3,214
Out-of-State Tuition:$3,214
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:69%
Total Enrollment:970

SOWELA Technical Community College

Lake Charles, LA

In-State Tuition:$3,335
Out-of-State Tuition:$3,335
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:40%
Total Enrollment:3,268

Lee College

Baytown, TX

In-State Tuition:$3,132
Out-of-State Tuition:$3,552
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:40%
Total Enrollment:7,807

San Jacinto Community College

Pasadena, TX

In-State Tuition:$3,240
Out-of-State Tuition:$5,040
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:32%
Total Enrollment:30,593

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College

Perkinston, MS

In-State Tuition:$3,300
Out-of-State Tuition:$6,600
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:44%
Total Enrollment:7,845

Gemological Institute of America-Carlsbad

Carlsbad, CA

In-State Tuition:$N/A
Out-of-State Tuition:$N/A
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:42%
Total Enrollment:154
Instrument Maker Job Description:
  • Set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments out of metal.
  • Includes precision instrument makers who fabricate, modify, or repair mechanical instruments.
  • May also fabricate and modify parts to make or repair machine tools or maintain industrial machines, applying knowledge of mechanics, mathematics, metal properties, layout, and machining procedures.

Required Skills and Competencies To Become an Instrument Maker

Job Duties for Instrument Makers

  • Calculate dimensions or tolerances, using instruments, such as micrometers or vernier calipers.

  • Machine parts to specifications, using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders.

  • Measure, examine, or test completed units to check for defects and ensure conformance to specifications, using precision instruments, such as micrometers.

Technologies and Skills Used by Instrument Makers

Computer aided design CAD software

  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Dassault Systemes CATIA

Computer aided manufacturing CAM software

  • Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
  • Mastercam computer-aided design and manufacturing software

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Basic Skills

  • Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
  • Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem

Problem Solving

  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Current Job Market and Opportunites for an Instrument Maker

Additional Resources To Help You Become an Instrument Maker

FAQs About Becoming an Instrument Maker