How To Become a Robotics Technician

Key Points

• Robotics technicians play a crucial role in various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, military and exploration, by installing, maintaining and repairing robotic equipment.
• The largest employers of electromechanical technologists and technicians in 2022 were in scientific research and development services, engineering services and manufacturing sectors.
• To become a robotics technician, formal education such as a trade school certificate or diploma is typically required.
• The median annual salary for electromechanical and mechatronics technicians in the United States was $65,080 in May 2023.⁵⁹
• Robotics technicians need a blend of technical skills, including knowledge of manufacturing systems, digital electronics and industrial networking, as well as soft skills like communication and problem-solving to succeed in their careers.

Robots play a big role in many important industries. They help build machinery, provide services and take on tasks like sorting and disassembly. Those who work in this field might be known as robotics technicians, electromechanical technicians or mechatronic technologists.

If you like working with your hands, problem-solving and have a passion for technology, you might be interested in a career as a robotics technician. Learn what the work entails and how to become one.

What Is a Robotics Technician?

Robotics technicians install, fix, operate, test, maintain and upgrade computer-controlled and electronic mechanical systems and equipment, otherwise known as robots. They work in industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, military and exploration, and may even work alongside mechanical and electrical engineers.

What Does a Robotics Technician Do?

Robotics technicians might work on teams with mechanical engineers and electrical engineers, both in offices and at production sites. Wherever robots and robotics technology are present, a robotics technician may be on call to install, maintain and fix that equipment.

Robot technician duties may include:

• Assembling robotics equipment using diagrams, blueprints and schematics
• Using precision instruments to measure parts
• Operating metalworking machines during assembly
• Troubleshooting, testing and maintaining robotic equipment

Robotics Technician Education Requirements

Robotics technicians typically need a formal education, such as a trade school certificate or diploma from a training program. Knowledge of manufacturing systems and technology, applied physics, precision measuring and industrial robotics is important for technicians in this field.

Universal Technical Institute (UTI) offers a 51-week Robotics & Automation Technician program that walks students through these topics in hands-on labs, led by experienced instructors. During courses,  students gain practical experience automating tasks using robots – a skill many employers value.¹

Timothy Olson, the maintenance manager at STERIS AST emphasized this when he said, “The technical aspect is one the marketplace has little or no people that you can hire straight off the street that are going to understand what we’re doing. … Having them with a baseline of information which they would get here at UTI is hyper important.”

What Is the Career Outlook for a Robotics Technician?

Robotics technicians can pursue opportunities in several industries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the largest employers of electromechanical technologists and technicians in 2022 were:

• Scientific research and development services: 14%
• Engineering services: 13%
• Navigational, measuring, electromedical and control instruments manufacturing: 8%
• Machinery manufacturing: 8%
• Transportation equipment manufacturing: 4%

When it comes to salary, the BLS reported that the median annual salary for robotics 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.

FAQs

How long does it take to become a robotics technician?

The Robotics & Automation Technician training program at UTI can be completed in less than a year!⁷ When students graduate from the program, they are ready to pursue entry-level positions in the field like: robotics and automation technician, control systems technician or maintenance technician.

Is becoming a robotics technician hard?

When you’re picking up new skills and knowledge, there is a learning curve that could make some parts of the process a bit difficult. But if you enjoy robotics, problem-solving and technical work, have a strong attention to detail and have a love for learning, you can strive to become a robotics technician.

What does a typical day for a robotics technician look like?

A typical day for a robotics technician is dynamic and hands-on, involving troubleshooting technical issues, performing routine maintenance and sometimes, collaborating with engineers. Each day brings new challenges that require sharp problem-solving abilities, clear communication and technical knowledge.

Get Robotics Technician Training at UTI

As technology evolves, so does the world’s reliance on it. Robotics technicians get to build and work on important machines like robots, which are increasingly responsible for various tasks in business operations and beyond.

Request info and an Admissions Representative will be in touch with resources as you consider your next step!

Campuses That Offer Robotics Technician Training

• Rancho Cucamonga, California
• Lisle, Illinois
• Canton, Michigan
• Mooresville, North Carolina
• Exton, Pennsylvania
• Houston, Texas