Control and Valve Installers and Repairers
O*NET title: Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door
Also called: Control and Valve Installers and Repairers
Install, repair, and maintain mechanical regulating and controlling devices, such as electric meters, gas regulators, thermostats, safety and flow valves, and other mechanical governors.
Also called: Air Valve Mechanic, Air Valve Repairer, Automation and Controls Specialist, Automation Controls Technician, Certification Technician, Control Panel Technician (Control Panel Tech)
Median pay
$74,340
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$45,910 – $112,500
People employed
48,240
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 2.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
The hard parts
- Work outdoors in all weather
- Tight deadlines are common
- Exposure to hazardous conditions
Control and Valve Installers and Repairers pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Control and Valve Installers and Repairers salary in every state →
What control and valve installers and repairers do
- 01Record maintenance information, including test results, material usage, and repairs made.
- 02Calibrate instrumentation, such as meters, gauges, and regulators, for pressure, temperature, flow, and level.
- 03Install, inspect and test electric meters, relays, and power sources to detect causes of malfunctions and inaccuracies, using hand tools and testing equipment.
- 04Test valves and regulators for leaks and accurate temperature and pressure settings, using precision testing equipment.
- 05Record meter readings and installation data on meter cards, work orders, or field service orders, or enter data into hand-held computers.
- 06Turn meters on or off to establish or close service.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
Knowledge
- Mechanical
- Engineering and Technology
- Public Safety and Security
- Computers and Electronics
- Customer and Personal Service
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: over 4 years, up to and including 6 years.
- On-the-job training: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from control and valve installers and repairers
- Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators90% · +6%
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay89% · +39%
- Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment88% · +14%
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment87% · 0%
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines85% · −12%
Change into control and valve installers and repairers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers92% · $56,210
- Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators90% · $78,620
- Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians88% · $57,550
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics87% · $50,620
- Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment87% · $84,890
Majors that lead here
- Heavy Equipment Maintenance Technology/Technician
- Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology/Technician
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.