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Metrologist · 2026 salary + AI outlook

Metrologist salary — and how to earn like the top 1%

$62,000median / year · about $30 an hour (BLS)

Machine vision and automated CMM routines now flag defects faster than manual inspection, so pay shifts to metrologists who program the automation and own GD&T strategy.

Entry level
$40,000
Top earners
$90,000
Job growth
+5%
AI exposure
Medium
🏆 The Top 1% Playbook

How to reach the top 1% of Metrologists

Four moves, straight from how the highest-paid in this field use AI in 2026:

1
Own GD&T cold Master ASME Y14.5 geometric dimensioning and tolerancing until engineers consult you first. GD&T fluency separates a gauge-reader from the metrologist who defines the inspection strategy for a program.
2
Program the CMMs Go beyond running parts — write and optimize routines in PC-DMIS or Zeiss Calypso. Engineers who automate inspection and build the measurement programs are far harder to replace than operators.
3
Add 3D scanning Learn structured-light and CT metrology on GOM, Creaform, or Zeiss systems. Point-cloud inspection and reverse engineering are growing fast and pay well above tactile-probe-only work.
4
Run an accredited lab Get trained in ISO/IEC 17025 and calibration management, and own the measurement uncertainty budgets. Running an accredited lab moves you into quality-management pay lanes most metrologists never reach.
💡 The move that pays: When tolerances tighten, the person who owns the measurement owns the argument.
HomeJob Salaries › Metrologist Salary

Metrologist Salary in 2026

Metrologist pay, in real terms

Per hour
$29.81
Per week
$1,192
Every 2 weeks
$2,385
Per month
$5,167

At the national median of $62,000/year, a metrologist earns $5,167/month before taxes. Over a 30-year career that's roughly $1,860,000 in gross earnings — and that's before raises, promotions, or bonuses.

That puts this role about 29% above the U.S. median wage for all workers (about $48,060/year, per BLS). Using the common rule of keeping housing under 30% of gross pay, this salary supports about $1,550/month in rent or mortgage.

Figures are gross (pre-tax) estimates from the national median; use the take-home and hourly calculators on PayCrunch for your exact state and situation.

Updated June 2026 · BLS Data
How much does a Metrologist make?
$62,000per year
National median salary · $29.81/hour · $5,167/month
Hourly
$29.81
Monthly
$5,167
Weekly
$1,192
Daily
$238
Estimated take-home
$47,120/yr
Adjust Your Market Position
$62,000/yr
Entry Level · $40,000 Top Earner · $90,000
IRS.gov data
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All 50 states
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What Does a Metrologist Do?

Metrologists develop and maintain measurement standards and calibration systems to ensure accuracy in manufacturing and research.

Metrologist Salary by State

Select your state to see the adjusted metrologist salary based on cost-of-living differences.

Select a state above

How to Become a Metrologist

Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Physics

Certifications: ASQ CCT certification valued

Career path: Calibration Tech → Metrologist → Senior Metrologist → Lead Metrologist → Metrology Director

Metrologist Salary by Experience

Entry level
$40,000
Mid-career
$62,000
Senior
$81,900

Estimates based on BLS percentile data and industry surveys. Actual salaries vary by employer, location, and individual qualifications.

Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Metrologists

#StateAnnualMonthlyHourly
1Hawaii$73,160$6,097$35.17
2California$71,300$5,942$34.28
3New York$71,300$5,942$34.28
4Massachusetts$69,440$5,787$33.38
5New Jersey$69,440$5,787$33.38
6Connecticut$68,200$5,683$32.79
7Washington$68,200$5,683$32.79
8Maryland$66,960$5,580$32.19
9Alaska$65,100$5,425$31.30
10Colorado$65,100$5,425$31.30

State salaries estimated using BLS national median adjusted by regional cost-of-living factors.

Compare to Related Jobs

Job TitleMedian SalaryHourlyDifference
Metrologist$62,000$29.81
Ornithologist$62,000$29.81
Farm Manager$62,000$29.81
Forensic Scientist$63,000$30.29+$1,000
Conservation Scientist$64,000$30.77+$2,000
Archaeologist$65,000$31.25+$3,000
Marine Biologist$65,000$31.25+$3,000

Job Outlook

The BLS projects +5% growth for metrologists through 2032, which is faster than average compared to the average for all occupations (3%).

🆕 New & Trending AI Tools for MetrologistReviewed July 2026

We track new AI-tool launches every week and refresh this list — here’s what’s gaining traction for Metrologist work right now.

Julius AINEWFree / $20 mo

AI data analyst that runs statistics and charts from plain-language prompts.

How a Metrologist uses it: analyze datasets and generate figures without writing code

NotebookLMNEWFree / $7.99 mo

Google tool that answers questions grounded only in the documents you give it — with citations.

How a Metrologist uses it: load your own manuals, policies, or PDFs and ask questions that stay accurate to the source

ElicitFree / $12 mo

AI research assistant that finds and summarizes papers.

How a Metrologist uses it: run a literature review and extract findings across dozens of papers fast

ConsensusFree / $9 mo

AI search that answers questions from peer-reviewed research.

How a Metrologist uses it: get evidence-backed answers with the studies behind them

SciSpaceFree / paid

AI that explains papers and helps with literature review.

How a Metrologist uses it: decode dense papers and trace citations quickly

SciteFree / $20 mo

Shows whether other studies support or contradict a paper's claims (Smart Citations).

How a Metrologist uses it: check if a finding is actually backed by the wider literature before you cite it

ChatGPTFree / $20 mo

The most-used AI assistant — writing, analysis, research, and images from a plain-language chat.

How a Metrologist uses it: draft emails and documents, summarize long files, and get instant answers to on-the-job questions

ClaudeFree / $20 mo

AI assistant known for careful writing, long-document analysis, and coding.

How a Metrologist uses it: analyze big reports or spreadsheets and turn messy notes into clean, finished writing

Google GeminiFree / $20 mo

Google's AI assistant, built into Gmail, Docs, and Search.

How a Metrologist uses it: draft and reply inside Google Workspace and research without leaving the page

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a metrologist make?
The national median salary for a metrologist is $62,000 per year, or $29.81 per hour. Entry-level positions start around $40,000 while top earners make $90,000 or more.
What education do you need to become a metrologist?
Most metrologist positions require bachelor's degree in engineering or physics. Additional certifications or experience may increase earning potential.
What is the job outlook for metrologists?
Employment of metrologists is projected to grow 5% over the next decade, which is about average compared to the average for all occupations.
What are the highest paying states for metrologists?
The highest paying states include Hawaii, California, New York, Massachusetts, and New Jersey, where cost of living adjustments push salaries above the national median.
Can you make six figures as a metrologist?
While the median salary is below six figures, top earners in high-paying states and with significant experience can approach or exceed $100,000.
Methodology and data sources

Salary data is based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) program. National median, 10th percentile, and 90th percentile figures are sourced from the most recent BLS OES release. State-level salary estimates are calculated by applying regional price parity adjustments from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) to the national median. Job growth projections are from the BLS Employment Projections program. Education and certification requirements are based on BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook descriptions. All figures are approximate and updated periodically.

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