Fluid power technician
Also known as: hydraulic liquid inspector, fluid power brake inspector, hydraulic brake operator, hydraulic liquid mechanic, hydraulic brake inspector, hydraulic inspector
About this occupation
Fluid power technicians install and assemble equipment that uses liquid or gas pressure to transmit or regulate power. They also perform tests on and maintain this equipment.
Essential skills and knowledge
- record test data
- secure working area
- install hydraulic systems
- operate soldering equipment
- consult technical resources
- perform test run
- hydraulics
- mechanics
- hydraulic fluid
- use testing equipment
- resolve equipment malfunctions
- fluid mechanics
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door (O*NET 49-9012.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Record maintenance information, including test results, material usage, and repairs made.
- Disassemble and repair mechanical control devices or valves, such as regulators, thermostats, or hydrants, using power tools, hand tools, and cutting torches.
- Lubricate wearing surfaces of mechanical parts, using oils or other lubricants.
- Calibrate instrumentation, such as meters, gauges, and regulators, for pressure, temperature, flow, and level.
- Install, inspect and test electric meters, relays, and power sources to detect causes of malfunctions and inaccuracies, using hand tools and testing equipment.
- Test valves and regulators for leaks and accurate temperature and pressure settings, using precision testing equipment.
- Typical education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Conventional, Investigative
Top skills: Critical Thinking, Repairing, Active Listening, Speaking, Monitoring, Operations Monitoring
US median pay: US$74,340 a year (2025), 48,240 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalVery important (4.1)
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyImportant (3.4)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.3)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsImportant (3.2)
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignImportant (3.2)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics
- Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
- Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay
- Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
- Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
- Maintenance Workers, Machinery
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.