PC technician: Job Outlook and professional information
Personal computer (PC) technicians or computer repair jobs are skilled workers in the general field of repairing computers, ATMs and office machines. Learn the requirements for training and further education in order to become a PC technician. Find out about the salary and career prospects for this career, as well as some alternative career opportunities.
Career definition for a PC technician
PC technicians diagnose and repair hardware and software problems for PCs, often at the customer’s. They plan routine maintenance and keep inventory of a company’s computers, printers, and copiers. There are various other career opportunities for trained and experienced PC technicians. You can become a computer network supervisor, open your own repair shop or have a career in repairing other computer-controlled devices such as alarm systems.
Training required
The general educational requirements for a career as a PC technician include an associate’s degree or a certificate from a vocational school. Some students complete bachelor’s degrees in computer science that are offered by many universities and colleges. Some of the courses included in these programs include courses in computer technology, electrical system design, and system administration.
Skills required
PC technicians are expected to have good computer and staff skills to make customer service calls. PC technicians must be highly competent in controlling the use of hardware and software. In particular, they need to understand how personal computer systems interact with each other. You should also be able to repair other components of the computer system, e.g. B. Printers, modems and other accessories.
Daily tasks
Due to the variety and scope of responsibilities and tasks that a PC support technician has to perform, it is difficult to pinpoint the exact daily tasks. The following list contains some of the most common daily tasks performed by a PC support person. Even if you work as a technician, don’t be surprised if you perform tasks other than those listed here:
Provide support for computers – PC support technicians provide technical support to clients or clients, either personally or by telephone. Supporting users is the job of a PC assistant technician.
Software Maintenance and Upgrades – Often, a service package or upgrade package is done as soon as a new software package is released. These updates provide a solution to the problems identified in the program. Technicians need to be aware of these software patches and can use them to troubleshoot software issues.
Maintaining a troubleshooting record and troubleshooting computer related problems is very repetitive. Technicians who have worked in the computer industry for several years will have a detailed history of problems and solutions.
Diagnosing and troubleshooting software and hardware issues – In short, this technician must be trained and hired. Illegal operation, be it a bootable disk or a faulty CD-ROM drive, can diagnose the technique and resolve the problem. In many cases, this problem can be resolved while the computer is on the client’s desktop, but sometimes the computer must be removed and a replacement drive replaced. This often requires transferring data from one computer to another.
Career and economic future
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates a 2% reduction for computer repairs, but will see 11% faster job growth for computer assistance specialists from 2016 to 2026. The needs of computer technicians will continue to grow as computer usage grows. for decades. Data collected by BLS in May 2017 averaged $ 18.13 per hour on computers, automated counters and office machine repairs, or $ 37,710 per year. Computer-assisted specialists earned $ 52,810 in salary over the same time frame, according to BLS.
Alternative Career Opportunities
Installer and repairer of the telecommunication station
Like computer technicians, telecommunications equipment installers and repairs install equipment, such as telephones, modems, and cable television equipment, and are called upon to repair this equipment when they cause a malfunction. Telecommunication workers often require a certificate or a degree in the telecommunications related field career, and on-the-job training is common. As of May 2017, this employee received an annual salary of $ 53,380, according to BLS. BLS has recorded an 8% decrease for this project from 2016 to 2026.
Social worker
Those who prefer to see things other than a PC might want more than the role of work in a job as a general carer. Routine maintenance staff and repair equipment, piping systems, and other household items. These employees often do not handle technical training or vocational training, but they can take high school retail classes or complete vocational programs with classes in many fields, such as electrical equipment. lightning bolt, or pipe. To learn the job, a care worker may have to work with an experienced worker. On average casual workers earned $ 37,670 in an additional year in 2017. Employment growth in this sector is expected to increase on average, with an 8% increase in work performed by non-BLS between 2016 and 2026.