Computer Repair Technician

Your Fit

Income

$46K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

-10.8%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Computer Repair Technician?

A Computer Repair Technician is a professional responsible for identifying, troubleshooting, and resolving hardware, software, and network issues in computers. They perform repairs and maintenance to ensure computers operate efficiently and securely.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Computer Repair Technician.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Computer Repair Technician earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$33K per year	$37K per year	$46K per year	$58K per year	$66K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $2.3K below the national average.

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What does a Computer Repair Technician do?

Work environment

Computer Repair Technicians typically work in repair shops, IT departments of various organizations, or as independent contractors. Their work environment may vary from an office setting to on-site visits in businesses or homes, often requiring them to work with a variety of computer systems and setups.

Quick task list

Diagnoses and repairs hardware and software issues.
Installs and updates software and drivers.
Maintains and upgrades computer systems.
Provides technical support and advice to users.
Ensures security and efficiency of IT infrastructure.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Hardware Specialist: Focuses on physical components, such as motherboards, CPUs, and RAM.
Software Specialist: Concentrates on operating systems, applications, and software-related issues.
Network Support: Specializes in networking issues, including LAN/WAN connectivity.
Data Recovery Expert: Skilled in retrieving data from damaged or inaccessible storage devices.
Security Specialist: Concentrates on antivirus protection and cybersecurity measures.

Description

Computer Repair Technicians are vital in the digital age, ensuring the proper functioning of computer systems, which are essential in almost all sectors. They need to stay abreast of the latest technology trends and possess a thorough understanding of computer hardware and software. Strong problem-solving skills are crucial, as they often work on complex issues that require innovative solutions.

Their role often involves direct interaction with clients or users, requiring good communication and customer service skills. They need to explain technical information in an understandable way and provide advice on system maintenance and upgrades.

The occupation requires continuous learning and adaptation, as technology evolves rapidly. Technicians often work under pressure to resolve issues quickly to minimize downtime, which is critical in business environments.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

The challenge and satisfaction of solving complex technical problems.
Keeping up with the latest technological advancements.
The opportunity to work on a variety of systems and in different environments.

You might make a good Computer Repair Technician if you are...

Technically inclined with a keen interest in computers and technology.
Detail-oriented, with a patient and methodical approach to problem-solving.
Good at communicating and explaining technical information in simple terms.
Able to work independently and manage time effectively.
Eager to learn and stay updated with the latest tech developments.

Pros:

High demand in a technology-driven world.
Opportunities for continuous learning and skill development.
Variety in daily tasks and working environments.

Cons:

Can be challenging to keep up with rapidly changing technology.
May require working odd hours or being on call for emergencies.
The work can be repetitive and sometimes physically demanding.

How to become a Computer Repair Technician

Typical education

The average schooling required is typically a post-secondary certificate or associate degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field, which takes about 1-2 years. However, some positions may require only a high school diploma with relevant experience.

High school preparation

Courses:

Computer Science for foundational knowledge.
Mathematics, especially algebra and physics, for technical understanding.
Technical Writing for documentation skills.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining a computer club or tech team.
Volunteering to provide tech support at school events.
Participating in robotics clubs or maker fairs.

Preparation after high school

Pursuing a certificate or associate degree in computer science, IT, or electronics.
Gaining experience through internships or part-time jobs in tech support or repair shops.
Earning industry certifications like CompTIA A+ or Cisco's CCNA.

More resources

CompTIA - Provides certification and career path information.
O*NET Online - Detailed information on the occupation and skills required.
iFixit - Offers guides for a variety of repair tasks and a community for support.
TechRepublic - A resource for the latest in IT news, tips, and best practices.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.