Computer Service Technicians install, maintain, and repair electronic computers and operating systems, including hardware, software and peripheral equipment such as high-speed printers, disk drives, modems, scanners, monitors, and hand held wireless mobile terminals (devices).

JOB DUTIES 

Computer Service Technicians may:

Answer user inquiries regarding computer software or hardware operation to resolve problems

Enter commands and observe system functioning to verify correct operations and detect errors

Set up equipment for employee use, performing or ensuring proper installation of cables, operating systems or appropriate software

Follow a planned schedule of routine maintenance such as cleaning and adjusting equipment

Install and perform minor repairs to hardware, software, and/or peripheral equipment

Maintain records of daily data communication transactions, problems and remedial actions taken, or installation activities

Maintain inventory of parts

Fill out time and expense reports

Order repair parts and sell supplies

Refer major hardware or software problems or defective products to vendors or technicians for service

Advise customers concerning operation, maintenance, and programming

Click here for a brief video of Computer Service Technicians!

The tools, equipment, and materials used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Computer Service Technicians may specialize in these areas:

828.261-014 FIELD ENGINEERS install, maintain, and repair computers.

828.261-022 COMPUTER ELECTRONICS MECHANICS test electronic components and circuits to locate defects and replace or adjust defective parts and wiring following manufacturers' blueprints or specifications.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration scripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Most Computer Service Technicians work in service departments of computer manufacturing firms and wholesale distributors. A small number work for companies that sell computer maintenance services or for companies with large computer installations. In addition, some Computer Service Technicians work for banks, hospitals, and schools.

Technicians generally work in office buildings but may have to drive to various businesses during the course of the day. Those who travel to customers must carry their tools and testing equipment with them. Some computer malfunctions can now be diagnosed by remote access. This lessens travel requirements for the Service Technician.

Although some bending and lifting is necessary, the Computer Service Technician's job is not strenuous.

The normal workweek is 40 hours, but often must work overtime or on weekends to make emergency repairs. Many Computer Service Technicians work rotating shifts, days one week and nights the next.

All tools and testing equipment are supplied by the employer.

You Should Prefer:

• Working with machines

• Seeing the physical results of your work

You Should Be Able To:

• Understand computer functions and number systems

• Operate test instruments

• Read and visualize circuitry from schematic diagrams

• Interpret error message printouts and technical handbooks

• Understand the relationship of all computer equipment and assemblies

• Use hand tools

• Determine conditions surrounding equipment failure

• Establish priorities in work assignments

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

If a voltage reading is taken between any two ungrounded conductors on a 120/208 volt, three-phase, 4-wire Y-Y connected electric service, what would the normal voltage reading be?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Allow multi-user access of the database, whether or not the file is on a network. This mode is appropriate for use on a non-dedicated or distributed network.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

Prepare an estimate for installing a new program upon the request of a potential customer.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

Should be able to demonstrate analytical skills and be detail oriented in installing and maintaining computers.

Most employers require 2 years of electronics training at a community college or an accredited trade school. Applicants may be tested for mechanical aptitude, knowledge of electronics, abstract reasoning abilities, and manual dexterity. Some firms accept military training in electronics.

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EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma with specific Vocational Education Classes or a Certificate (program of up to one year of study beyond high school) or an Associate Degree (two years of study beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in this Career Exploration script:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0300 AUTOMOTIVE , 0500 BUILDING TRADES , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 1200 ELECTRONICS , 1300 ENGLISH , 2200 MATH , 3200 TECHNICAL DRAWING , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

033 ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS REPAIR

Approved vocational education programs in Electrical and Electronics repair prepare students to test, install, maintain, and repair electrical and electronics systems and components. These programs generally prepare students to operate, maintain, and repair electronic business machines, communications equipment, large and small appliances, and vending machines. Instruction includes the use of testing equipment.

The following courses may be required for completion of this program:

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

052 ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY

Programs in Electrical and Electronics Technology provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment servicing electrical and electronics systems, appliances, and motors. Individuals who teach Electrical and Electronics Technology at the secondary school level must have a Michigan Teaching Certificate .

Courses within this program will vary but may include:

120 ROBOTICS TECHNOLOGY

Programs in Robotics Technology provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment in the design, manufacture, testing, installation, operation, and maintenance of robots, robotic systems, and related devices, tools, and mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment. Individuals who teach Robotics Technology at the secondary school level must have a Michigan Teaching Certificate .

Courses vary from school to school but may include:

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this Career Exploration script.

***MILITARY TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES***

Please check the Military website at http://www.todaysmilitary.com.

COMPUTER EQUIPMENT REPAIRERS

The military relies on computers to support weapon systems, communications, and administration. Keeping systems "up" is crucial for all military operations. Computer, equipment repairers install, test, maintain, and repair computers and related data processing equipment.

What They Do

Computer equipment repairers in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Install computers and other data processing equipment

• Inspect data processing equipment for defects in wiring, circuit boards, and other parts

• Test and repair data processing equipment using electrical voltage meters, circuit analyzers, and other special testing equipment

• Locate defective data processing parts using technical guides and diagrams

Physical Demands

Specialties that involve flying require passing a special physical exam. Normal color vision is required to work with color-coded wiring.

Helpful Attributes

Helpful school subjects include math and electronic equipment repair. Helpful attributes include:

• Interest in working with electrical and electronic equipment

Work Environment

Computer equipment repairers usually work indoors in repair shops or data processing centers on land or aboard ships. Some specialties involve flying.

Training Provided

Job training consists of 25 to 35 weeks of class room instruction, including practice in repairing computer equipment. Course content typically includes:

• Electronic principles and concepts

• Operation of various computer systems and equipment

• Use of test equipment

• Repair of data processing equipment

The Army, Navy, and Marine Corps offer certified apprenticeship programs for some specialties in this occupation.

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian computer equipment repairers work for computer manufacturers, repair services, and other businesses with large computer facilities. They perform duties similar to military computer equipment repairers. They may also be called computer service technicians.

Opportunities

The current number of computer equipment repairers in the military is unknown, however new equipment repairers are needed annually due to changes in personnel and field demands. After job training, repairers are assigned to maintenance units or data processing centers. They perform jobs under close supervision. In time, they may perform more difficult repairs and supervise and help train other repair personnel. Eventually, they may become supervisors or managers of computer maintenance departments.

E-Learning Courses and Programs

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Experience can be gained through hobbies that involve electronics, service in the military, or work experience as a business machine repairer. Postsecondary programs in electrical and electronics technology and robotics technology as well as secondary vocational education programs in electrical and electronics repair may offer opportunities also.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Computer Equipment Repairers employer

internships

volunteer work with a Computer Equipment Repairers employer

community service work with an agency

Persons interested in becoming Computer Service Technicians should apply directly to data equipment manufacturer's sales headquarters. Trainees usually attend classes for 3 to 6 months at company training centers located in Michigan or in other states. In addition, trainees must complete from 6 months to 2 years of on-the-job training. Some companies recruit actively through trade journals, Michigan Works! , and school placement services. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Besides salaries, these Technicians are paid for travel, use of their car, and work-related education. Pay is usually higher for afternoon, evening, and weekend shifts. Some employers offer bonuses and profit-sharing payments.

Nationally, in mid 2009 Computer Service Technicians, sometimes called PC support technicians, earned an average salary of about $45,000 per year.

In the Metropolitan Detroit Area, technicians earned a median annual salary of $43,200 per year in mid 2009. In Grand Rapids, technicians earned median annual salaries of $32,900.

Depending on the employer, Computer Service Technicians may receive paid holidays and vacations; hospitalization, life, and medical insurance; and a pension plan. These benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by employers. Some employers may also offer stock purchase or savings plans.

Experienced Service Technicians with advanced training may become specialists and help other technicians make difficult repairs. They may work with electronic engineers in designing equipment and developing repair procedures. Some Computer Service Technicians continue their education, earn a degree in electrical engineering and begin working in computer design. Others receive training and experience which may qualify them for advancement to a job in programming, management, or equipment sales.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, there were about 552,500 Computer Service Technicians employed in 2006. Employment is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2016. The increased use of computers, including microcomputers, by business and government and the development of new uses for computers in fields such as medicine and traffic control will continue to spur demand. About 1.3% of Technicians were self-employed. The industry distribution for Computer Service Technicians looked like this:

To find employers, click Employer/Business Locator .

There are approximately 15,125 Computer Service Technicians employed in Michigan. Most worked in urban areas.

Employment of Computer Service Technicians in Michigan is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2016. An average of 625 annual openings is expected, with 150 due to growth and 475 due to the replacement of those who retire, die, change jobs or occupations, or leave their jobs for other reasons.

Openings will occur as employers expand their staffs and as experienced Service Technicians advance to more responsible jobs or move into other occupations. Most openings will occur in the metropolitan areas.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2016

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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Copyright © 2009 Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth