How to Become a Computer Repair Technician: Career Advice & Information

Overview & Salaries

Overview

Computer repair technicians work out what’s wrong with computers (or computer systems) and try to fix them. As the name would suggest, a lot of the work is fixing home or business computers, but computer repair technicians also fix ATMs and all kinds of other office machines.

Salary

Annual salaries for computer repair technicians will vary depending on your experience, education level, and expertise. In 2012, the average annual salary for computer repair technicians working in the U.S. was $38,310 per year.

For more information on what parts of the country have the most opportunity for computer repair technicians, click through to our Best Places to Work tab for information on the number of people employed and the average salary in each state.

Discover the Best Cities and States to Work as a Computer Repair Technician

Texas has the most computer repair technicians—13,030 professionals are making an average salary of $33,880 yearly. California is second, with 12,580 computer repair technicians making an average annual wage of $43,580.The top 5 city areas that are employing computer repair technicians are:

  • Dallas Metropolitan Area (4,280)
  • New York-White Plains Metropolitan Area (3,570)
  • Atlanta Metropolitan Area (2,850)
  • Houston Metropolitan Area (2,670)
  • Chicago-Joliet Metropolitan Area (2,660)

Employment and Salary Information for Computer Repair Technicians

Use our interactive map below to find out which areas of the United States are currently experiencing the greatest amount of growth and job availability for graduates looking for a career as a computer repair technician. The associated information has been gathered from Bureau of Labor statistics, representing data collected in 2012.

Employment and Information Data for Computer Repair

Why Become A Computer Repair Technician?

Since you’re probably reading this on a computer, you can see how being able to fix a computer might be valuable. There are plenty of benefits to being a computer repair technician:

  • Work with your hands. For those who don’t want to be stuck at a desk, this is definitely a bonus.
  • Opportunities to upskill. You can take courses that allow you to specialize in repairing bigger or more complex business machines. See our Degree Options page for more details.
  • Be your own boss. 14% of computer repair technicians are self-employed and able to set their own hours.
  • You’ll be popular with your friends. It’s always good to have someone around who knows how to fix a computer.

Computer Repair Technician: What You Need To Know

A computer repair technician literally needs to know computers inside-out. Technicians need to be careful and thorough in assessing problems, good at explaining issues to clients in layman’s terms, and good at fixing them. A basic working knowledge of these skill sets will help to set you apart from other candidates.

  • Use of Diagnostic Tools
  • Understanding of Computers
  • Knowledge of Computer Parts
  • Manual Skills
  • Attention to Detail
  • Communications Skills
  • Client Management Skills

Feel like you’ve got a lot to learn? Get more information about computer repair technician careers, degrees, and applicable courses from one of the schools below.

Degree Options for Computer Repair Technician Careers

On-the-Job Training

Most people in the computer repair field have acquired some postsecondary education in the discipline. However, there are opportunities for those who are highly knowledgeable about computers, and have learned their skills with hands-on experience working with computers during high school or on the job.

Community Colleges / Vocational Schools

Many community colleges, technical, trade, and vocational schools offer certificates or diplomas on the in computer repair. Usually, the coursework covers computers and electronics, networking, hardware configuration, electrical engineering, machine repair and innovations in technology. Practical skills such assessing issues, troubleshooting, and upgrading are usually covered too.

Further Certification

Several organizations offer certifications for computer, ATM and office machine repair. The Electronics Technicians Association International, for example, provides certification in more than 80 programs. Specific manufacturers offer certification in their own equipment as well.