Career Overview
Repair, maintain, or install computers, word processing systems, automated teller machines, and electronic office machines, such as duplicating and fax machines.
Also Known As
- ATM Technician (Automated Teller Machine Technician)
- Computer Technician
- Copier Technician
- Service Technician
Alternate Job Titles
- Accounting Machine Mechanic
- Adding Machine Mechanic
- Assembly Technician
- ATM Servicer (Automated Teller Machine Servicer)
- ATM Technician (Automated Teller Machine Technician)
- Bookkeeping Machine Mechanic
- Break/Fix Tech (Break/Fix Technician)
- Business Machine Mechanic
- Calculating Machine Mechanic
- Cash Register Mechanic
- Cash Register Servicer
- Computer Equipment Installer
- Computer Equipment Repairer
- Computer Hardware Tech (Computer Hardware Technician)
- Computer Installer
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Reassemble machines after making repairs or replacing parts.
- Converse with customers to determine details of equipment problems.
- Disassemble machines to examine parts, such as wires, gears, or bearings for wear or defects, using hand or power tools and measuring devices.
- Advise customers concerning equipment operation, maintenance, or programming.
- Align, adjust, or calibrate equipment according to specifications.
- Repair, adjust, or replace electrical or mechanical components or parts, using hand tools, power tools, or soldering or welding equipment.
- Travel to customers' stores or offices to service machines or to provide emergency repair service.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Computers and Electronics
- Customer and Personal Service
- Mechanical
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Active Listening
- Repairing
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Near Vision
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Problem Sensitivity
- Finger Dexterity
- Speech Recognition
- Written Comprehension
- Speech Clarity
- Visualization
- Information Ordering
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
- Perseverance
- Integrity
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Support
- Independence
- Working Conditions
- Achievement
- Relationships
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience Required: 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.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Adobe Acrobat
- Extensible markup language XML
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- JavaScript
- Linux
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Active Directory
- Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
Tools & Equipment
- Adjustable widemouth pliers
- Air compressors
- Armored cars
- Asynchronous transfer mode ATM analyzers
- Bit error rate testers BERT
- Cable verifiers
- Combination wrenches
- Computer servers
- Desktop computers
- Digital multimeters
- Digital ohmmeters
- Digital oscilloscopes
- Drill presses
- Field replaceable units FRU
- Flathead screwdrivers
Work Environment
- Telephone Conversations
- Freedom to Make Decisions
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $35,120 |
| Median | $46,860 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $69,560 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 73,010
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $71,300
Calibration Technologists and Technicians
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $65,040
Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $62,630
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $77,180
Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $47,350
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.