Computer Repair Technician

Your Fit

Income

$63K

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.

Sample job titles:

ATM Technician (Automated Teller Machine Technician), Computer Technician, Copier Technician, Service Technician

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

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Computer Repair Technician.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$40K per year	$50K per year	$63K per year	$79K per year	$98K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $2.06K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

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

Computer Repair Technicians typically complete a postsecondary certificate or college diploma in computer systems, information technology, electronics, or a related field, which usually takes one to two years. Some positions may require only a high school diploma, with skills gained through hands-on experience, self-study, or industry certifications.

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:

Join a computer club or tech team.
Volunteer to provide tech support at school events.
Participate in robotics clubs or maker fairs.

Preparation after high school

Complete a college certificate or diploma in computer systems, information technology, electronics, or a related field (helpful but not always required).
Gain hands-on experience through internships, co-op placements, part-time work, or entry-level roles in computer repair shops, IT departments, or technical support.
Obtain industry-recognized certifications, such as CompTIA A+, which is widely accepted for computer repair and technical support roles.
Build practical skills in hardware repair, operating system installation, troubleshooting, and customer service.
Stay current with new hardware, operating systems, and diagnostic tools through self-study or short courses.

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.