FIND PERSONALIZED JOBS
Sign up to Zippia and discover your career options with your personalized career search.
SIGN UP

Log In

Log In to Save

Sign Up to Save

Sign Up to Dismiss

or

The email and password you specified are invalid. Please, try again.

Email and password are mandatory

Forgot Password?

Don't have an account? Sign Up

reset password

Enter your email address and we will send you a link to reset your password.

Back to Log In

FIND
PERSONALIZED JOBS

Become A Computer Technician

Where do you want to work?

To get started, tell us where you'd like to work.
Sorry, we can't find that. Please try a different city or state.

Working As A Computer Technician

  • Interacting With Computers
  • Getting Information
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

  • $58,920

    Average Salary

What Does A Computer Technician Do

Computer support specialists provide help and advice to people and organizations using computer software or equipment. Some, called computer network support specialists, support information technology (IT) employees within their organization. Others, called computer user support specialists, assist non-IT users who are having computer problems.

Duties

Computer network support specialists typically do the following:

  • Test and evaluate existing network systems
  • Perform regular maintenance to ensure that networks operate correctly
  • Troubleshoot local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and Internet systems

Computer network support specialists, also called technical support specialists, usually work in their organization’s IT department. They help IT staff analyze, troubleshoot, and evaluate computer network problems. They play an important role in the routine maintenance of their organization’s networks such as performing file backups on the network. Maintenance can be performed daily, weekly, or monthly and is important to an organization’s disaster recovery efforts. Solving an IT problem promptly is important because organizations depend on their network systems. Network support specialists may assist the organization’s computer users through phone, email, or in-person visits. They often work under network and computer systems administrators, who handle more complex tasks.

Computer user support specialists typically do the following:

  • Pay attention to customers’ descriptions of their computer problems
  • Ask customers questions to properly diagnose the problem
  • Walk customers through the recommended problem-solving steps
  • Set up or repair computer equipment and related devices
  • Train users to work with new computer hardware or software, such as printers, word-processing software, and email
  • Provide other team members and managers in the organization with information about what gives customers the most trouble and about other concerns customers have

Computer user support specialists, also called help-desk technicians, usually provide technical help to non-IT computer users. They respond to phone and email requests for help. They can usually help users remotely, but they also may make site visits so that they can solve a problem in person.

Help-desk technicians may solve a range of problems that vary with the industry and the particular firm. Some technicians work for large software companies or for support service firms and must give instructions to business customers on how to use business-specific programs such as an electronic health records program used in hospitals or physicians’ offices. Sometimes they work with other technicians to resolve problems.

Other help-desk technicians work in call centers, answering simpler questions from non-business customers. They may walk customers through basic steps in re-establishing an Internet connection or troubleshooting household IT products such as a Wi-Fi router.

Show More

Show Less

How To Become A Computer Technician

Because of the wide range of skills used in different computer support jobs, there are many paths into the occupation. A bachelor’s degree is required for some computer support specialist positions, but an associate’s degree or postsecondary classes may be enough for others.

Education

Education requirements for computer support specialists vary. Computer user support specialist jobs require some computer knowledge, but not necessarily a postsecondary degree. Applicants who have taken some computer-related classes are often qualified. For computer network support specialists, many employers accept applicants with an associate’s degree, although some prefer applicants to have a bachelor’s degree.

Large software companies that provide support to business users who buy their products or services often require a bachelor’s degree. Positions that are more technical are likely to require a degree in a field such as computer science, engineering, or information science, but for others, the applicant’s field of study is less important.

To keep up with changes in technology, many computer support specialists continue their education throughout their careers.

Certification

Certification programs are generally offered by vendors or from vendor-neutral certification providers. Certification validates the knowledge of and best practices required by computer support specialists. Companies may require their computer support specialists to hold certifications in the products the companies use.

Advancement

Many computer support specialists advance to other information technology positions, such as network and computer systems administrators and software developers. Some become managers in the computer support services department. Some organizations provide paths for support specialists to move into other parts of the organization, such as sales. For more information, see the profiles on network and computer systems administrators and software developers.

Important Qualities

Customer-service skills. Computer support specialists must be patient and sympathetic. They must often help people who are frustrated with the software or hardware they are trying to use.

Listening skills. Support workers must be able to understand the problems that their customers are describing and know when to ask questions to clarify the situation.

Problem-solving skills. Support workers must identify both simple and complex computer problems, analyze them, and solve them.

Speaking skills. Support workers must describe the solutions to computer problems in a way that a nontechnical person can understand.

Writing skills. Strong writing skills are useful for preparing instructions and email responses for employees and customers, as well as real-time web chat interactions.

Show More

Show Less

Computer Technician jobs

NO RESULTS

Aw snap, no jobs found.

Add To My Jobs

Computer Technician Career Paths

Computer Technician
Technician Service Manager General Manager
Business Development Manager
9 Yearsyrs
Network Administrator Information Technology Manager Director Of Information
Chief Information Officer
11 Yearsyrs
Network Engineer Senior Systems Engineer Senior System Administrator
Data Center Manager
9 Yearsyrs
Systems Administrator Information Technology Manager
Director Of Information
10 Yearsyrs
Information Systems Technician Network Administrator Director Of Information
Director Of Information Technology Services
12 Yearsyrs
Field Service Technician Service Manager General Manager
Director Of Sales
10 Yearsyrs
Network Technician Network Administrator
Information Systems Manager
6 Yearsyrs
Network Administrator Systems Administrator Information Technology Manager
Information Technology Director
10 Yearsyrs
Network Technician Systems Engineer Information Technology Manager
Information Technology Infrastructure Manager
11 Yearsyrs
Technical Support Specialist Systems Administrator
Information Technology Manager
8 Yearsyrs
Network Engineer Systems Engineer Information Technology Manager
Infrastructure Manager
10 Yearsyrs
Systems Engineer Program Manager Marketing Manager
Marketing Director
7 Yearsyrs
Technician Specialist Account Manager
Marketing Manager
6 Yearsyrs
Technical Support Specialist Systems Analyst Business Analyst
Product Manager
7 Yearsyrs
Service Technician General Manager Account Manager
Sales Account Manager
6 Yearsyrs
Systems Engineer Business Analyst Product Manager
Sales Manager
5 Yearsyrs
Systems Administrator Network Engineer
Senior Network Engineer
7 Yearsyrs
Systems Analyst Business Analyst Product Manager
Senior Product Manager
9 Yearsyrs
Security Officer Sales Consultant Solution Specialist
Solutions Manager
8 Yearsyrs
Information Technology Manager Director Of Information
Vice President Of Information Technology
12 Yearsyrs
Show More

Average Length of Employment
Senior Field Service Technician 5.8 years
Computer Operations Specialist 5.2 years
Computer Systems Operator 5.0 years
Senior Service Technician 4.8 years
Computer Operations Analyst 4.8 years
Data Processing Technician 4.8 years
Computer Systems Administrator 4.7 years
Computer Operation Technician 4.6 years
Computer Technician And Electronics Technician 4.5 years
System Technician 4.4 years
Senior Field Technician 4.4 years
Computer System Specialist 4.3 years
Technician System Specialist 4.2 years
Senior Network Support Specialist 4.2 years
Systems Specialist 4.2 years
Senior Installation Technician 4.1 years
Computer Coordinator 4.1 years
Data Communications Technician 4.1 years
Computer Service Manager 4.0 years
Computer Network Administrator 4.0 years
Micro Computer Specialist 3.9 years
Hardware Support Specialist 3.9 years
Computer Systems Engineer 3.9 years
Senior Technical Support Specialist 3.9 years
Computer System Technician 3.9 years
Network Systems Specialist 3.8 years
Computer Network Specialist 3.8 years
Computer Support Engineer 3.8 years
Information Systems Specialist 3.8 years
Field Operations Technician 3.8 years
Computer Systems Analyst 3.8 years
Computer Network Engineer 3.7 years
Service Technician Lead 3.7 years
Computer Specialist 3.7 years
Senior PC Analyst 3.6 years
District Technician 3.6 years
Lead Technical Support Specialist 3.6 years
Senior Desktop Support Analyst 3.6 years
Computer Technical Specialist 3.5 years
Technical Operations Specialist 3.5 years
Client Systems Technician 3.5 years
Senior Support Analyst 3.5 years
Computer Engineering Technician 3.5 years
Digital Technician 3.5 years
LAN Analyst 3.4 years
Senior Help Desk Analyst 3.4 years
Technical Specialist 3.4 years
Systems Support Specialist 3.4 years
Information Technology Specialist 3.4 years
Information Support Specialist 3.4 years
Senior Information Technology Support Technician 3.3 years
Computer Administrator 3.3 years
PC Systems Administrator 3.3 years
Computer Analyst 3.3 years
Network Services Technician 3.3 years
Computer Technician Lead 3.3 years
Pc/Lan Analyst 3.3 years
Administrative Technician 3.3 years
Network Technician/Administrator 3.3 years
MIS Specialist 3.3 years
Information Resource Consultant 3.3 years
Computer Technician/Manager 3.3 years
Operations Support Technician 3.3 years
Desktop Lead Technician 3.2 years
Systems Support Analyst 3.2 years
Information Service Specialist 3.2 years
Network Systems Technician 3.2 years
Computer And Printer Technician 3.2 years
Computer Consultant 3.2 years
Network Engineer Technician 3.2 years
Department Technician 3.2 years
Freelance Computer Technician 3.2 years
Senior Help Desk Specialist 3.1 years
Field Systems Technician 3.1 years
Software Specialist 3.1 years
Systems Support 3.1 years
Computer Support Analyst 3.1 years
Systems Support Administrator 3.1 years
Computer Repairer 3.1 years
Computer Technology Instructor 3.1 years
Computer Support Specialist 3.1 years
Computer Clerk 3.1 years
Computer Repair Specialist 3.1 years
Network Technician 3.1 years
Desktop Support Representative 3.1 years
Senior Desktop Support Technician 3.0 years
Network Support Administrator 3.0 years
Help Desk Leader 3.0 years
User Support Analyst 3.0 years
Client Technical Analyst 3.0 years
PC Support Analyst 3.0 years
Computer Engineer 3.0 years
Senior Support Technician 3.0 years
Desktop Support Team Lead 3.0 years
Computer Laboratory Coordinator 3.0 years
Data Center Analyst 3.0 years
Computer Technician Consultant 3.0 years
Computer Test Technician 3.0 years
Computer Technician 3.0 years
Network Field Technician 2.9 years
Information Technology And Network Technician 2.9 years
Software Support Specialist 2.9 years
Computer Laboratory Manager 2.9 years
Senior Help Desk Technician 2.9 years
Computer Networker 2.9 years
Help Desk Operator 2.9 years
Level Senior Technician 2.9 years
Microcomputer Technician 2.9 years
Desktop/System Analyst 2.9 years
Printer Technician 2.8 years
Infrastructure Technician 2.8 years
Computer Service Technician 2.8 years
Bench Technician 2.8 years
Lead Help Desk Technician 2.8 years
Information Technology Consultant 2.8 years
PC Maintenance Technician 2.8 years
Software Technician 2.8 years
Technical Consultant 2.7 years
Field Computer Technician 2.7 years
Assistant Systems Administrator 2.7 years
Data Technician 2.7 years
Hardware And Software Technician 2.7 years
LAN Technician 2.7 years
MIS Technician 2.7 years
PC Analyst 2.7 years
Information Systems Technician 2.7 years
Client Support Analyst 2.7 years
Technician 2.6 years
In-House Technician 2.6 years
Service Center Technician 2.6 years
Desktop Support Specialist 2.6 years
Desktop Engineer 2.6 years
PC Repair Technician 2.6 years
Network Administrator Assistant 2.6 years
Information Technology Technician 2.6 years
Lead Support Technician 2.6 years
Help Desk Administrator 2.6 years
Implementation Technician 2.6 years
Depot Technician 2.5 years
Technical Support Specialist 2.5 years
Helpdesk Lead 2.5 years
Computer Networking Instructor 2.5 years
Senior Service Desk Technician 2.5 years
Hardware Specialist 2.5 years
Desktop/Network Support 2.5 years
Help Desk Coordinator 2.5 years
Deskside Technician 2.5 years
Computer Repair Technician 2.5 years
Computer Technician/Sales 2.5 years
Network Support Technician 2.5 years
Workstation Technician 2.5 years
Field Support Technician 2.5 years
PC Support Technician 2.5 years
Client Service Technician 2.5 years
Field Installation Technician 2.5 years
Computer Support Technician 2.5 years
In Store Technician 2.5 years
Hardware Technician 2.4 years
On-Site Technician 2.4 years
Help Desk Specialist 2.4 years
Field Technician 2.4 years
Field Support Analyst 2.4 years
Hardware Support Technician 2.4 years
Desktop/Helpdesk Technician 2.3 years
Helpdesk Computer Technician 2.3 years
Information Technology/Support Technician 2.3 years
Desktop Support Lead 2.3 years
Resource Technician 2.3 years
Software Support Technician 2.3 years
Network Administrator/Helpdesk 2.3 years
Mobile Technician 2.3 years
Technical Support Professional 2.3 years
Desktop Support Analyst 2.3 years
PC Desktop Technician 2.3 years
Computer Builder 2.3 years
Customer Support Technician 2.3 years
Networks Computer Consultant 2.3 years
Computer Assistant 2.2 years
Computer Technician/Sales Associate 2.2 years
Computer Laboratory Supervisor 2.2 years
Computer Sales Person 2.2 years
Desktop Service Technician 2.2 years
Counter Intelligence Agent 2.1 years
Computer Laboratory Technician 2.1 years
Desktop Support Technician 2.1 years
Help Desk Analyst 2.1 years
Server Technician 2.1 years
Junior Computer Technician 2.1 years
Information Technology Contractor 2.1 years
Deskside Support Analyst 2.1 years
Computer Technician/Volunteer 2.1 years
Computer Laboratory Consultant 2.0 years
Computer Technician Assistant 2.0 years
Technical Support Assistant 2.0 years
Technical Support Associate 2.0 years
Data Center Technician 2.0 years
Help Desk Representative 2.0 years
Help Desk Consultant 2.0 years
Technical Support Technician 2.0 years
Computer Installer 2.0 years
Information Technology Helpdesk Technician 2.0 years
Remote Support Technician 1.9 years
Computer Laboratory Attendant 1.9 years
Contract PC Technician 1.9 years
Junior Administrator 1.9 years
Workstation Support Technician 1.9 years
Call Center Technician 1.9 years
Desk Support Technician 1.9 years
NOC Technician 1.9 years
Help Desk Associate 1.9 years
POS Technician 1.9 years
Configuration Technician 1.9 years
Help Desk Engineer 1.8 years
Infrastructure Analyst 1.8 years
Service Desk Analyst 1.8 years
Information Technology Assistant 1.8 years
Computer Laboratory Administrator 1.8 years
Remote Broadcast Technician 1.8 years
Desktop Support Consultant 1.8 years
Computer Technician Student 1.8 years
Computer Assembler 1.8 years
Computer Laboratory Assistant 1.7 years
PC Field Technician 1.7 years
Services Desk Technician 1.7 years
Student Information Technician 1.7 years
Network Assistant 1.7 years
Technician Support Tier 1.7 years
Internet Technical Support Technician 1.7 years
Contractor/Technician 1.7 years
Service Desk Agent 1.7 years
Break-Fix Technician 1.7 years
Junior Technician 1.6 years
Contractor/Field Technician 1.6 years
Student Technician 1.6 years
Computer Laboratory Monitor 1.6 years
Phone Support Technician 1.6 years
Dell Technician Support 1.6 years
Imac Technician 1.6 years
Computer Sales Associate 1.5 years
Deployment Specialist 1.5 years
Help Desk Agent 1.5 years
Computer Installation Technician 1.4 years
Laptop Repair Technician 1.4 years
Deployment Technician Lead 1.3 years
Easy Technician Associate 1.3 years
Dell Technician 1.3 years
Dell Field Technician 1.3 years
Desktop Support Contractor 1.2 years
Desktop Deployment Technician 1.1 years
Junior Network Technician 1.1 years
Network Administrator Internship 0.8 years
PC Refresh Technician 0.7 years
Help Desk Technician Internship 0.7 years
PC Deployment Technician 0.7 years
Computer Science Internship 0.7 years
Information Technology Internship 0.6 years
Data Migration Technician 0.6 years
Top Employers Before
Technical Support Specialist 11.2%
Customer Service Representative 7.2%
Technician 6.3%
Information Systems Technician 5.6%
Network Technician 5.6%
Sales Associate 5.5%
Help Desk Analyst 5.3%
Technical Support Technician 5.3%
Desktop Support Technician 5.1%
Field Service Technician 5.0%
Network Administrator 4.7%
Systems Administrator 4.4%
Internship 4.2%
Information Technology Technician 4.0%
Assistant Manager 3.7%
Field Technician 3.6%
Cashier 3.5%
Computer Operator 3.4%
Help Desk Specialist 3.4%
Electronics Technician 2.8%
Top Employers After
Technical Support Specialist 11.6%
Systems Administrator 9.5%
Network Administrator 6.7%
Network Technician 6.4%
Desktop Support Technician 6.1%
Information Systems Technician 5.3%
Technician 5.2%
Field Service Technician 5.0%
Information Technology Technician 4.7%
Technical Support Technician 4.7%
Help Desk Analyst 4.4%
Information Technology Specialist 4.0%
Customer Service Representative 4.0%
Systems Engineer 3.6%
Field Technician 3.5%
Network Engineer 3.4%
Help Desk Specialist 3.3%
Sales Associate 2.9%
Information Technology Manager 2.9%
Information Technology/Support Technician 2.8%

Computer Technician Demographics

Gender

Male

83.8%

Female

14.4%

Unknown

1.8%
Ethnicity

White

75.3%

Hispanic or Latino

12.9%

Asian

8.7%

Unknown

2.4%

Black or African American

0.8%
Show More
Languages Spoken

Spanish

54.5%

French

7.9%

Arabic

4.5%

German

4.4%

Russian

3.6%

Mandarin

3.0%

Chinese

2.8%

Portuguese

2.4%

Japanese

2.2%

Cantonese

2.2%

Hindi

2.2%

Vietnamese

2.0%

Carrier

1.5%

Italian

1.4%

Urdu

1.1%

Korean

1.0%

Polish

0.8%

Turkish

0.8%

Armenian

0.8%

Tagalog

0.8%
Show More

Computer Technician Education

Schools

University of Phoenix

26.0%

Strayer University

6.9%

University of Maryland - University College

5.7%

Kaplan University

5.5%

Northern Virginia Community College

4.9%

Western Governors University

4.7%

ECPI University

4.6%

American InterContinental University

4.5%

University of Houston

4.0%

Colorado Technical University

3.6%

The Academy

3.3%

More Tech Institute

3.3%

Community College of the Air Force

3.2%

Southern New Hampshire University

3.2%

Capella University

3.0%

Houston Community College

2.9%

George Mason University

2.7%

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

2.7%

University of Central Florida

2.6%

Pennsylvania State University

2.6%
Show More
Majors

Computer Science

17.4%

Information Technology

13.4%

Computer Information Systems

13.1%

Business

10.8%

Computer Networking

9.4%

Electrical Engineering

6.9%

Computer Technical Support

3.3%

Computer Engineering

3.0%

Information Systems

3.0%

Electrical Engineering Technology

2.6%

Criminal Justice

2.5%

Management Information Systems

2.0%

Computer Systems Security

1.9%

Management

1.7%

Communication

1.6%

Computer Engineering Technology

1.5%

General Studies

1.5%

Computer Programming

1.5%

Education

1.5%

Psychology

1.4%
Show More
Degrees

Bachelors

34.4%

Other

26.6%

Associate

23.1%

Masters

7.7%

Certificate

5.3%

Diploma

2.3%

Doctorate

0.5%

License

0.1%
Show More
Job type you want
Full Time
Part Time
Internship
Temporary

Real Computer Technician Salaries

Job Title Company Location Start Date Salary
Execution Desktop IT Citadel LLC Chicago, IL Sep 30, 2012 $190,000
Project PC (Project Controls) Specialist Arcadis U.S., Inc. Irvine, CA Oct 01, 2013 $105,019
Computer Hardware Engrs Microsoft Corporation Mountain View, CA Mar 15, 2011 $93,892
Application Deployment Technical Marketing Special The Mathworks, Inc. Natick, MA Mar 18, 2013 $75,000
SAP Fi/Co/Pa/Pc Consultant Delta System & Software, Inc. Frisco, TX Jan 09, 2016 $61,000
Consultant PC Deloitte Consulting LLP New York, NY Dec 17, 2013 $60,300
Research Computing Technologist Case Western Reserve University Cleveland, OH Mar 19, 2016 $60,273
Computer Hardware Engiener Reliable Software Resources Inc. Farmington Hills, MI Mar 24, 2009 $60,100
Computer Technician Universal Processing LLC New York, NY Oct 01, 2013 $59,751
Computer Technician Universal Processing LLC New York, NY Sep 28, 2013 $58,728
Computer Technician Bat Blue Corporation Clifton, NJ Jan 22, 2010 $56,307
Computer Information Technologist II Central Technology Services, Inc. Jefferson City, MO May 02, 2016 $55,557 -
$60,000
Computer Information Technologist III State of Missouri, Office of Administration Jefferson City, MO Jan 25, 2010 $51,156
Computer Technician Ingenics Corp Greenville, SC Jun 17, 2015 $50,482
Computer Technician Eagle Systems USA, Inc. Mercerville, NJ Jan 16, 2009 $47,500
Computer Technology Technician Sumter School District Sumter, SC Aug 15, 2014 $47,466
Computer Technician Jackson State University Jackson, MS Jun 15, 2010 $47,314
Computer Information Technologist 2 Central Technology Services, Inc. Jefferson City, MO Mar 15, 2016 $46,500 -
$48,500
Computer Technician Glovity Corp. (T/A DR. Car Wash) Centreville, VA Jan 19, 2011 $46,051
Computer Information Technologist 2 Central Technology Services, Inc. Jefferson City, MO Mar 15, 2013 $44,350 -
$45,500
Computer Technician Sooner Technology LLC Weatherford, OK Apr 01, 2015 $40,000
Computer Information Technologist Central Technology Services, Inc. Jefferson City, MO Mar 15, 2010 $39,333
Computer Information Technologist Central Technology Services, Inc. Jefferson City, MO Mar 15, 2010 $39,146
Computer Information Technologist II Central Technology Services, Inc. Jefferson City, MO Sep 08, 2010 $39,146 -
$42,500
Computer Technician Universal Processing LLC New York, NY Oct 01, 2013 $37,253

No Results

To get more results, try adjusting your search by changing your filters.

Show More

Top Skills for A Computer Technician

ComputerHardwarePersonalComputersDeskSupportLaptopComputersNetworkPrintersTroubleshootSetupCustomerServiceWindowsXPTechnicalSupportRemoteDesktopPCSComputerSystemsVirusRemovalActiveDirectoryBackupOSInternetMacLan/Wan

Show More

Top Computer Technician Skills

  1. Computer Hardware
  2. Personal Computers
  3. Desk Support
You can check out examples of real life uses of top skills on resumes here:
  • Repaired/installed computer hardware and software on all IBM products under temporary contract.
  • Performed maintenance of personal computers and peripheral equipment, identifying problems and providing appropriate solutions.
  • Provided help desk support to company clients utilizing Remedy.
  • Perform hardware and software repairs on desktop and laptop computers; diagnose hardware and software problems; load and customize software.
  • Diagnose and repair PC's and network printers.

Top Computer Technician Employers

Show More

Computer Technician Videos

How To Find Tech Career Advice

What do help desk technicians do?

Computer Technician Career: Is It Right for You?

×

Find Computer Technician Jobs In Every State

Jobs In Nearby Cities

Best Companies Nearby