What does a Computer Technician do?
Computer technicians are skilled information technology professionals who handle concerns related to computers. They are responsible for assisting clients in software installations, troubleshooting needs, and repair needs. Computer technicians handle the maintenance and repair of both software and hardware of computers. They should be able to quickly pinpoint the causes of computer problems that the client encounters. They should also be able to answer the clients' computer-related inquiries and provide advice on proper computer handling. Computer technicians should have good analytical skills and decision-making skills.
Computer technician responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real computer technician resumes:
- Recreate and manage company website, maintain regular updates, manage DNS servers, administrate e-mail and outlook exchange server.
- Manage and maintain desktop security updates company-wide with no downtime of systems due to OS vulnerability exploitation.
- Manage backups, replications and disaster recovery plans of company mission critical servers and database files to ensure redundancy.
- Add and configure networked printers for TCP/IP printing and other peripheral equipment including video conferencing equipment.
- Diagnose and troubleshot computer hardware and software.
- Fix computers, do inventory of computers, run cables.
- Prepare structural, architectural plans and design details all in cad.
- Repair computers and help troubleshot software and hardware errors for the customers.
- Take calls and emails from customers with problems then fill out remedy tickets.
- Develop an automate anti-virus installation program to prevent the spread of viruses across the shipyard LAN.
- Assign network addresses, troubleshoot and resolve problems, and perform system backups on the LAN.
- Replace screens, LCD's, and solder a variety of small internal components within phones and tablets.
- Repair and replace hardware, including hard disk drives, processors, main boards, LCD screens etc.
- Do site visits and investigations (structural/architectural), take measurements and make as-built plans and convert to cad.
- Set up and install computers for senior church members, also clean rooms, move furniture, and run errands.
Computer technician skills and personality traits
We calculated that 13% of Computer Technicians are proficient in Customer Service, Desk Support, and Network Printers. They’re also known for soft skills such as Customer-service skills, Listening skills, and Problem-solving skills.
We break down the percentage of Computer Technicians that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Customer Service, 13%
Maintain workstations for small businesses Perform personal computer repairs including hardware and malicious software removal Customer service including phone and in-person support
- Desk Support, 8%
Provide computer help desk support via telephone communications with end-users.
- Network Printers, 6%
Network printer specialty configuration, paper tray assignment, Letter-head, envelopes Trouble-shooting computer/network printer issues.
- Computer System, 6%
Completed computer system removal/repair/replacement/modification/upgrade/ and system component inspections.
- Technical Support, 6%
Resolved technical support inquiries Installed software and operating systems Set up and configured hardware and software on company equipment.
- Laptop Computers, 5%
Configure new and existing desktop\laptop computers including hardware and software upgrades, and repair/replacement of all hardware.
Most computer technicians use their skills in "customer service," "desk support," and "network printers" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential computer technician responsibilities here:
Customer-service skills. One of the key soft skills for a computer technician to have is customer-service skills. You can see how this relates to what computer technicians do because "computer support specialists must be patient and sympathetic." Additionally, a computer technician resume shows how computer technicians use customer-service skills: "exceeded customer expectations by demonstrating ability to integrate computer skills, customer support, and provide related technical education. "
Listening skills. Another essential skill to perform computer technician duties is listening skills. Computer technicians responsibilities require that "support workers must be able to understand the problems that their customers are describing and know when to ask questions to clarify the situation." Computer technicians also use listening skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "maintained computers and network input customer data into computer system listened to and verified customer support via phone"
Problem-solving skills. computer technicians are also known for problem-solving skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to computer technician responsibilities, because "support workers must identify both simple and complex computer problems, analyze them, and solve them." A computer technician resume example shows how problem-solving skills is used in the workplace: "provided a positive customer support experience, building strong relationships through deep problem understanding, ensuring timely resolution. "
Speaking skills. A big part of what computer technicians do relies on "speaking skills." You can see how essential it is to computer technician responsibilities because "support workers must describe the solutions to computer problems in a way that a nontechnical person can understand." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical computer technician tasks: "addressed customer support and hardware break/fix or upgrade tickets during deployment downtime. "
Writing skills. A commonly-found skill in computer technician job descriptions, "writing skills" is essential to what computer technicians do. Computer technician responsibilities rely on this skill because "strong writing skills are useful for preparing instructions and email responses for employees and customers, as well as for real-time web chat interactions." You can also see how computer technician duties rely on writing skills in this resume example: "automated a database saving $2500 per year by writing a batch program and using a linux server"
The three companies that hire the most computer technicians are:
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Compare different computer technicians
Computer technician vs. Technician support tier
A technician support tier focuses on providing technical support to clients or employees within a company. Typically working in a team setting, a technician support tier addresses technical problems and troubleshoots to identify the root of the issues and perform necessary corrective measures or repairs. Their responsibilities also revolve around responding to inquiries, answering calls and correspondence, conducting regular maintenance of systems and networks, maintaining records of all transactions, and supporting software and networks. Furthermore, it is essential to coordinate with all team members while adhering to the company's policies and regulations.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a computer technician are more likely to require skills like "desk support," "network printers," "laptop computers," and "mac." On the other hand, a job as a technician support tier requires skills like "lan wan," "phone calls," "cisco ios," and "tier ii." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Technician support tiers really shine in the technology industry with an average salary of $62,098. Comparatively, computer technicians tend to make the most money in the government industry with an average salary of $48,277.technician support tiers tend to reach similar levels of education than computer technicians. In fact, technician support tiers are 0.6% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Computer technician vs. Information technology/support technician
An information technology (IT) support technician is an individual who is responsible for providing support and troubleshoots software and hardware problems faced by customers. As for larger organizations that have their own IT department, technicians must work together internally with their IT staff members. IT support technicians are involved in inspecting and resolving minor local area network and wireless network issues, which include TCP/IP, DHCP, and VPN. They are also required to obtain an associate's degree in computer science or related field.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that computer technician responsibilities requires skills like "technical support," "laptop computers," "lan," and "peripheral devices." But an information technology/support technician might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "troubleshoot," "phone calls," "remote desktop," and "user support."
On average, information technology/support technicians earn a higher salary than computer technicians. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, information technology/support technicians earn the most pay in the technology industry with an average salary of $53,210. Whereas computer technicians have higher pay in the government industry, with an average salary of $48,277.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Information technology/support technicians tend to reach similar levels of education than computer technicians. In fact, they're 1.4% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Computer Technicians in the next 3-5 years?
Ming Chow
Associate Teaching Professor, Tufts University
References:
1. cybersecurity
2. cybersecurity
Computer technician vs. Technical support technician
Technical support technicians are skilled professionals who resolve computer or information technology-related concerns. They may do installations, repairs, or maintenance activities of various applications or computer hardware. They are sometimes assigned specific issues or concerns to resolve so that they will not be bombarded with various issues. This means that they can now specialize in a specific family of concerns. Technical support technicians may provide on-site support, going directly to the person who needs help and doing what needs to be done or troubleshoot the problem in person. They may also be offsite and would usually be manning helpdesk hotlines. Offsite technical support technicians walk the caller through the steps they should do to fix the issues. As such, when a technical support technician is offsite, they are expected to be good communicators and will be able to provide clear instructions.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a computer technician is likely to be skilled in "desk support," "laptop computers," "computer equipment," and "microsoft windows," while a typical technical support technician is skilled in "patients," "desktop support," "sql," and "inbound calls."
Technical support technicians earn the highest salary when working in the finance industry, where they receive an average salary of $52,365. Comparatively, computer technicians have the highest earning potential in the government industry, with an average salary of $48,277.When it comes to education, technical support technicians tend to earn similar degree levels compared to computer technicians. In fact, they're 0.5% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Computer technician vs. Student information technician
In learning institutions, a student information technician is typically in charge of handling information systems, ensuring data security and accuracy. Their responsibilities include installing and upgrading systems, providing technical support in different areas, managing software and hardware, and devising strategies to keep student information safe and secure. They may also assist employees in troubleshooting, repairs, and coordinating information as needed. Furthermore, as a student information technician, it is essential to monitor the progress of all systems, conduct maintenance checks, and perform corrective measures quickly and efficiently.
Types of computer technician
Updated January 8, 2025
