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What is a hardware technician and how to become one
A hardware technician is responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of computer systems. These professionals provide all essential IT support to large and small organizations. The hardware technician job role also includes assisting seniors or specialists in resolving any critical issues. It is their responsibility to verify whether the IT department is equipped to rectify the problems or not. They also verify and submit the warranty claims whenever required.
To be a hardware technician, applicants must have at least a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. However, it is recommended that they also have related work experience in the area. A master's degree is optional but may provide a competitive edge when seeking employment. Also, applicants should have basic knowledge of the fundamentals of support, networking skills, algebra, microcomputers, and operating systems. Despite all these, most organizations even offer hands-on and classroom instructions to better understand the work, often for a few months.
A hardware technician's salary on average is about $33,000 per year. However, it can range from $29,000 to $36,000, depending on work experience, skills, and organization size.
What general advice would you give to a hardware technician?
Kate Marek Ph.D.
Director and Professor, Dominican University
Avg. Salary $47,851
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 10%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.41%
Asian 11.98%
Black or African American 11.32%
Hispanic or Latino 15.64%
Unknown 5.34%
White 55.31%
Genderfemale 9.97%
male 90.03%
Age - 41American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 41Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work life balance is good
6.4 - fair
Hardware technician career paths
Key steps to become a hardware technician
Explore hardware technician education requirements
Start to develop specific hardware technician skills
Skills Percentages Customer Service 6.24% Technical Support 5.15% Network Printers 5.02% Desktop Support 4.52% Test Equipment 4.47% Complete relevant hardware technician training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New hardware technicians learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a hardware technician based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real hardware technician resumes.Gain additional hardware technician certifications
More About CertificationsHardware technician certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific hardware technician certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.
The most common certifications for hardware technicians include Network 5 Certification and Certified Network Computer Technician (CNCT).
Research hardware technician duties and responsibilities
- Manage resource allocation and work scheduling for UNIX restatement administrators across all the shifts.
- Manage all customer network equipment including routers, switches, WLC's, AP's, and firewalls.
- Manage trouble ticket queues in order to keep tickets within SLA's and to expedite high level issues.
- Work to troubleshoot OS and hardware issue on many computers and peripherals.
Prepare your hardware technician resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your hardware technician resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a hardware technician resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable hardware technician resume templates
Build a professional hardware technician resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your hardware technician resume.
Apply for hardware technician jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a hardware technician job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first hardware technician job
Are you a hardware technician?
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Average hardware technician salary
The average hardware technician salary in the United States is $47,851 per year or $23 per hour. Hardware technician salaries range between $32,000 and $71,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do hardware technicians rate their job?
Hardware technician reviews
You get to help a lot of people in many different ways as well as learning new things about technology
I have aids now due to the painfulness of sitting down all day
I decided to go to technical support because I've been fascinated by technology all my life and I love working with the people as well. I want to use my technical know-how to solve directly the problems that customers have. I want to be the person who makes life easier and more enjoyable for people who have had a problem. This is what I like most as a technical Support.
I don't like sitting around being inactive. So I'll keep my self always busy
I enjoy the challenges and learning new things . Technology is always evolving.
Customer is unwilling to provide you with necessary information in order to assist them.
Updated January 8, 2025
