How To Become A Program Technician: What It Is and Career Path

What is a program technician and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Program technicians are in charge of resolving all computer software and application problems. As a program technician, you will often work with teams of either technicians or engineers to carry out specific projects like building, troubleshooting, and testing prototype systems and software. Also, you are responsible for documenting all resolution reports, and any project worked on, assessing new and updated products, and testing them to determine if they are dependable and will be good for the market. To do this, you should be updated about the new development in your industry by studying the new procedures and technologies.

As a program technician, you should have time management skills, problem-solving skills, communication skills, organization skills, interpersonal skills, and you should be skilled in database and software installation. Also, a degree in computer science, business, or related field is needed. Program technicians earn an average yearly salary of $32,507.

ScoreProgram TechnicianUS Average

Salary

3.4

Avg. Salary $42,891

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

8.9

Growth rate 12%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

10.0

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 2.15%

Asian 6.31%

Black or African American 11.34%

Hispanic or Latino 19.91%

Unknown 5.16%

White 55.13%

Gender

female 65.63%

male 34.37%

Age - 43

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43

Stress level

8.9

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.1

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

6.2

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a program technician

Explore program technician education requirements

Most common program technician degrees

Bachelor's

52.1 %

Associate

24.7 %

High School Diploma

10.3 %

Start to develop specific program technician skills

Skills	Percentages
Customer Service	14.12%
Math	13.95%
Technical Support	12.27%
FSA	9.52%
Program Regulations	7.79%

Complete relevant program technician training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New program 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 program technician based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real program technician resumes.

Research program technician duties and responsibilities

Assist in achieving and maintaining DoD certification and national accreditation where applicable.
Prepare packets, prepare room for presentation with PowerPoint.
Train in CPR, first aid, safety & emergency procedures, and physical intervention.
Direct observation of psychiatric patients.

Prepare your program technician resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your program 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 program 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 program technician resume templates

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