Post job

What does a repair technician do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read
What does a repair technician do

A repair technician's role focuses on assessing the problem or damage of a device and implementing solutions for it to function again. Although the extent of a technician's tasks will depend on the device or industry of employment, most of it revolves around troubleshooting, providing technical support, installing and writing programs, detaching and re-attaching wirings, welding, and even thoroughly discussing problems and solutions to clients. Furthermore, there are instances when a repair technician must work in a team setting that requires coordination and communication.

On this page

Repair technician responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real repair technician resumes:

  • Lead small teams in the development and installation of residential and commercial electrical and HVAC systems to include smart home systems.
  • Repair hardware and software problems for both PC and mac computers.
  • Repair various air tools such as impact wrenches and die grinders for customers.
  • Gain extensive knowledge of all computer models including Compaq, Hewlett Packard and IBM.
  • Surface mount capacitors, resistors, crystals, IC chips, and other components require for repair.
  • Replace defective guitar and amplifier parts such as controls, jacks, resistors, capacitors, A/C cable, etc.
  • Trouble shooting data and voice (VOATM and VOIP).
  • Maintain ESD and RoHS compliant work bench
  • Remove various types of virus/malware off PCs.
  • Replace diodes, resistors, transistors, etc.
  • Repair countless Hewett Packard and Compaq laptops daily.
  • Develop BGA rework profiles for LCD and DLP projectors.
  • Solder fillet dimensional criteria for all major SMT component groups.
  • Retrofit electronic faulty components, solder SMT and through hole.
  • Use of depth micrometers, dial calipers, and I.D.

Repair technician skills and personality traits

We calculated that 17% of Repair Technicians are proficient in Customer Service, Hand Tools, and Customer Satisfaction. They’re also known for soft skills such as Dexterity, Troubleshooting skills, and Customer-service skills.

We break down the percentage of Repair Technicians that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Customer Service, 17%

    Piloted troubleshooting, repairs and tests on a variety of microprocessor-controlled microwave TWT transmitters amplifier in the Customer Service Department.

  • Hand Tools, 9%

    Repair aircraft components utilizing various air tools and hand tools according to component maintenance manuals and blueprint specifications.

  • Customer Satisfaction, 8%

    Interfaced with engineering, support engineering, working customer issues not repeatable utilizing standard test ensuring unit will achieve customer satisfaction.

  • Preventative Maintenance, 6%

    Perform mechanical and lubrication preventative maintenance to include but not limited to alignment, diagnostic and analysis of all rotating equipment.

  • HVAC, 5%

    Performed Troubleshooting and installation of HVAC systems in addition to appliance repair responsibilities

  • Work Ethic, 5%

    Job was to fix and repair stoves with great timing and precise work ethic.

Common skills that a repair technician uses to do their job include "customer service," "hand tools," and "customer satisfaction." You can find details on the most important repair technician responsibilities below.

Dexterity. The most essential soft skill for a repair technician to carry out their responsibilities is dexterity. This skill is important for the role because "many repair and maintenance tasks, such as repairing small devices, connecting or attaching components, and using hand tools, require a steady hand and good hand–eye coordination." Additionally, a repair technician resume shows how their duties depend on dexterity: "repair tech duties were to provide repair and maintenance on electric mobility chairs, lift chairs, scooters. "

Troubleshooting skills. Another essential skill to perform repair technician duties is troubleshooting skills. Repair technicians responsibilities require that "workers find, diagnose, and repair problems." Repair technicians also use troubleshooting skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "diagnose and troubleshoot problems of consumer electronics, repair consumer electronics, train new technicians in troubleshooting and repair process. "

Customer-service skills. This is an important skill for repair technicians to perform their duties. For an example of how repair technician responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "these workers interact with customers on a regular basis." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a repair technician: "make service calls and repair equipment on site at customer residence. ".

Most common repair technician skills

Choose from 10+ customizable repair technician resume templates

Build a professional repair technician resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your repair technician resume.
Repair Technician Resume
Repair Technician Resume
Repair Technician Resume
Repair Technician Resume
Repair Technician Resume
Repair Technician Resume
Repair Technician Resume
Repair Technician Resume
Repair Technician Resume
Repair Technician Resume
Repair Technician Resume
Repair Technician Resume
Repair Technician Resume
Repair Technician Resume
Repair Technician Resume
Repair Technician Resume

Compare different repair technicians

Repair technician vs. Instrument technician apprentice

An instrument technician apprentice is responsible for performing installation and repairs on various electrical equipment and instruments such as control panels and motors, all while under the supervision and directives of a senior or master technician. Typically, their tasks revolve around conducting regular maintenance checks, coordinating with other technicians, organizing supplies, operating electrical tools, and understanding various electronic principles. Furthermore, there are also instances where one may liaise with clients to discuss the extent of damage or repairs, building positive relationships in the process to secure a client base.

If we compare the average repair technician annual salary with that of an instrument technician apprentice, we find that instrument technician apprentices typically earn a $1,794 lower salary than repair technicians make annually.Even though repair technicians and instrument technician apprentices are distinct careers, a few of the skills required for both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require hand tools, customer satisfaction, and preventative maintenance in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, repair technician responsibilities require skills like "customer service," "strong work ethic," "test equipment," and "strong customer service." Meanwhile a typical instrument technician apprentice has skills in areas such as "osha," "cleanliness," "customer vehicles," and "good communication." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.

Instrument technician apprentices earn the highest salaries when working in the automotive industry, with an average yearly salary of $38,671. On the other hand, repair technicians are paid more in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $49,974.The education levels that instrument technician apprentices earn slightly differ from repair technicians. In particular, instrument technician apprentices are 0.1% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a repair technician. Additionally, they're 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Repair technician vs. Assistant laboratory technician

The primary responsibility of a lab assistant is to help scientists and technologists. Lab assistants are assigned to prepare and monitor tests and experiments in research or medical laboratory. They analyze data and establish reports based on test results. Also, they set up the tools and equipment used in the lab. It is also part of their job to clean the lab rooms--knowledge in lab management, communication skills, attention to detail, and medical-related management.

On average, assistant laboratory technicians earn a $6,087 lower salary than repair technicians a year.While the salary may differ for these jobs, they share a few skills needed to perform their duties. Based on resume data, both repair technicians and assistant laboratory technicians have skills such as "hvac," "test equipment," and "windows. "

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, repair technician responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "customer service," "hand tools," "customer satisfaction," and "preventative maintenance." Meanwhile, an assistant laboratory technician has duties that require skills in areas such as "patients," "ladders," "computer lab," and "vital signs." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

Assistant laboratory technicians earn similar levels of education than repair technicians in general. They're 2.3% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Repair technician vs. Field service technician

Field service technicians are skilled professionals who manage the technical needs of their clients outside the company's physical office space. They are usually on the field to visit their clients and check up on clients' equipment. Field service technicians are dispatched to provide technical support. They oversee installations, repairs, or maintenance activities. They ensure that all the work needed is done well. They also conduct diagnostic activities and troubleshooting. Field service technicians also supervise any updating or changes needed to be done in their clients' offices. They are expected to have good analytical skills, communication skills, and highly technical skills.

On average, field service technicians earn higher salaries than repair technicians, with a $12,696 difference per year.By looking over several repair technicians and field service technicians resumes, we found that both roles require similar skills in their day-to-day duties, such as "customer service," "hand tools," and "customer satisfaction." But beyond that, the careers look very different.

Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from repair technician resumes include skills like "diagnosis," "faa," "electronic devices," and "quality standards," whereas a field service technician is more likely to list skills in "customer sites," "pc," "ladders," and "customer locations. "

Field service technicians earn the highest salary when working in the finance industry, where they receive an average salary of $74,883. Comparatively, repair technicians have the highest earning potential in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $49,974.field service technicians typically earn similar educational levels compared to repair technicians. Specifically, they're 1.4% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Repair technician vs. Repair specialist

The duties of a repair specialist depend on their line of work or place of employment. In industries such as automotive and manufacturing, a repair specialist is typically a member of a maintenance team who repairs and maintains machinery and equipment. Among their responsibilities include performing inspections and examinations, troubleshooting problems, fixing and replacing components, modifying and upgrading parts, and conducting regular maintenance checks to ensure quality and efficiency. Moreover, a repair specialist typically works in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for a smooth and efficient workflow.

Repair specialists tend to earn a lower pay than repair technicians by an average of $799 per year.While both repair technicians and repair specialists complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like customer service, customer satisfaction, and hvac, the two careers vary in some skills.Each job also requires different skills to carry out their responsibilities. A repair technician uses "hand tools," "preventative maintenance," "work ethic," and "strong work ethic." Repair specialists are more likely to have duties that require skills in "cleanliness," "bars," "preventive maintenance," and "technical problems. "The manufacturing industry tends to pay the highest salaries for repair specialists, with average annual pay of $51,386. Comparatively, the highest repair technician annual salary comes from the manufacturing industry.In general, repair specialists hold similar degree levels compared to repair technicians. Repair specialists are 0.6% more likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.0% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of repair technician

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

What a repair technician does FAQs

Search for repair technician jobs

Browse installation, maintenance and repair jobs