What does a service and repair technician do?

Service and repair technicians install, maintains, or repair equipment and often travel to customer's location to provide service and maintenance. They are also known as field service technicians who have technical knowledge and skills to be able to install and conduct product testing or demo to properly instruct customers on the proper usage of the product. Also, they provide preventive maintenance procedures to prevent damage to the equipment, diagnose problems and make repairs. The job involves various services depending on the area of experience and expertise.
Service and repair technician responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real service and repair technician resumes:
- Manage and perform the installation of HVAC equipment, air handlers, condensers, thermostats, ducts and piping.
- Service calls on anything relate to anything dealing with doors, windows and glass.
- Service and repair on small engines, generators, ridding mowers, exercise equipment, power tools, washers and dryers.
- Perform random field warranty repairs on existing install windows.
- Perform SMT inspection, post-wave touch-up, rework, ECO wiring, and functional test repairs.
- Service kitchen appliances, stoves, ovens, dishwasher, trash compactors, garbage disposers and other home appliances.
- Light and adjust pilot lights on gas stoves, and examine valves and burners for gas leakage and specify flame.
- Determine feasibility of repair vs. salvage, perform brazing, soldering and welding using acetylene welding torches and MIG welders.
- Work in a fast pace environment to repair, safety test, invoice and ship torches send in for refurbishing.
- Educate and advise customers on existing plumbing issues and new industry products which generate up sales leading to higher ticket totals.
- Perform high quality repairs and modifications of smartphones.
- Experience in diagnosis and repair of Desktop/Laptop computers and their associate peripherals.
- Service customer repairs and provide problem solving for plumbing, heating and air-conditioning for residential and commercial accounts.
- Provide advanced problem diagnosis, resolution and follow-up for inbound telephone customer report issues and initiated/implement appropriate changes as necessary.
- Demonstrate an understanding and adherence to all work safety policies and procedures including OSHA and any local authorities governing requirements.
Service and repair technician skills and personality traits
We calculated that 19% of Service And Repair Technicians are proficient in Dishwashers, Test Equipment, and HVAC. They’re also known for soft skills such as Dexterity, Troubleshooting skills, and Customer-service skills.
We break down the percentage of Service And Repair Technicians that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Dishwashers, 19%
Repaired and rewired dishwashers effectively.
- Test Equipment, 18%
Tested, calibrated and repaired telecommunications and diverse utilities test equipment.
- HVAC, 15%
Repaired HVAC commercial and domestic refrigeration units.
- Dryers, 12%
Repaired and serviced commercial, industrial, and civilian manual and computerized washers and dryers.
- Plumbing, 11%
Serviced customer repairs and provided problem solving for plumbing, heating and air-conditioning for residential and commercial accounts.
- Stoves, 11%
Light and adjust pilot lights on gas stoves, and examine valves and burners for gas leakage and specified flame.
"dishwashers," "test equipment," and "hvac" are among the most common skills that service and repair technicians use at work. You can find even more service and repair technician responsibilities below, including:
Dexterity. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a service and repair technician to have is dexterity. Their role and responsibilities require that "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." Service and repair technicians often use dexterity in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "move and or lift material such as ladders, tools and test equipment weighing up to a maximum of 100 pounds. "
Troubleshooting skills. Many service and repair technician duties rely on troubleshooting skills. "workers find, diagnose, and repair problems," so a service and repair technician will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways service and repair technician responsibilities rely on troubleshooting skills: "tested functioning of electrical equipment troubleshooting faulty equipment. "
Customer-service skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of service and repair technicians is customer-service skills. This skill is critical to many everyday service and repair technician duties, as "these workers interact with customers on a regular basis." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "perform diagnostic, repair and customer support for apple devices, including some component level repair and micro-soldering. "
The three companies that hire the most service and repair technicians are:
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Service and 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.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between service and repair technicians and instrument technician apprentice. For instance, service and repair technician responsibilities require skills such as "working independently," "dishwashers," "test equipment," and "plumbing." Whereas a instrument technician apprentice is skilled in "hand tools," "osha," "cleanliness," and "customer vehicles." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Instrument technician apprentices really shine in the automotive industry with an average salary of $38,671. Comparatively, service and repair technicians tend to make the most money in the transportation industry with an average salary of $42,616.On average, instrument technician apprentices reach similar levels of education than service and repair technicians. Instrument technician apprentices are 0.3% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Service and repair technician vs. Industrial maintenance technician
An industrial maintenance technician is responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing commercial and industrial machinery in a building or a manufacturing plant. You will perform typical duties that include ensuring all machines function properly through preventative maintenance service, conducting tests to ensure production machinery functions properly, and performing safety checks and routine maintenance. Other duties include collaborating with the production team, preparing maintenance reports, and instructing and guiding new employees. An industrial maintenance technician also assesses the machinery's functionality and fabricates parts for machine upgrades and repair.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real service and repair technician resumes. While service and repair technician responsibilities can utilize skills like "working independently," "dishwashers," "stoves," and "windows," industrial maintenance technicians use skills like "industrial maintenance," "hand tools," "plc," and "mechanical equipment."
Industrial maintenance technicians earn a higher average salary than service and repair technicians. But industrial maintenance technicians earn the highest pay in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $53,065. Additionally, service and repair technicians earn the highest salaries in the transportation with average pay of $42,616 annually.In general, industrial maintenance technicians achieve similar levels of education than service and repair technicians. They're 0.6% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Service and repair technician vs. Facilities technician
Facilities Technicians are employees who manage the upkeep of the company's facilities. They are in charge of maintaining the different equipment, fixtures, and furniture in the office. They conduct routine maintenance and regular check-ups to ensure that everything is working properly at all times. In case of malfunctioning items, facilities technicians try to repair these items if they know how or schedule the item for repair. They also ensure that the facility's occupational safety and health standards are met, and the employees follow safety protocols.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from service and repair technician resumes include skills like "working independently," "windows," "ac," and "service repair," whereas a facilities technician is more likely to list skills in "osha," "ladders," "maintenance tasks," and "hand tools. "
Facilities technicians earn the highest salary when working in the energy industry, where they receive an average salary of $48,629. Comparatively, service and repair technicians have the highest earning potential in the transportation industry, with an average salary of $42,616.When it comes to education, facilities technicians tend to earn similar degree levels compared to service and repair technicians. In fact, they're 2.0% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.0% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Service and repair technician vs. Technician
Technicians are skilled professionals who primarily work with technology in different industries. They are knowledgeable about the technical aspects of the various items they work with. They are usually working with electricity or with technological advancements. Technicians may be assigned to do the construction of equipment or materials related to their field of study. They may also be assigned to conduct diagnostics and other maintenance activities to ensure that the equipment works properly. Technicians may also be required to conduct basic repairs in case of problems. It is important that technicians have good analytical skills and decision-making skills.
Types of service and repair technician
Updated January 8, 2025











