Post Job

What is a system technician and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
introduction image

A system technician installs, maintains, and troubleshoots computer systems and networks. They are skilled in hardware and software components such as servers, routers, switches, and operating systems. System technicians also secure, back up, and update systems regularly to prevent failures or data loss. They work with other IT professionals such as network administrators and software developers to ensure efficient and secure systems. Additionally, system technicians provide technical support to end-users.

ScoreSystem TechnicianUS Average
Salary
3.4

Avg. Salary $43,410

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
5.7

Growth Rate 5%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.8
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.31%

Asian 8.79%

Black or African American 8.80%

Hispanic or Latino 12.49%

Unknown 5.08%

White 64.54%

Gender

female 9.98%

male 90.02%

Age - 42
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 - 42
Stress Level
5.7

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
6.7

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
7.1

Work Life balance is good

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a System Technician?

Pros

  • High demand for skilled technicians

  • Opportunities for career advancement and specialization

  • Good pay and benefits

  • Ability to work independently or as part of a team

  • Job stability

Cons

  • Risk of burnout due to high workload and pressure

  • Exposure to hazardous materials and equipment

  • High level of responsibility for system uptime and security

  • Potential for conflicts with clients or coworkers

  • Lack of recognition or appreciation for the work done

System Technician career paths

Key steps to become a system technician

  1. Explore system technician education requirements

    Most common system technician degrees

    Associate

    40.0 %

    Bachelor's

    36.4 %

    High School Diploma

    12.5 %
  2. Start to develop specific system technician skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Customer Service10.17%
    Hand Tools6.90%
    Preventative Maintenance5.92%
    Technical Support5.01%
    Control Systems4.33%
  3. Complete relevant system technician training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New system 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 system technician based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real system technician resumes.
  4. Gain additional system technician certifications

    System 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 system technician certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for system technicians include Master Certified Electronics Technician (CETma) and EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA).

    More About Certifications
  5. Research system technician duties and responsibilities

    • Install and manage approve software distributions using Microsoft SCCM.
    • Manage, support and maintain modern EMC SAN storage platform.
    • Manage 185 virtualize desktops running in a cluster VMware ESX environment.
    • Provide on-site construction support and lead system testing, debugging, and startup.
  6. Prepare your system technician resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your system 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 system 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 System Technician Resume templates

    Build a professional System 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 System Technician resume.
    System Technician Resume
    System Technician Resume
    System Technician Resume
    System Technician Resume
    System Technician Resume
    System Technician Resume
    System Technician Resume
    System Technician Resume
    System Technician Resume
    System Technician Resume
    System Technician Resume
    System Technician Resume
    System Technician Resume
    System Technician Resume
    System Technician Resume
    System Technician Resume
  7. Apply for system technician jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a system technician job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First System Technician Job

Zippi

Are you a System Technician?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average system technician salary

The average System Technician salary in the United States is $43,410 per year or $21 per hour. System technician salaries range between $27,000 and $67,000 per year.

Average System Technician Salary
$43,410 Yearly
$20.87 hourly

What Am I Worth?

salary-calculator

How do system technicians rate their job?

-/5

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

System Technician reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2020
Pros

I really love technical job which is hands on.

Cons

I don’t too much simple tickets


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2019
Pros

Love taking something that can't be used and giving it life again...

Cons

The pay is too low for the experience one must have...


Working as a System Technician? Share your experience anonymously.
Overall Rating*
Career Growth
Work/Life balance
Pay/Salary

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.

Browse computer and mathematical jobs