What does a system technician do?
A system technician is an individual responsible for supporting users with issues related to the computer system. System technicians conduct appropriate diagnostics on computer issues and must be able to explain technical issues to clients or team members. They should carry out tests on the system so that they can generate error reports to identify and fix any computer system problems. System technicians also can write and maintain computer programs and work with computers and electronics, including circuit boards, computer hardware and software, and computer processors.
System technician responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real system technician resumes:
- 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.
- Develop and implement a weekly schedule on SQL databases to automate the execution of maintenance plans.
- Plan and lead training programs on new software development essential to the movement to a paperless travel department for DoD.
- Experience using Microsoft's DDK, Java, and JNI to interface to low level hardware / OS functionality.
- Update and edit PHP, JS and HTML.
- Work on Cisco UCS platform with VMware.
- Define standard XML request for communicating between the systems.
- Help with HTML and website issues for trainers and managers.
- Deliver clean lab coats per request in a timely manner.
- Configure server for DNS, DHCP, and print server.
- Guide other programmers in solving technical problems in PL/SQL and Forms/Reports.
- Demonstrate appropriate safety procedures in the retrieval of soil lab coats.
System technician skills and personality traits
We calculated that 10% of System Technicians are proficient in Customer Service, Hand Tools, and Preventative Maintenance. They’re also known for soft skills such as Multitasking skills, Analytical skills, and Communication skills.
We break down the percentage of System Technicians that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Customer Service, 10%
Established first regular Engineering/Sales/Customer Service, inter-departmental communications.
- Hand Tools, 7%
Removed/installed line-replaceable units and circuit card assemblies using hand tools and soldering devices in compliance with technical data.
- Preventative Maintenance, 6%
Performed preventative maintenance & periodic performance testing to ensure quality standards, operational readiness & 100% user satisfaction.
- Technical Support, 5%
Provide and perform critical technical support to the Mobile Communications Platform for scheduled and short notice Presidential movements.
- Control Systems, 4%
Maintained computer control systems and performed computer diagnostics as well as programmed robotic functions per engineering directives for daily tasks.
- Security Systems, 4%
Provided technical guidance and training to client personnel in establishing operational policies and maintenance of various data and security systems equipment.
Most system technicians use their skills in "customer service," "hand tools," and "preventative maintenance" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential system technician responsibilities here:
Multitasking skills. One of the key soft skills for a system technician to have is multitasking skills. You can see how this relates to what system technicians do because "administrators may have to work on many problems and tasks at the same time." Additionally, a system technician resume shows how system technicians use multitasking skills: "deliver excellent customer service and multitasking assignments, communicating with multiple managers, supervisors, and technical staff. "
Analytical skills. Another essential skill to perform system technician duties is analytical skills. System technicians responsibilities require that "administrators need to evaluate networks and systems to make sure that they perform reliably and to anticipate new requirements as customers’ needs change." System technicians also use analytical skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "performed trusted agent data transfers of critical facility control systems data. "
Communication skills. system technicians are also known for communication skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to system technician responsibilities, because "administrators must describe problems and their solutions to non-it workers." A system technician resume example shows how communication skills is used in the workplace: "performed electronic checks and maintenance functions on aircraft communications, navigation, radar, instrumentation, and flight control systems. "
Problem-solving skills. For certain system technician responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "problem-solving skills." The day-to-day duties of a system technician rely on this skill, as "administrators must quickly resolve problems that arise with computer networks." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what system technicians do: "resolved customer issues expediently while adhering to all applicable dod and af network guidance. "
The three companies that hire the most system technicians are:
- AT&T73 system technicians jobs
- Siemens66 system technicians jobs
- TEKsystems58 system technicians jobs
Choose from 10+ customizable system technician resume templates
Build a professional system 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 system technician resume.
Compare different system technicians
System technician vs. Information technology/support technician
An information technology (IT) support technician is an individual who is responsible for providing support and troubleshoots software and hardware problems faced by customers. As for larger organizations that have their own IT department, technicians must work together internally with their IT staff members. IT support technicians are involved in inspecting and resolving minor local area network and wireless network issues, which include TCP/IP, DHCP, and VPN. They are also required to obtain an associate's degree in computer science or related field.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, system technician responsibilities require skills like "hand tools," "preventative maintenance," "technical support," and "control systems." Meanwhile a typical information technology/support technician has skills in areas such as "troubleshoot," "desk support," "phone calls," and "remote desktop." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Information technology/support technicians really shine in the technology industry with an average salary of $53,210. Comparatively, system technicians tend to make the most money in the government industry with an average salary of $58,665.The education levels that information technology/support technicians earn slightly differ from system technicians. In particular, information technology/support technicians are 1.5% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a system technician. Additionally, they're 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.System technician vs. Information technology technician
An information technology technician, also known as an IT technician, is responsible for ensuring that all computer systems in a company or organization are running smoothly and efficiently. Their duties primarily revolve around installing and maintaining systems, including software and hardware, and resolving any issues. They also provide technical support such as troubleshooting, navigation, and even system upgrades. Furthermore, an information technology technician can choose whether to work for a company or independently.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, system technician responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "hand tools," "preventative maintenance," "control systems," and "security systems." Meanwhile, an information technology technician has duties that require skills in areas such as "troubleshoot," "desk support," "network printers," and "java." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Information technology technicians earn a higher average salary than system technicians. But information technology technicians earn the highest pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $66,881. Additionally, system technicians earn the highest salaries in the government with average pay of $58,665 annually.In general, information technology technicians achieve similar levels of education than system technicians. They're 1.0% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for system technicians in the next 3-5 years?
Ming Chow
Associate Teaching Professor, Tufts University
References:
1. cybersecurity
2. cybersecurity
System technician vs. Communications technician
A communications technician utilizes their expertise in electronics by diagnosing issues and repairing devices ranging from cellphones, laptops, tablets, and more. They are responsible for troubleshooting and discussing the extent of malfunction with clients. Technicians diagnose the root of the problem and determine which corrective measure to take. A communications technician may work independently or as a member of a company. Most of the time, they have to consult with the clients over the pricing and kind of repairs, and then offer replacement parts.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, system technicians are more likely to have skills like "preventative maintenance," "technical support," "control systems," and "osha." But a communications technician is more likely to have skills like "rehabilitation," "patch panels," "telephone systems," and "communications equipment."
Communications technicians earn the highest salary when working in the government industry, where they receive an average salary of $51,581. Comparatively, system technicians have the highest earning potential in the government industry, with an average salary of $58,665.communications technicians typically earn similar educational levels compared to system technicians. Specifically, they're 0.4% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.System technician vs. Technical support technician
Technical support technicians are skilled professionals who resolve computer or information technology-related concerns. They may do installations, repairs, or maintenance activities of various applications or computer hardware. They are sometimes assigned specific issues or concerns to resolve so that they will not be bombarded with various issues. This means that they can now specialize in a specific family of concerns. Technical support technicians may provide on-site support, going directly to the person who needs help and doing what needs to be done or troubleshoot the problem in person. They may also be offsite and would usually be manning helpdesk hotlines. Offsite technical support technicians walk the caller through the steps they should do to fix the issues. As such, when a technical support technician is offsite, they are expected to be good communicators and will be able to provide clear instructions.
Types of system technician
Updated January 8, 2025
