What Does a System Technician Do?

A system technician is a professional 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.

Take a few minutes to create or upgrade your resume. 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 Responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real system technician resumes representing typical tasks they are likely to perform in their roles.

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 Job Description

Between the years 2018 and 2028, system technician jobs are expected to undergo a growth rate described as "as fast as average" at 5%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. So if the thought "should I become a system technician?" Has crossed your mind, maybe you should take the growth rate into account. In addition, the number of system technician opportunities that are projected to become available by 2028 is 18,200.

On average, the system technician annual salary is $43,410 per year, which translates to $20.87 an hour. Generally speaking, system technicians earn anywhere from $27,000 to $67,000 a year, which means that the top-earning system technicians make $39,000 more than the ones at the lower end of the spectrum.

It's hard work to become a system technician, but even the most dedicated employees consider switching careers from time to time. Whether you're interested in a more challenging position or just looking for a fresh start, we've compiled extensive information on becoming an information technology/support technician, information technology technician, communications technician, and technical support technician.

Learn More About System Technician Job Descriptions

Find Better Talent in Less Time

Post a Job on Zippia and take the best from over 7 million monthly job seekers.

System Technician Jobs You Might Like

12 System Technician Resume Examples

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 12+ resume templates to create your system technician resume.


Dylan Cole System Technician Contact Information Chicago, IL (730) 555-4085 dcole@example.com Skills Unix Technical Data Peripheral Equipment Job Sites Osha Communications Systems Vmware Radar Astm Pl/Sql Employment History System Technician 2019 - Present AT&T Chicago, IL Drive a company vehicle, valid CA. Diagnosed, isolated, and troubleshot network and connectivity problems necessary to restore small business and residential internet service. Increased experience setting up internet connections and troubleshooting modems, routers, and PC. Created and implemented troubleshooting steps for the Helpdesk caseworkers for troubleshooting desktop, and printer/copier problems. Computer System Specialist 2017 - 2019 University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL Installed and supported Windows OS servers, printers and over 100 workstations. Receive user trouble calls for all personal computers, terminals, and data communication equipment problems. Coordinate repairs for all broken electronics, and create and track all trouble tickets via Remedy Trouble Ticket System. Processed incoming requests from end users needing database access to support nuclear outages. Achieved Support Center Team Lead certification Led project of replacing all office printers across Chicago campus with community printers. Replied to and solved tickets via email and telephone communication. Computer Engineer 2012 - 2017 University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL Provided phone and e-mail support to staff in remote sites for hardware, software and phone needs. Installed, diagnosed, and optimized PCs in Windows 9x, Windows 3.11, Windows NT, and DOS 6.22 environments. Provided multi-level technical support on NetApp hardware and software products. Performed system integration of auxiliary power units with military and commercial aircraft. Performed moves, additions and changes to various computer equipment as well as printers and faxes. Education Bachelor's Degree Electrical Engineering Technology 2009 - 2012 DeVry University Oakbrook Terrace, IL


Keith Evans System Technician Contact Info Chicago, IL (500) 555-6218 kevans@example.com Skills Level IIData WarehouseEthernetTrouble ShootingAppleVPNHL7ProceduresJ2EeRF Employment History System Technician 2020 - Present AT&T Chicago, IL Assisted Cable Technician over the phone on the installation process and activation of cable, phone and internet service. Configured CISCO routers to admin down interfaces. Performed new connects, reconnects, upgrades and downgrades of cable television, internet, and telephone systems. Operated hand tools and power tools associated to get the job finished. Coordinate with stores to setup and repair PC's and Printers. Junior Network Technician 2019 - 2020 Panduit Oakbrook Terrace, IL Supported Remote Users using Wireless and VPN. Delivered software and hardware recommendations by performing audits and creating personalized reports. Network Administration including LAN monitoring, mapping, cabling and firewalls. Disconnect the hardware components, network cable, and power cord for the legacy CPU & monitor. Provided support for 100+ users involving computer/network related technologies in Windows [ ] Server environment. Installed all routers and hubs; updated and installed cabling for new network that reduced downtime by 62%. Programmer Analyst 2016 - 2018 TransUnion Oakbrook Terrace, IL Design and Coding the User Interface for Reporting Subscriber & Submission Format module using JSP, AJAX, JavaScript and JQuery. Performed testing, assigned work & coordinated QA efforts in testing all the processes in the new database. Prepared ETL mappings to transform and load data into indirect sales warehouse. Education Master's Degree Electrical Engineering Technology 2018 - 2019 DeVry University Oakbrook Terrace, IL Bachelor's Degree Electrical Engineering 2013 - 2016 DeVry University Oakbrook Terrace, IL


Judith Stewart System Technician San Bernardino, CA (540) 555-9375 jstewart@example.com Experience System Technician2020 - Present Verizon•San Bernardino, CA Communicated with network technicians to report any issues regarding the network by submitting trouble tickets. Analyzed, diagnosed, and resolved hardware issues then filed warranty claims or repaired hardware on site. Install correct modems depending on customer services to be installed. Computer System Technician2017 - 2020 San Bernardino County Fire•San Bernardino, CA Provided desktop support to FDA staff, both onsite and using SCCM remote control. Exchange 5.5 and 2003 configuration and monitoring, Active directory and SMS as well as Lotus Notes 5 to 6-migration team. Support for VPN solution for traveling Project Managers within OEA. Sergeant2013 - 2017 San Bernardino County Fire•San Bernardino, CA Supervised and managed the daily operations of the police department and its compliment of ten sworn and eight civilian personnel. Drafted new police department policies and procedures as advised by the Chief of Police and Unit Administrators. Conducted disciplinary hearings and facilitated the investigation of incidents involving inmate violations of facility rules and regulations. Attended the FBI's Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar, Princeton, NJ. Conducted investigations of all base incidents and criminal activity. Supervised daily operations, training, discipline, safety, and personnel management of 275 soldiers. Skills DatabaseSergeantsTroubleshootBrigade CommanderSafety ProceduresComputer SystemPl/SqlComplex IssuesCareer ProgressionSecurity Officers Education Bachelor's Degree Business2010 - 2013 California State University - San Bernardino•San Bernardino, CA

Create My Resume

Build a professional resume in minutes using this template.

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.

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.

Most system technicians list "customer service," "hand tools," and "preventative maintenance" as skills on their resumes. We go into more details on the most important system technician responsibilities here:

Arguably the most important personality trait for a system technician to have happens to be multitasking skills. An example from a resume said this about the skill, "administrators may have to work on many problems and tasks at the same time." Additionally, other resumes have pointed out that system technicians can use multitasking skills to "deliver excellent customer service and multitasking assignments, communicating with multiple managers, supervisors, and technical staff. "

Another commonly found skill for being able to perform system technician duties is the following: analytical skills. According to a system technician resume, "administrators need to evaluate networks and systems to make sure that they perform reliably and to anticipate new requirements as customers’ needs change." Check out this example of how system technicians use analytical skills: "performed trusted agent data transfers of critical facility control systems data. "

System technicians are also known for communication skills, which can be critical when it comes to performing their duties. An example of why this skill is important is shown by this snippet that we found in a system technician resume: "administrators must describe problems and their solutions to non-it workers." We also found this resume example that details how this skill is put to the test: "performed electronic checks and maintenance functions on aircraft communications, navigation, radar, instrumentation, and flight control systems. "

In order for certain system technician responsibilities to be completed, the job requires the skill "problem-solving skills." According to a system technician resume, "administrators must quickly resolve problems that arise with computer networks." As an example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies: "resolved customer issues expediently while adhering to all applicable dod and af network guidance. "

See the full list of system technician skills.

We've found that 36.4% of system technicians have earned a bachelor's degree. Furthermore, 3.3% earned their master's degrees before becoming a system technician. While it's true that some system technicians have a college degree, it's generally possible to become one with only a high school degree. In fact, one out of every four system technicians did not spend the extra money to attend college.

Those system technicians who do attend college, typically earn either electrical engineering degrees or business degrees. Less commonly earned degrees for system technicians include electrical engineering technology degrees or computer science degrees.

Once you're ready to become a system technician, you should explore the companies that typically hire system technicians. According to system technician resumes that we searched through, system technicians are hired the most by AT&T;, Siemens, and TEKsystems. Currently, AT&T; has 73 system technician job openings, while there are 66 at Siemens and 58 at TEKsystems.

If you're interested in companies where system technicians make the most money, you'll want to apply for positions at Bristol-Myers Squibb, Apple, and Sandia National Labs. We found that at Bristol-Myers Squibb, the average system technician salary is $84,749. Whereas at Apple, system technicians earn roughly $81,016. And at Sandia National Labs, they make an average salary of $79,882.

View more details on system technician salaries across the United States.

We also looked into companies who hire system technicians from the top 100 educational institutions in the U.S. The top three companies that hire the most from these institutions include Comcast, AT&T;, and United States Army Corps of Engineers.

The industries that system technicians fulfill the most roles in are the technology and telecommunication industries. But the highest system technician annual salary is in the government industry, averaging $58,665. In the technology industry they make $47,854 and average about $44,562 in the manufacturing industry. In conclusion, system technicians who work in the government industry earn a 13.2% higher salary than system technicians in the professional industry.

The three companies that hire the most prestigious system technicians are:

Build a professional resume in minutes.

Our AI resume builder helps you write a compelling and relevant resume for the jobs you want. See 10+ resume templates and create your resume here.

Don't Have A Professional Resume?

What Information Technology/Support Technicians Do

An information technology (IT) support technician is a professional 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.

In this section, we compare the average system technician annual salary with that of an information technology/support technician. Typically, information technology/support technicians earn a $2,181 higher salary than system technicians earn annually.

While their salaries may differ, one common ground between system technicians and information technology/support technicians are a few of the skills required in each craft. In both careers, employees bring forth skills like customer service, switches, and computer system.

There are some key differences in responsibilities as well. For example, a 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 how truly different these two careers really are.

Information technology/support technicians really shine in the technology industry with an average salary of $53,210. Whereas 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 is a bit different than that of 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.

What Are The Duties Of an 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.

The next role we're going to look at is the information technology technician profession. Typically, this position earns a higher pay. In fact, they earn a $5,621 higher salary than system technicians per year.

Not everything about these jobs is different. Take their skills, for example. System technicians and information technology technicians both include similar skills like "customer service," "technical support," and "switches" on their resumes.

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences that are worth noting. For example, system technician responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "hand tools," "preventative maintenance," "control systems," and "security systems." Meanwhile, a information technology technician might be skilled 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.

It's been discovered that information technology technicians earn higher salaries compared to system technicians, but we wanted to find out where information technology technicians earned the most pay. The answer? The finance industry. The average salary in the industry is $66,881. Additionally, system technicians earn the highest paychecks in the government with an average salary of $58,665.

In general, information technology technicians study at 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.

How a Communications Technician Compares

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 communications technician profession generally makes a higher amount of money when compared to the average salary of system technicians. The difference in salaries is communications technicians making $8,812 higher than system technicians.

Using system technicians and communications technicians resumes, we found that both professions have similar skills such as "customer service," "hand tools," and "security systems," but the other skills required are very different.

As mentioned, these two careers differ between other skills that are required for performing the work exceedingly well. For example, gathering from system technicians resumes, they are more likely to have skills like "preventative maintenance," "technical support," "control systems," and "osha." But a communications technician might have skills like "rehabilitation," "patch panels," "telephone systems," and "communications equipment."

Additionally, communications technicians earn a higher salary in the government industry compared to other industries. In this industry, they receive an average salary of $51,581. Additionally, system technicians earn an average salary of $58,665 in the government industry.

Communications technicians are known to earn similar educational levels when compared to system technicians. Additionally, they're 0.4% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Description Of a 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.

Technical support technicians tend to earn a lower pay than system technicians by about $3,200 per year.

While their salaries may vary, system technicians and technical support technicians both use similar skills to perform their jobs. Resumes from both professions include skills like "customer service," "technical support," and "computer system. "

Each job requires different skills like "hand tools," "preventative maintenance," "control systems," and "security systems," which might show up on a system technician resume. Whereas technical support technician might include skills like "patients," "customer support," "desktop support," and "inbound calls."

Now, let's take a closer look at the financials in each career. The finance industry tends to pay more for technical support technicians with an average of $52,365. While the highest system technician annual salary comes from the government industry.

The average resume of technical support technicians showed that they earn similar levels of education to system technicians. So much so that the likelihood of them earning a Master's Degree is 0.7% more. Additionally, they're more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 0.1%.

Updated October 2, 2020