What Does an Equipment Technician Do?

Equipment technicians are responsible for the maintenance and repair of a wide range of equipment. They commonly work with industrial or commercial machinery, but may also be called upon to maintain vehicles, computers, electronics, medical equipment, etc.

Equipment technicians often specialize in a particular type of equipment—for example, they might focus on aircraft mechanics or computer hardware repair. Regardless of their specialty, they must have an understanding of how all types of equipment work so that they can properly diagnose and repair problems when they arise.

Equipment Technician Job Duties

Equipment technicians have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Performing preventive maintenance tasks such as cleaning, lubricating, and adjusting equipment to ensure it is operating properly
• Troubleshooting malfunctions in equipment, including repairing or replacing components such as motors, bearings, wiring, or valves
• Installing and maintaining industrial machinery such as boilers, compressors, steam turbines, water purification systems, and air conditioning units
• Conducting training for other technicians or engineers on the proper use and care of equipment in a facility
• Repairing small mechanical or electrical equipment such as computers and medical equipment
• Installing, maintaining, and repairing power generation equipment such as transformers, generators, switchgear, and circuit breakers
• Installing and maintaining plumbing systems in businesses and residential buildings, including piping, faucets, and sewage treatment equipment
• Maintaining equipment inventories and monitoring use of equipment to ensure it is being used properly
• Performing inspections of equipment to identify potential safety hazards

Equipment Technician Salary & Outlook

Equipment technicians’ salaries vary depending on their level of education and experience, the company size and geographic location. They may also earn additional compensation in the form of overtime.

• Median Annual Salary: $52,500 ($25.24/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $97,000 ($46.63/hour)

The employment of equipment technicians is expected to grow at an average rate over the next decade.

As manufacturing companies invest in new equipment, they will need technicians to install and maintain this equipment. In addition, as older equipment breaks down, technicians will be needed to repair it.

Related: Equipment Technician Interview Questions and Answers

Equipment Technician Job Requirements

An equipment technician typically needs to have the following qualifications:

Education: Most equipment technicians are required to have at least a high school diploma or GED. Some employers prefer candidates who have completed some post-secondary education in an industrial maintenance program. These programs typically take one to two years to complete and teach students how to maintain and repair a variety of equipment, including motors, pumps, valves, compressors, turbines, generators, pumps, motors, turbines, generators, compressors, pumps, valves and turbines.

Training & Experience: Equipment technicians can obtain the training they need through formal education and on-the-job experience. Most of these technicians start as entry-level service or maintenance technicians. They work under the supervision of experienced equipment technicians until they are comfortable enough to complete tasks on their own.

Certifications & Licenses: Certifications are not usually a requirement as an equipment technician. However, obtaining certifications can give you more competitive employment potential and help you learn more about your role.

Equipment Technician Skills

Equipment technicians need the following skills in order to be successful:

Technical skills: Technical skills are the knowledge and experience you have in a specific field. Equipment technicians use their technical skills to repair and maintain equipment. This includes knowing the specific tools and equipment needed to complete a task, knowing how to read and interpret technical manuals and knowing how to troubleshoot and repair equipment.

Communication skills: Equipment technicians communicate with their coworkers, clients and managers on a regular basis. They use verbal and written communication skills to explain technical information, answer questions and complete assignments. Effective communication skills can help you collaborate with your coworkers to solve problems and find solutions to challenges.

Problem-solving skills: Equipment technicians use their problem-solving skills to identify and resolve issues with machinery. They use their problem-solving skills to identify the source of a problem, research solutions and implement a solution. They also use their problem-solving skills to troubleshoot equipment and find ways to repair it.

Attention to detail: Equipment technicians must have excellent attention to detail to ensure they complete all tasks correctly. This can include everything from reading and understanding instructions to following safety protocols. Attention to detail can also help you identify potential issues with equipment and prevent them from occurring.

Ability to work independently: Equipment technicians often work alone, so it’s important for them to be able to work independently. This means they can complete tasks and solve problems without the help of others. Working independently can also help them save time and resources by completing tasks quickly and correctly.

Equipment Technician Work Environment

Equipment technicians work in a variety of settings, including factories, power plants, and repair shops. They may be exposed to noise, dust, and grease, and they may work in cramped or awkward positions. They may work shifts that include evenings and weekends, and they may be on call to respond to emergencies. Equipment technicians typically work full time, and overtime is often required.

Equipment Technician Trends

Here are three trends influencing how equipment technicians work. Equipment technicians will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

The Need for More Technical Talent

The need for more technical talent is a trend that is being felt across all industries, as businesses are increasingly relying on technology to run their operations. This has led to an increased demand for equipment technicians who have the skills and experience needed to install, maintain, and repair complex machinery.

As businesses continue to rely on technology, equipment technicians will be in high demand and will be able to command higher salaries. Those who are able to keep up with the latest trends and technologies will be the most successful in this field.

More Focus on Preventative Maintenance

As businesses become more aware of the importance of preventive maintenance, they are turning to equipment technicians to help them keep their equipment running smoothly.

This trend means that equipment technicians will need to be well-versed in preventative maintenance procedures, as well as the parts and components that make up different types of equipment. They will also need to be able to troubleshoot problems quickly and efficiently in order to keep businesses running smoothly.

Greater Use of Technology in the Field

The use of technology in the field is becoming increasingly common among equipment technicians. This is due to the fact that technology can help technicians to diagnose and fix problems faster and more accurately than ever before.

By using technology in the field, technicians can access information about products and services that may not be available in the customer’s location. This allows them to provide better service to customers and helps to build trust between the customer and the company.

How to Become an Equipment Technician

An equipment technician career can be a great way to get started in the engineering field. As an equipment technician, you’ll have the opportunity to work on a variety of different machines and technologies. You’ll also learn about how these machines work and how they are designed and built. This knowledge will help you when you move on to other engineering jobs.

To become an equipment technician, you’ll need to have a strong background in math and science. You should also be able to read and understand blueprints and drawings. It’s also important to have good communication skills so that you can explain technical information to non-technical people.

Advancement Prospects

Equipment technicians may advance to lead technician, supervisor, or manager positions. With experience, they may also move into sales, marketing, or product development. Some technicians start their own businesses.

Equipment Technician Job Description Example

At [CompanyX], we believe that our success is a direct result of our team’s dedication to their craft. We’re looking for an experienced equipment technician to join our team and help us maintain our position as a leader in our industry. The ideal candidate will have experience with a variety of equipment, including but not limited to: hand tools, power tools, welding equipment, and machine tools. He/she will be responsible for the maintenance and repair of all equipment in the company, as well as the training of new employees on the proper use of equipment. The most successful candidate will be a team player with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Inspect, test, and maintain industrial equipment to prevent breakdowns and ensure optimal performance
• Read and interpret technical manuals, drawings, and blueprints to identify the right replacement parts
• Install new parts and components following manufacturer’s instructions
• Perform regular maintenance checks on a schedule or as needed
• Lubricate moving parts and clean equipment when necessary
• Repair or replace worn out or damaged parts
• Troubleshoot issues by conducting diagnostic tests
• Keep accurate records of maintenance activities and repairs
• Assist with installations and commissioning of new equipment
• Train other technicians and operators on proper use and maintenance of the equipment
• Adhere to safety regulations and quality standards
• Stay up-to-date with latest technology and developments in the field

Required Skills and Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Technical training in electronics, mechanics, or a related field
• 3+ years experience repairing and maintaining industrial equipment
• Working knowledge of electrical schematics and blueprints
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication, customer service, and time management skills

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in electronics, mechanics, or a related field
• 5+ years experience repairing and maintaining industrial equipment
• Experience with programmable logic controllers (PLCs)
• Certification from an accredited trade organization, such as the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET)