What Does a Repair Technician Do?

Repair technicians are responsible for diagnosing and repairing all kinds of equipment. They commonly work with industrial or commercial machinery, but they may also repair household appliances or other consumer goods.

Repair technicians must be able to quickly assess the problem with a piece of equipment and determine the best way to fix it. They often use specialized tools and diagnostic software to identify the source of the issue before making any repairs.

Repair Technician Job Duties

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

• Measuring equipment and materials to determine what is needed to complete jobs
• Repairing or replacing damaged equipment such as motors, bearings, and other moving parts
• Inspecting equipment to identify possible problems that could lead to future breakdowns
• Installing machinery and equipment, including piping and wiring, using hand tools and power tools
• Repairing electrical systems, including wiring and components such as transformers, capacitors, and circuit breakers
• Troubleshooting problems with equipment and making repairs as needed
• Maintaining equipment by performing regular maintenance checks, replacing parts, or performing repairs
• Diagnosing problems with equipment and making recommendations for repair or replacement
• Performing routine maintenance on equipment such as oil changes, replacing filters, and replacing belts and hoses

Repair Technician Salary & Outlook

Repair 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: $45,500 ($21.88/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $80,500 ($38.7/hour)

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

As consumer demand for new and more complex electronic products increases, demand for repair technicians will increase as well. Repair technicians will be needed to fix cell phones, computers, and other devices that have become increasingly complicated.

Related: 25 Repair Technician Interview Questions and Answers

Repair Technician Job Requirements

A repair technician may need to have the following:

Education: Most employers require repair technicians to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers prefer to hire technicians with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in electronics, electronics engineering or a related field. These programs teach students about the principles of electricity, electronics and circuitry.

Training & Experience: Most employers require their repair technicians to complete a training program before they begin working on their own. These programs can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months and teach the repair technician how to properly diagnose and repair various types of equipment. They may also teach basic computer skills, such as how to use a computer-aided design (CAD) program to create repair plans.

Certifications & Licenses: Certifications are not usually a requirement to become a repair technician, but they can make you a more competitive candidate when applying for jobs.

Repair Technician Skills

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

Technical skills: Repair technicians should have a basic understanding of electrical, mechanical and software systems. Understanding how these systems work can help you identify problems and find solutions.

Communication skills: Communication skills are necessary for repair technicians to have because they often need to explain their repair solutions to customers. Repair technicians should be able to communicate clearly and concisely with customers and coworkers. They should also be able to listen to customers’ concerns and explain the solutions they recommend.

Problem-solving skills: Repair 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 to repair the machine.

Organizational skills: Repair technicians should be able to organize their work space and tools to ensure they have everything they need to complete a repair. Organization skills can also help repair technicians prioritize their work and ensure they complete all of their tasks on time.

Attention to detail: Repair technicians must have excellent attention to detail to ensure they are repairing a machine correctly. Attention to detail can also help repair technicians notice if a machine is operating correctly after a repair.

Repair Technician Work Environment

Repair technicians work in a variety of settings, including factories, office buildings, retail stores, and private homes. They may be exposed to noise, dust, and fumes, and they may work in cramped or awkward positions. Many repair technicians work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. They may work evenings and weekends to respond to emergencies.

Repair Technician Trends

Here are three trends influencing how repair technicians work. Repair 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 professionals who can repair and maintain these systems.

As the need for more technical talent grows, repair technicians will be in high demand. They will need to be able to not only fix broken systems, but also understand how they work and how to keep them running smoothly.

More Focus on Preventative Maintenance

As businesses become more aware of the importance of preventive maintenance, they will begin to focus more on hiring technicians who can provide this service. This means that repair technicians who are able to offer preventative maintenance services will be in high demand.

Preventative maintenance can help businesses avoid costly repairs by identifying potential problems before they become too serious. As businesses realize the value of this service, they will be more likely to hire technicians who can provide it.

Greater Use of Technology in Repair Work

The use of technology in repair work is becoming increasingly common as customers demand faster and more efficient service.

As repair technicians become more familiar with technology-based tools, they will be able to utilize them in order to make repairs more quickly and efficiently. This includes using software to diagnose problems, as well as using apps to communicate with customers.

How to Become a Repair Technician

A career as a repair technician can be both rewarding and lucrative. It’s important to start off on the right foot by getting certified in your field. This will show employers that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to do the job correctly.

You should also stay up-to-date on the latest technology so that you can keep repairing the latest devices. Additionally, it’s important to build relationships with customers so that they trust you and know that you can fix their problems.

Advancement Prospects

Advancement prospects for repair technicians are good. With experience, repair technicians can move into management positions or open their own repair shops. Some repair technicians may also become manufacturers’ representatives, working with a particular manufacturer to promote and sell its products.

Repair Technician Job Description Example

At [CompanyX], we provide our customers with top-of-the-line products that they can rely on. In order to keep our products in excellent condition, we are in need of a reliable and detail-oriented repair technician. The ideal candidate will have experience repairing small and large appliances, as well as general maintenance experience. He or she will be responsible for troubleshooting issues, making repairs, and providing excellent customer service. The repair technician will also be responsible for keeping accurate records of all repairs made.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Respond to customer inquiries regarding repair status, warranty coverage, and product features
• Diagnose problems with equipment and determine the best course of action to take in order to fix the issue
• Perform repairs on a variety of devices, including but not limited to: computers, tablets, phones, printers, and more
• Keep up to date on the latest technology and developments in the industry in order to better serve customers
• Stay current on company policies and procedures in order to comply with all regulations
• Maintain a clean and organized work area
• Adhere to all safety protocols when handling tools and equipment
• Follow instructions from supervisors and managers in order to complete tasks efficiently
• Train new employees on proper repair techniques
• Assist with inventory management and ordering of parts and supplies as needed
• Provide excellent customer service at all times
• Handle customer complaints in a professional and courteous manner

Required Skills and Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 2+ years experience in a similar role
• Exceptional mechanical aptitude
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals and schematics
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Excellent customer service skills

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in electronics, engineering, or related field
• 4+ years experience in a similar role
• Leadership experience
• Proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) software
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes and quality control standards