what is an IT technician?
An IT technician provides support services to employees using a company's computer systems. When you join the profession, your work will involve fixing and maintaining hardware and software for your employer. Your job covers repairing or maintaining hardware parts of a computer system like desktops, printers, and external hard drives in hardware support.
You also provide networking support, from installing networking equipment like switches, routers, and cables to monitoring networks to ensure optimal performance. Your job also covers installation and monitoring security breaches. Monitoring includes regular system checks on the installed servers and computer systems to ensure that anti-virus programs are running optimally.
When working as an IT technician, you also ensure an organization's storage system works efficiently. Aside from regular checks for errors, you need to update storage systems and perform backups to avoid losing vital data during a system glitch. Apart from your main tasks, you also assist other employees if they need technical support and recommend the best ways to improve the safety and security of your employer's computer systems.
Would working as an IT technician suit your passion and enthusiasm for working with computers? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in an IT technician role.
view jobs near youaverage salary of an IT technician
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, those working in an IT technician role with the title of computer support specialist can expect to earn a median salary of $59,660. Those who move up the ladder to roles as computer network architectures earn significantly more, with a median pay of $126,900.
Professionals working as IT technicians can increase their earnings by acquiring additional education and skills that allow them to effectively address a wider range of software and hardware problems.
Wondering what you can earn as an IT technician? Find out immediately with the Randstad salary checker! You can quickly and easily see what the average salary of an IT technician is.
what factors affect the salary of an IT technician
The salaries of IT technicians mainly depend on experience and specific skills. Experienced IT technicians can take on more responsibilities in a company compared to entry-level technicians. Qualifications and additional certifications also increase the salary of an IT technician.
Other factors like location and company size affect your wages. Small start-ups often pay less compared to large companies due to the diverse financial capabilities of every business.
Working in some locations also boosts your wages since the employer factors in the cost of living and demand for technicians in the area. For example, working in major cities improves your compensation package compared to working in smaller towns.
types of IT technicians
As an IT technician, you will provide general IT support or specialize in the following areas:
- help desk technician: when you are a help desk IT technician, your leading role is to diagnose technical problems for computer users. After identifying an issue, you contact a suitable technician to handle it.
- desktop support technician: as a desktop support IT technician, you respond to problems arising in desktop computers. Your work is to troubleshoot issues or configure and test networks. You can also assist computer users in setting up new desktops or user accounts.
- IT support analyst: if you are an IT support analyst, you are the go-to person during an IT audit. Your work is to determine issues that may arise in a system and recommend ways to improve its functionality.
- IT support specialist: your tasks are mainly hands-on since you are responsible for setting up or installing technologies. To avoid glitches, you will also troubleshoot and maintain hardware and software in your employer's computer systems.
working as an IT technician
A successful career in IT begins with a role as an IT technician. Here are the duties and daily responsibilities to expect as you kick-start your career:
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IT technician job description
Are you wondering what the daily tasks of an IT technician entail? Some of them include:
- installation and maintenance of networks: an IT technician helps computer users install network hardware, such as routers and switches. You also regularly check the network and test for issues to avoid unnecessary interruptions and network failures.
- resolving system failures: when a computer system failure occurs, it is your job to identify the cause of the problem and notify the computer users. You can also fix configuration or connection problems in the system and restore functionality to avoid disruption of routines.
- configuring and installing new IT equipment: when your employer acquires new computer equipment or laptops, your job is to install the necessary software and applications in the devices. You should also configure the settings to suit their functionality. If the users are unfamiliar with the equipment, you need to provide training to avoid damage.
- maintaining incident records: since you perform routine check-ups on all computer systems, you need to document incidents in the hardware or software. Keeping relevant records of hardware problems assists in auditing and resolution of issues in the computer system. Updating incident records during routine checks can also help IT technicians flag frequent issues that may cause future system malfunctions.
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work environment
As an IT technician, you will work in an office setting monitoring networks and computer systems of your employer and their clients. When you are an in-house IT technician, you work for one company and respond to their issues. If your employer has clients, you may do house visits to assist them with IT-related issues.
When you work for an IT company that outsources IT technicians, your work environment will vary depending on the assigned client. Schools and colleges also hire IT technicians to provide network and computer system support. Remote IT support is possible, and IT technicians can work from home or remote locations and offer the same services.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include computer programmers, systems engineers, and network administrators. You might also work near user experience designers and web developers as well as other specialists that could include cybersecurity specialists, data analysts, and quality assurance specialists.
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work schedule
Companies require the services of an IT technician 24 hours a day due to the possibility of system failures or security breaches. Most IT technicians work in shifts and are on call regardless of the time of the day or night.
If you are lucky to get a 9 to 5 job, you will work at least 40 hours a week, and it may be necessary to work extra hours on weekends and evenings to complete tasks. Most IT technician jobs are full-time, though part-time opportunities are also available.
Those pursuing a career as an IT technician should realize that they may need to work overtime for certain job roles. Organizations may require overtime work from their IT technicians during time-consuming IT projects, such as large-scale software deployments or data migrations. IT technicians may also need to work overtime in an emergency, such as a data security breach.
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job outlook
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment for computer support specialists should increase faster than the average for all occupations from 2022 to 2032. The field boasts an expected growth rate of 5% over this period. There are approximately 66,500 job openings available for computer support specialists each year in the US.As an IT technician, you also have a defined career path. For instance, with experience, you can become a team leader in charge of supervising other technicians. Alternatively, multiple areas of specialization are available if you gain the right skills and certifications. An IT technician with experience is able to become a network engineer, IT security analyst, database administrator, or systems analyst.
Self-employment and freelance work are also options, but you need to gain experience by working with a company before starting your business.
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benefits of working for Randstad as an IT technician
Working through Randstad offers you a range of benefits:
- being paid weekly
- flexibility
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- many training opportunities
- a range of jobs in your area
Want a permanent contract? But you wonder why it would be interesting for you to work with a staffing company? A temporary job as an IT technician is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
IT technician skills and education
While it may be possible for some to land a job as an IT technician with only a high school diploma or GED, the completion of at least an associate's degree in information technology or computer programming is often necessary.
Those interested in working as an IT technician will enjoy the best chances of landing a high-paying job if they complete a bachelor’s degree program in a discipline such as computer science or information technology. These programs generally require students to complete 120 academic credits with the bulk of their coursework in programming, engineering, and mathematics courses.
Aspiring IT technicians can also complete a number of certificate programs to make themselves more attractive to potential employers. Those interested in working as IT technicians may become certified by Microsoft through the Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) or Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) programs. CompTIA is another organization offering certification programs for IT technicians. Certification in Network+ or Security+ through CompTIA provides candidates with skills they need to succeed at landing an IT technician job.
skills and competencies
Aside from academic qualification and technical knowledge, you need soft skills to boost your career prospects. Some of the skills include:
- multitasking skills: as an IT technician, you will work in fast-paced surroundings, and your multitasking abilities can help you juggle multiple tasks.
- computer skills: familiarity with computer software and hardware functions enables you to resolve computer systems problems. It is also crucial in installing and maintaining networks and ensuring upgrades benefit the company's operations.
- coding skills: IT technicians need to have an understanding of computer programming languages. A familiarity with one or several programming languages such as C++, Java, or Python is a requirement for many IT technician positions.
- analytical thinking: you need strong analytical and diagnostic skills to identify problems in a computer system. Analytical thinking also helps you uncover hidden issues in a network that can cause future problems.
- problem-solving skills: your primary duty is to resolve system problems and assist computer users during hardware or software failures. Strong problem-solving ability is essential for IT technicians, and it helps them identify creative solutions for issues in a system.
- communication skills- Those wishing to work as IT technicians shouldn’t underestimate the importance of communication skills. Both verbal and written communication skills are essential for IT technicians so that they can clearly understand work assignments and express themselves to colleagues while on the job.
FAQs about working as an IT technician
Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about IT technicians.
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who should consider pursuing a career as an IT technician?
Individuals who enjoy using computers are likely to excel as IT technicians. This is a good job role to pursue for those who are passionate about technology and have an interest in how computers work. Those who like solving problems and show excellent attention to detail are well suited to IT technician work.
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how long is the training for IT technicians?
Training for work as an IT technician can take as little as a few months to as long as four years. You could complete training for an IT technician position in only a few months if you go through a certificate training program. However, your prospects may be somewhat more limited with only a certificate than they would be if you complete a four-year degree. Your training will require a larger time investment if you decide to complete a Bachelor's degree program before applying for jobs.
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which skills allow IT technicians to enjoy the highest earnings?
IT technicians can maximize their earnings by developing expertise in systems administration, data engineering, cloud computing, and information security/cybersecurity.
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what types of organizations hire IT technicians?
IT technicians are highly in demand because so many different types of organizations need them. Any organization that uses computers for everyday business operations will require the expertise of IT professionals at some point. Academic institutions, private companies, government agencies, and many other organizations require IT technicians to ensure the proper functioning of computer equipment.
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is computer repair an IT job?
Computer repair jobs fall within the category of IT jobs. Working as an IT technician involves repairing both hardware and software components of computers. Computer repair jobs are typically limited to addressing malfunctions of hardware components only. Therefore, the job tasks of IT technicians and computer repair technicians overlap.
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how do I find a job as an IT technician?
Applying for an IT technician job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our IT technician jobs for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV. If you do not have a resume, no worries. Just check out our resume builder. This state of the art tool will help you to create your own resume. Need help with your application? Check out all our job-hunting tips!
