Median hourly earnings of computer, automated teller, and office machine repairers were $15.98 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $12.44 and $20.38. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $9.99, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $25.06. Median hourly earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of computer, automated teller, and office machine repairers in 2002 were as follows:
| Computer systems design and related services | $17.33 |
| Professional and commercial equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers | 17.28 |
| Office supplies, stationery, and gift stores | 14.79 |
| Electronics and appliance stores | 13.89 |
| Electronic and precision equipment repair and maintenance | 13.46 |
Computer repairers, also known as computer service technicians or data-processing equipment repairers, service mainframe, server, and personal computers; printers; and disc drives. These workers perform primarily hands-on repair, maintenance, and installation of computers and related equipment. Workers who provide technical assistance, in person or by telephone, to computer system users are known as computer support specialists or computer support technicians. (See the statement on computer support specialists and systems administrators elsewhere in the Handbook.)
Automated teller machines (ATMs) allow customers to carry out bank transactions without the assistance of a teller. ATMs now provide a growing variety of other services, including stamp, phone card, and ticket sales. Automated teller machine servicers repair and service these machines.
Office machine and cash register servicers work on photocopiers, cash registers, mail-processing equipment, and fax machines. Newer models of office machinery increasingly include computerized components that allow them to function more effectively than earlier models.
To install large equipment, such as mainframe computers and ATMs, repairers connect the equipment to power sources and communication lines that allow the transmission of information over computer networks. For example, when an ATM dispenses cash, it transmits the withdrawal information to the customer’s bank. Workers also may install operating software and peripheral equipment, checking that all components are configured to function together correctly. The installation of personal computers and other small office machines is less complex and may be handled by the purchaser.
When equipment breaks down, many repairers travel to customers’ workplaces or other locations to make the necessary repairs. These workers, known as field technicians, often have assigned areas in which they perform preventive maintenance on a regular basis. Bench technicians work in repair shops located in stores, factories, or service centers. In small companies, repairers may work both in repair shops and at customer locations.
Computer repairers usually replace subsystems instead of repairing them. Replacement is common because subsystems are inexpensive and businesses are reluctant to shut down their computers for time-consuming repairs. Subsystems commonly replaced by computer repairers include video cards, which transmit signals from the computer to the monitor; hard drives, which store data; and network cards, which allow communication over the network. Defective modules may be given to bench technicians, who use software programs to diagnose the problem and who may repair the modules, if possible.
When ATMs malfunction, computer networks recognize the problem and alert repairers. Common problems include worn magnetic heads on card readers, which prevent the equipment from recognizing customers’ bankcards, and “pick failures,” which prevent the equipment from dispensing the correct amount of cash. Field technicians travel to the locations of ATMs and usually repair equipment by removing and replacing defective components. Broken components are brought to a repair shop, where bench technicians make the necessary repairs. Field technicians perform routine maintenance on a regular basis, replacing worn parts and running diagnostic tests to ensure that the equipment functions properly.
Office machine repairers usually work on machinery at the customer’s workplace; alternatively, if the machines are small enough, customers may bring them to a repair shop for maintenance. Common malfunctions include paper misfeeds, due to worn or dirty parts, and poor-quality copy, due to problems with lamps, lenses, or mirrors. These malfunctions usually can be resolved simply by cleaning the relevant components. Breakdowns also may result from the failure of commonly used parts. For example, heavy usage of a photocopier may wear down the printhead, which applies ink to the final copy. In such cases, the repairer usually replaces the part instead of repairing it.
Workers use a variety of tools for diagnostic tests and repair. To diagnose malfunctions, they use multimeters to measure voltage, current, resistance, and other electrical properties; signal generators to provide test signals; and oscilloscopes to monitor equipment signals. To repair or adjust equipment, workers use handtools, such as pliers, screwdrivers, soldering irons, and wrenches.
Employment of computer, automated teller, and office machine repairers is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2012. Job growth will be driven by the increasing dependence of business and residential customers on computers and other sophisticated office machines. The need to maintain this equipment in working order will create new jobs for repairers. In addition, openings will result from the need to replace repairers who retire or transfer into new occupations.
Job prospects will be best for applicants with knowledge of electronics as well as repair experience; opportunities for computer repairers should be excellent, given that employers are reporting difficulty finding qualified applicants and that computers are increasingly being relied on. Although computer equipment continues to become less expensive and more reliable, malfunctions still occur and can cause severe problems for users, most of whom lack the knowledge to make repairs. Computers are critical to most businesses today and will become even more so to companies that do business on the Internet and to households that bank, pay bills, or make purchases online.
People also are becoming increasingly reliant on ATMs. Besides offering bank and retail transactions, ATMs provide an increasing number of other services, such as employee information processing and distribution of government payments. Improvements in ATM design have increased reliability and simplified repair tasks, reducing the number and extent of repairs. Opportunities for ATM repairers should be available, arising primarily from the need to replace workers who leave the specialty, rather than from employment growth.
Conventional office machines, such as calculators, are inexpensive, and often are replaced instead of repaired. However, digital copiers and other, newer office machines are more costly and complex. This equipment often is computerized, designed to work on a network, and able to perform multiple functions. The growing need for repairers to service such sophisticated equipment should result in job opportunities for office machine repairers.
Knowledge of electronics is necessary for employment as a computer, automated teller, or office machine repairer. Employers prefer workers who are certified as repairers or who have training in electronics from associate degree programs, the military, vocational schools, or equipment manufacturers. Employers generally provide some training to new repairers on specific equipment; however, workers are expected to arrive on the job with a basic understanding of equipment repair. Employers may send experienced workers to training sessions to keep up with changes in technology and service procedures.
Most office machine and ATM repairer positions require an associate degree in electronics. A basic understanding of mechanical equipment also is important, because many of the parts that fail in office machines and ATMs are mechanical, such as paper loaders. Entry-level employees at large companies normally receive on-the-job training lasting several months. Such training may include a week of classroom instruction, followed by a period of 2 weeks to several months assisting an experienced repairer.
Field technicians work closely with customers and must have good communications skills and a neat appearance. Employers normally require that field technicians have a driver’s license.
Various organizations offer certification, including ACES International, the Computing Technology Industry Association, the Electronic Technicians Association International, and the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians. Repairers may specialize in a variety of skill areas. To receive certification, repairers must pass qualifying examinations corresponding to their level of training and experience.
Newly hired computer repairers may work on personal computers or peripheral equipment. With experience, they can advance to positions maintaining more sophisticated systems, such as networking equipment and servers. Field repairers of ATMs may advance to bench-technician positions responsible for more complex repairs. Experienced workers may become specialists who help other repairers diagnose difficult problems or who work with engineers in designing equipment and developing maintenance procedures. Experienced workers also may move into management positions responsible for supervising other repairers.
Because of their familiarity with equipment, experienced repairers may move into customer service or sales positions. Some experienced workers open their own repair shops or become wholesalers or retailers of electronic equipment.
Workers in other occupations who repair and maintain electronic equipment include broadcast and sound engineering technicians and radio operators; electronic home entertainment equipment installers and repairers; electrical and electronics installers and repairers; industrial machinery installation, repair, and maintenance workers; and radio and telecommunications equipment installers and repairers.
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This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job. Job Training Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
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Equipment includes televisions, radar, industrial equipment controls, computers, telephone systems, and medical diagnosing equipment. Repairers have numerous job titles, which often refer to the kind of equipment they work with. For information on workers who operate and maintain electronic equipment used to record and transmit radio and television programs, see the statement on broadcast technicians. During these calls, repairers may also advise customers on how to use equipment more efficiently and how to spot problems in their early stages. Training includes general courses in mathematics, physics, electricity, electronics, schematic reading, and troubleshooting.
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Camera and photographic equipment repairers work through a series of steps in fixing a camera. If the repairers decide to proceed with the job themselves, they diagnose the problem, often by disassembling numerous small parts in order to reach the source. Watch and clock repairers work almost exclusively on expensive and antique timepieces, as moderately priced timepieces are cheaper to replace than to repair. Some gears or springs may need to be replaced or machined. Musical instrument repairers and tuners combine their love of music with a highly skilled craft.
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Close to 20 percent of workers have their own businesses. Precision Instrument Repair Career Overview Workers must be skilled and very detailed in order to repair and maintain watches, cameras, musical instruments, and medical devices. Camera and photographic equipment repairers follow outlined procedures to repair cameras. Once it is determined that a repair is worth carrying out, the most difficult problems will be sent back to the manufacturers. Repairers then fix the product by adjusting parts or replacing them all together.
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However, the internal parts of even simple cameras have grown much more complex. They also work on lenses, projectors, and a variety of less common photo equipment. Repairers first review the service order to find out what is wrong. They like jobs offering steady employment and good pay. They want employment that fits their individual work style.
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Electronics repairers maintain and repair instruments and equipment, such as computers, communications equipment, radar and sonar systems, precision measuring equipment, and biomedical instruments. Some repairers may work from ladders or tall utility polls. They perform the same kind of duties as military electronic instrument and equipment repairers. In time, they may perform more difficult repairs and supervise other repair personnel. Other Career InfoAdditional information may be available at the Careers In The Military Web Site.
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Growth will result from the increasing use of commercial and industrial electronic equipment as businesses strive to lower costs by implementing automation. These complex pieces of electronic equipment are installed, maintained, and repaired by electronics repairers of commercial and industrial equipment. Many repairers, known as field technicians, travel to factories or other locations to repair equipment. These workers often have assigned areas where they perform preventive maintenance on a regular basis. When equipment breaks down, repairers first check for common causes of trouble, such as loose connections or obviously defective components.
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Repairing these delicate instruments takes a good eye and a steady hand to work with tiny gears and aged parts, but it also takes an appreciation of what you are repairing. And if you specialize in medical equipment, the repairs you make to these complex tools will even save lives. Precision instrument and equipment repairers fix watches, cameras, musical instruments, and medical equipment. Outlook Government economists expect average job growth for medical equipment repairers through 2012 as the health care industry grows. However, job growth for music instrument and watch repairers should be slower than average.
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Employment is projected to grow more slowly than average, but will vary by occupational specialty. Job opportunities will be best for applicants with a thorough knowledge of electrical and electronic equipment, as well as repair experience. Industrial controls automatically monitor and direct production processes on the factory floor. Electronic sensors monitor the equipment and the manufacturing process, providing feedback to the programmable logic control (PLC), which controls the equipment. When equipment breaks down, repairers first check for common causes of trouble, such as loose connections or obviously defective components.
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