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"Technician" is the politically correct term for "repairman," but technicians themselves -- at least, male technicians -- aren't picky about the label. In fact, a number of them felt it was an honorable title: "You fix things. You make them do what they're designed to do. I repair computers, and everyone who comes to me needs me to be able to do my job".
Technicians handle faulty electrical and electronic equipment. They analyze problems, run tests, and then, where possible, repair the item. They are "gadget doctors," as one might put it, who understand the principals of electronics, equipment testing, and tools. Good technicians elicit as much information about the problem from the client as possible before attempting a solution. "Sometimes the fax or copier works just fine -- you only need to clean the glass, or replace the toner". People cause their equipment to malfunction more often than the equipment itself fails. Service representatives for manufacturers and technicians who maintain large equipment spend a good deal of time in the field. After each trip, they complete extensive paperwork in order to satisfy corporate requirements. Many describe this mountain of forms as formidable and unpleasant. Technicians generally work regular hours, except the ones who handle infrastructure equipment or vital-life equipment, such as mainframe computer technicians or hospital equipment repair personnel. The sole-technician has a less paper-heavy life, but must be a generalist within a loose area of specialization in order to have enough clients to stay in business. Some specialize in Personal Computer, Financial, or Audio Equipment Maintenance. Some choose refrigerator or air-conditioner maintenance and repair. Since air-conditioner repair is very seasonal, some learn to repair heating equipment as well. Sole practitioners enjoy being their own bosses but it's not necessarily an easy life. Satisfaction in this profession is significant. Technicians work with their hands, they solve problems, and they rarely take work home with them. For people with the technical and interpersonal skills, this job brings a lot of positive feedback -- and repeat business.
Paying Your Dues…
Technicians do not need a college degree; instead, most attend a technical or vocational school that offers them general training and elective courses in various specializations. Standard coursework includes circuit analysis, electrical testing, wiring and capacity, and audio/video repair. A number of states have licensing exams for technicians in fields that affect daily life, such as microwave, medical equipment, and heating system repair, so check with the local authorities in the region in which you wish to practice. Technicians who want to work for a large service corporation (such as a IBM, COMPAQ, etc) may have to relocate, at least for initial training programs, which can last up to two months, and may REQUIRE certifications.
Career Profile
# of people in profession: 500,000
% male: 90
% female: 10
Average hours per week: 40
Average starting salary: $24,000
Average salary after 5 years: $32,000
Average salary after 10 to 15 years: $41,0000
Film featuring the Profession: Cable Guy
You'll Associate with: Construction Managers, Electrical Engineers, Manufactures, Quality Control Managers
Most Technicians are independent, unaffiliated individuals who belong to no significant associations.
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