- Workers receive training in electronics from associate degree programs, the military, vocational schools, equipment manufacturers, or employers.
- Job growth reflects the increasing dependence of business and residential customers on computers and other sophisticated office machines.
- Job prospects will be best for applicants with knowledge of electronics, as well as repair experience; opportunities for computer repairers should be excellent, as employers report difficulty finding qualified applicants.
Computer repairers, also known as data processing equipment repairers, service mainframe, server, and personal computers; printers; and disc drives. These repairers primarily perform 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. (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. These lines allow the transmission of information over computer networks. For example, when an ATM dispenses cash, it also 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 correctly function together. 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 in both repair shops and at customer locations.
Computer repairers usually replace defective components instead of repairing them. Replacement is common because components are inexpensive and businesses are reluctant to shut down their computers for time-consuming repairs. Components 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 components may be given to bench technicians, who use software programs to diagnose the problem and who may repair the components, 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 customer 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 perform 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; customers also may bring small equipment to a repair shop for maintenance. Common malfunctions include paper misfeeds due to worn or dirty parts, and poor copy quality due to problems with lamps, lenses, or mirrors. These malfunctions usually can be resolved simply by cleaning components. Breakdowns also may result from 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. When diagnosing computerized equipment, repairers also use software programs. To repair or adjust equipment, workers use handtools, such as pliers, screwdrivers, soldering irons, and wrenches.
Repairers usually work in clean, well-lighted surroundings. Because computers and office machines are sensitive to extreme temperatures and to humidity, repair shops usually are air-conditioned and well-ventilated. Field repairers must travel frequently to various locations to install, maintain, or repair customer equipment. ATM repairers may have to perform their jobs in small, confined spaces that house the equipment.
Because computers and ATMs are critical for many organizations to function efficiently, data processing equipment repairers and ATM field technicians often work around the clock. Their schedules may include evening, weekend, and holiday shifts; shifts may be assigned on the basis of seniority. Office machine and cash register servicers usually work regular business hours because the equipment they repair is not as critical.
Although their job is not strenuous, repairers must lift equipment and work in a variety of postures. Repairers of computer monitors need to discharge voltage from the equipment to avoid electrocution. Workers may have to wear protective goggles.
Computer, automated teller, and office machine repairers held about 172,000 jobs in 2000. Wholesale trade establishments employed slightly less than one-half of the workers in this occupation; most of these establishments were wholesalers of professional and commercial equipment. Many workers were employed in computer and data processing services, as well as in appliance, radio, TV, and music stores. More than 1 in 7 computer, automated teller, and office machine repairers was self-employed.
| Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement |
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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, as 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. This 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.
Several organizations administer certification programs for electronic or computer equipment repairers. Numerous certifications, including A+, Net+, and Server+, are available through the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA). To receive the certifications, candidates must pass several tests that assess computer repair skills. The International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET) and the Electronics Technicians Association (ETA) also administer certification programs. Repairers may specialize in computer repair or a variety of other skills. To receive certification, repairers must pass qualifying exams corresponding to their level of training and experience. Both programs offer associate certifications to entry-level repairers.
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 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 also may move into customer service or sales positions. Some experienced workers open their own repair shops or become wholesalers or retailers of electronic equipment.
Employment of computer, automated teller, and office machine repairers is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2010. 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 move 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, as employers report difficulty finding qualified applicants and as reliance on computers continues to increase. 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 make purchases online.
People also are becoming increasingly reliant on ATMs. Besides bank and retail transactions, ATMs provide an increasing number of other services, such as employee information processing and distribution of government payments. ATM design improvements have increased reliability and simplified repair tasks, reducing the number and extent of repairs. Opportunities for ATM repairers should be available, primarily arising 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.
Median hourly earnings of computer, automated teller, and office machine repairers were $15.08 in 2000. The middle 50 percent earned between $11.80 and $19.20. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $9.50, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $23.42. Median hourly earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of computer, automated teller, and office machine repairers in 2000 are shown below.
| Professional and commercial equipment |
$15.28 |
| Computer and data processing services |
15.05 |
| Radio, television, and computer stores |
13.16 |
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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