A Hardware Technician is responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of computer systems. These professionals provide all essential IT support to large and small organizations. They should possess relevant knowledge regarding the integration of hardware boards, random access memory, motherboard, processor and other essential components.
Usually, Computer Hardware Technicians work with different equipment such as desktop, laptops, servers, and computer clusters. The desk technician may sometimes end up handling issues related to a wide range of peripherals that include both input and output devices. There are also chances that the professionals who are involved in system administration will look into networking hardware such as routers, switches, fiber optics, and wireless networks.
The computer repair technician offers annual maintenance service, and upgrade the systems depending on the requests of clients. They examine the systems to validate correct operations and identify errors. This job is all about balancing the technical and client support tasks by resolving any errors that occur.
Hardware Technician Job Description
The Hardware technician’s primary responsibilities include the assistance, maintenance, and monitoring of the company’s computer systems. They must track all documentation of hardware failure, installation, repair, and replacement. The technician will also design network capacity-building in consideration of present and future hardware requirements.
Support Technician also implements and take care of new computer projects and hardware installations. They must possess knowledge of contemporary hardware equipment and IT-related duties. This professional assembles and configures all network components. They also collaborate with other departments to facilitate hardware acquisitions and deployment.
Apart from hardware assembly and maintenance, the technician evaluates new computer products for deployment in the organization. They will research and recommend hardware products for purchase and provide all technical specifications required for networking hardware and software products. They record and schedule timely maintenance, upgrades, and repairs on an on-going basis.
The job profile includes hardware acquisitions and deployment in addition to coordinating all ancillary services. The computer support technician must also offer training to the staff to handle crisis situations. They are responsible for all aspects of staff workstation hardware, networked peripheral devices, and other networking hardware.
As required the professional must also focus on the computer and networking software products. They should research and deploy corrective measures to resolve complex PC problems. Repair Technician maintains an inventory of all monitors, keyboards, and other crucial equipment. They also generate reports on PC performance through periodic testing. Hardware Technicians construct, install and test customized computer configurations based on the platforms and operating systems present in the organization.
The Hardware Technician job role also includes assisting seniors or specialists to resolve any critical issues. It is the responsibility of the professionals to verify whether the IT department is equipped to rectify the problems. They should also verify and submit the warranty claims whenever required.
The technician will also play a prominent role in cleaning the computer systems for imaging. The professional has to remove all computer software and install it, but this usually happens only when the operating system gets corrupted. Typically, the Computer Hardware Technician takes a full responsibility to reinstall all the necessary software after operating system replacement successfully
Educational Qualifications
The Computer Hardware Technician must have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. It is recommended that they also have related work experience in the field. A master’s degree is optional but may provide the technician with a competitive edge when seeking employment. They must have basic knowledge of the fundamentals of support, networking skills, algebra, microcomputers, and operating systems. Usually, Computer Hardware Technicians learn more on the field, depending on the needs and requirements of the organization. Most of the organizations’ offer hands-on and classroom instructions, often for a few months.
Necessary Skills for Computer Hardware Technician
Technical Skills
Computer Technician should work in coordination with the users to identify any hardware-related issues. It becomes essential to have extensive familiarity with computer hardware architecture and functions.
Team Collaboration
It is the duty of the technician to collaborate with the other departments and technicians. It will make it easier to detect and rectify computer issues.
Problem-Solving Skills
The professionals must be exceptionally good at troubleshooting. They should be able to discover and pinpoint the hardware performance. The technicians should develop long-term solutions.
Certifications
Usually, organizations prefer to hire candidates who are professionally certified. Many vendors offer different levels of credentialing in particular specialty as well as hardware and software applications. The candidate has to go through multiple stages of examination before becoming a certified Computer Hardware Technician. Here are some certifications that professionals can opt for:
A+ (CompTIA)
The CompTIA A+ certification focusses on the broader coverage of PC hardware and software, networking and security in its overall technical scope. It is an entry-level certification for computer personnel. The technicians perform tasks such as installation, configuration, diagnosing, preventive maintenance and basic networking.
Apple Certified Macintosh Technician (ACMT)
It is for professionals who wish to repair and service the Macintosh desktops, portables, and servers. The Apple Certified Macintosh Technician certification is necessary to perform warranted hardware repairs for an Apple Authorized Service Provider. However, apart from this certification, the candidate should also participate in Apple’s authorized technician program to perform repairs on Apple products.
Cisco Certified Technician Routing & Switching (CCT)
This certification is for candidates who want to diagnose, restore, repair and replace critical Cisco networking and system devices at customer sites. The technicians will work in coordination with the Cisco Technical Assistance Center to quickly and efficiently resolve support incidents.
BICSI Technician
The BICSI Technician certification focusses on areas such as site surveys, pulling wire/cable, and terminating and testing copper and optical fiber cable. They have great expertise in the installation of cabling systems and is the highest level of industry recognized specification.
Hardware Technician Salary & Job Outlook
According to ZipRecruiter, a Hardware Technician’s salary on average about $33,000 per year. It ranges from $29,000 – $36,000 depending on factors such as work experience, skills, and organization size. Glassdoor cites an average Computer Hardware Technician salary of $34,894. According to study.com, Computer Hardware Technician earned about $38,990 in 2015. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that computer-related job opportunities will increase by two percent between 2014 and 2024.
The candidates can apply for entry-level technician jobs after earning a college degree. However, for senior positions, years of experience, certifications and higher education play a prominent role. It is these factors that help the technician to get hired for managerial or supervisory roles.
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