what is a service technician?
Service technicians are professionals who maintain different types of machines to keep them in top condition. Working in this field, you typically go to clients’ homes and businesses to repair or install appliances. As a new service technician, you have to work under a better-trained or experienced technician or engineer. The most common types of technicians are vehicle mechanics, home appliance technicians, computer and office machinery repair technicians, and air conditioning technicians. Although they sound completely individual from each other, the duties in each of these roles are largely similar. Service technicians also work in different environments installing and repairing equipment such as air conditioning and heating systems and even manufacturing systems.
service technician jobsaverage salary of service technicians
The national average salary for Service Technician is £25,647 per year in United Kingdom.
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types of pay
Depending on the job, service technicians get paid hourly, weekly, or monthly. If you earn weekly, you get paid a flat rate that is mainly based on the amount of work you do. As a service technician who works full time, you may get compensation added to your monthly salary. This compensation exists in the form of commissions on the total amount of service charges you make in a month. You will also receive overtime pay for work done outside regular hours and over the weekend.
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other factors that determine pay
As a service technician, your overall earnings will depend on your experience level. For instance, a master service technician generally makes more than a trainee. Another factor that determines salary is the industry you work in. Lastly, the geographical location you choose to work in will affect the salary you get.
types of service technicians
Different service technicians have different training requirements to suit different areas of specialisation. Car mechanics, or automotive service technicians, are the most widely known. In this role, you will primarily work in repair shops to service cars and small engines of motorcycles and boats. Other subcategories exist depending on the part of the vehicle you choose to specialise in. For example, you can specialise in vehicle air conditioning systems or transmissions. Computer service technicians are trained in the maintenance and replacement of computer hardware and office appliances to ensure they are working properly. You can also become an HVAC service technician. These technicians work in both residential and commercial spaces to ensure heating and air systems are working as required.
working as a service technician
If you’ve been thinking about becoming a service technician, you’re making a very good career choice. In this profession, you have a range of options to specialise in. You can become an HVACR, computer and office equipment, or automotive service technician. Therefore, you can choose a category that best suits your personality and passion. The qualification demands are also quite reasonable. In some cases, all you need is a high school diploma and some experience. You can then choose to seek a certification that highlights your skills. Apart from automotive service repair, HVACR and computer service technicians will enjoy a growth in job opportunities, demand, and pay. This growth presents you with an opportunity to gain more skills and have a stable occupation. With a license in this sector, you will be able to start your own service business and enjoy greater autonomy and control over your profession.
If you are planning to join this profession, it is important to understand the responsibilities, nature of work, and qualifications of service technicians.
service technician job description
Despite where you work and the type of service technician you are, you will have similar responsibilities. They range from carrying out inspections to doing system maintenance to communicating with clients.
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carrying out inspections
As a service technician, it is your responsibility to carry out frequent inspections of equipment and machines. Through these inspections, you will be able to determine machine performance and the need for maintenance.
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performing system maintenance
After troubleshooting an engine system, service technicians either repair damaged components or replace them altogether. Apart from restoring damaged machines and equipment, you also optimise their performance. You carry out basic maintenance work, such as changing oil, to keep the machines in good working condition.
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maintaining safety and tools
As a service technician you not only use specialised tools, but you are also responsible for the maintenance of the tools. These tools often include computerised diagnostic equipment. When working in potentially hazardous environments, wear protective gear. This includes heavy-duty gloves, hard hats, and specialised clothing.
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interacting with clients
As a service technician, you have periodic contact with your clients during the working day. You advise clients on equipment handling and care post-installation work with a service desk analyst. After carrying out routine checks, it's important to update your clients and explain the identified problems in a way they can understand.
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assisting in sales
Some service technicians work for electronics wholesalers and appliances stores. Working in such environments, you assist the marketing department with product and service promotion. Your knowledge of the equipment makes you one of the people who work in the sales department. Some service technicians even help clients make the best purchases to meet their needs.
work environment
Most service technicians work in repair shops, garages, homes, labs and institutions, and other organisations operating different types of machinery. In these environments, your work is highly interactive because you must communicate with clients, fellow employees, and supervisors. During your workday, you are often exposed to different types of dirt and grime, especially if you work in an auto repair shop. Also expect to work in tight spaces or stand for extended periods, especially when working on lengthy projects. Field service technicians have the most dynamic work environment. In this role, you will frequently be on the road traveling to install, repair, and maintain stationary machines on-site.
work schedule
Most service technicians enjoy full-time employment and have fairly regular working hours. However, due to the uniqueness of each installation and repair, many service technicians have to work overtime. As a field service technician, you will integrate traveling time into your schedule because you move a lot to worksites. Some service technicians work on a part-time basis, with some even holding two or more jobs. In most cases, such service technicians are required to work weekends or overtime, depending on the agreement with an employer. Others, especially those who work on contracts, have completely irregular work schedules. On the other hand, as a licensed master service technician, you have more control over your schedule.
education & skills
The education and training required to become a service technician depends on the industry. Each type of service technician gets specialised training. For example, an HVACR technician must learn about air, ventilation, heating, and refrigeration systems. Automotive technicians get trained on car engines, brakes, suspensions, and other automotive components. In some cases, especially when it comes to sensitive equipment like computer servers, some employers require a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. However, most industries only require a high school diploma, or its equivalent, and vocational training. The necessary vocational training usually takes two years, and schools offer it as an associate degree or a short certification course. You will then need about two years of experience under the supervision of an experienced technician after getting your formal education.
certification and licensing
Once you have received the necessary training and experience, you will have the opportunity to get certified as a service technician. Bodies that offer these certifications are different depending on the industry.
skills & competencies
For you to be successful as a service technician, you need a set of professional and personal skills to prove your competence.
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communication skills
As a service technician, you have regular contact t with your clients. Expect to educate them on the use of equipment, what got the system damaged, the extent of these damages, service cost, and so forth. Having good communication skills can help you maintain customer satisfaction, especially if you’re also respectful and professional during your interactions.
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technical knowledge
To succeed as a service technician working for a manufacturer, you must be highly knowledgeable about your company's products. You should also have a lot of experience with mechanical tools and understand the common problems that arise from certain machines. Service technicians also use tools while installing and repairing various pieces of equipment. These include small handheld tools like screwdrivers, power tools, and computer-guided tools. You should be well-informed and have experience in using and maintaining these tools.
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personal organisational skills
To carry out successful installations, inspections, and repairs, organisation is essential. For starters, you need to properly plan all the steps for each task and utilise the limited time you have to service machines. Moreover, as a service technician, you must ensure that the tools you use are always accessible. All these measures will ensure that you’re effective and efficient in your work.
FAQs
Here are the most asked questions about working as a service technician.
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What does a service technician do?
Service technicians offer services to individual clients and companies. You install, monitor, inspect, and repair different types of machines. These range from heavy machines in factories to smaller air conditioning systems in homes.
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What qualifications do you need to be a technician?
The qualifications for service technicians vary across industries. Some require a degree while others require an associate degree. In most cases, however, all you need is a high school diploma, a certificate, and in-service training as a trainee. Certain advanced service technician positions require a license. This depends on the company, job, and state.
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Is auto technician a good career?
Auto technician is a great career, especially if you have a passion for solving problems and working with cars. This role also allows you to gain experience that could lead to more employment opportunities in the service industry. Although demand for auto technicians is expected to decrease slightly, there will always be a need for qualified mechanics as long as there are cars on the road. This means that you should expect to have no trouble finding employment.
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Why is being a mechanic bad?
Some people consider choosing to be a mechanic a bad career choice because of various factors. First, the work of auto technicians can be very physically demanding. Sometimes, you will have to work in very uncomfortable environments and operate heavy tools and equipment. Furthermore, some roles involve lifting heavy parts, a lot of standing, and operating noisy machinery. For this reason, you must be physically and mentally fit to work effectively. However, when you consider the fact that the job pays fairly well and allows you to solve problems, many find the job very satisfying.
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Is it worth becoming a mechanic in 2022?
As the world develops, you can expect an increase in the number of vehicles and equipment that will need servicing. This means that there will always be a demand for mechanics and other service technicians to do repair/maintenance work and keep economies moving. Even though analysts predict a drop in certain technician roles, it remains a large industry. The increase in demand in other service technician fields makes it a worthwhile occupation.
