The Pros and Cons of a Copier Repair Technician Career
Copier repair technicians travel to different locations to install, maintain and repair copy machines. Keep reading to learn more about the pros and cons of this occupation to help you decide if this is a career you'd like to pursue.
| Pros of a Copier Repair Technician Career |
|---|
| Good job benefits (health insurance, paid vacation, sick leave)* |
| Opportunity to work in a variety of settings* |
| Numerous work activities (installation and repair, calibration, testing equipment, traveling to different locations, reading schematics, talking to customers, ordering parts, maintaining records)* |
| Electronics skills used in copier repair are transferable to other occupations (prototype fabricator, electronics technician, test equipment specialist)** |
| Cons of a Copier Repair Technician Career |
|---|
| Below-average job growth (4% from 2012-2022)*** |
| Occasional conflict situations with people angry about inoperative equipment* |
| Pressure to meet deadlines* |
| Irregular hours (nights, weekends and being on call)* |
Sources: *Iseek.org, **Mesa Community College, ***U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Career Info
Job Description
Copy repair technicians work indoors in climate-controlled areas and question machine users to determine the cause of a malfunction. They also troubleshoot and disassemble the machines to repair or clean them. Copier repair technicians test new and repaired machines to ensure proper operation, and they maintain records of their work. They also teach customers how to operate the equipment.
Salary Info and Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer, automated teller and office machine repairers earned a mean annual wage of around $38,450 in 2014. Jobs for copier repair technicians are projected to increase by 4% from 2012 and 2022, which is slower than average.
Requirements
A high school diploma is required for employment as a copier repair technician, and some additional electronics training is typically required as well. Postsecondary certificates in copy machine repair are available at some vocational and technical schools. Copier repair technicians must have strong customer service skills since they must frequently deal with individuals to discuss problems with the machinery or teach users how to operate the equipment. The technicians must be able to understand what the equipment users are saying and express themselves in a clear manner so that they can comprehend the technicians' explanations. Copier repair technicians should also be able to anticipate some problems before they occur. Other skills and abilities they should have include:
- Reading comprehension
- Arm-hand steadiness
- Finger dexterity
- Critical thinking
- Near vision
- Complex problem-solving
- Time management
Job Postings from Real Employers
Employers typically want to hire copier repair technicians who have some experience. Job postings describe the type of duties the technician will be expected to perform. The following are some actual positions for copier repair technicians that were open in May 2012:
- A Louisiana company is looking for a copier repair technician with a high school diploma or GED and at least one year of field experience to install, maintain, troubleshoot and repair digital copying equipment. Travel is required within the covered territory, so you will need a valid driver's license. Candidate must be able to lift 50 pounds and perform physical activity.
- A company in Des Moines, IA, seeks a copier technician to troubleshoot, repair, maintain and adjust photocopiers. Other duties include preparing cost and repair estimates, maintaining tools and inventory, preparing invoices and providing sales support. At least two years of experience performing technical repairs on business equipment are required.
- A company in Tennessee wants to hire a copier/printer technician with electronics and computer knowledge. Their duties will be to install, maintain and repair printers, copiers and multifunctional equipment.
How to Get an Edge in the Field
Becoming certified is a good way to improve your chances of obtaining employment as a copier repair technician. The International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET) and the Electronics Technicians Association International (ETA) offer various types of certification. Both organizations offer different levels of electronics certification. They provide customer service certification as well. ISCET and ETA also provide training to prepare students for the certification exams.
Alternate Career Paths
Electrician
If you like to work with your hands, you might want to consider becoming an electrician. Electricians install wiring, light fixtures and other types of equipment. They troubleshoot and repair problems with electrical systems and replace wiring and other components when necessary. A high school diploma is required for employment, and electricians typically learn the trade through an apprenticeship. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, electricians earned a mean annual wage of around $53,000 in 2011. Jobs for electricians are projected to increase by 23% from 2010-2020, which is faster than average.
Sound Engineering Technician
Sound engineering technicians set up and operate the equipment used to broadcast and record live performances, radio broadcasts and television programs. They test and adjust video and audio equipment and perform repairs when required. A high school diploma or equivalent is required for employment as a sound engineering technician; however, vocational training at the postsecondary level is available. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, sound engineering technicians earned a mean annual wage of around $56,000 in 2011. Jobs for sound engineering technicians are projected to increase by 10% from 2010-2020.
