Pros and Cons of Becoming a Copier Technician
Copier technicians install, maintain and make repairs to printers and copy machines. Below are more details on the positives and negatives you might want to consider before embarking on this career.
| Pros of a Copier Technician Career |
|---|
| Completion of an associate's degree is generally enough to obtain an entry-level position* |
| Employers may provide additional on-the-job training* |
| Option to go freelance (14% of office machine, automated teller and computer repairers were self-employed in 2012)* |
| Experienced technicians may have other opportunities in sales and customer service* |
| Cons of a Copier Technician Career |
|---|
| Lower than average growth rate (4% from 2012-2022)* |
| Often required to lift equipment* |
| May need additional training to stay current on technological changes* |
| Extensive time on the road traveling to and from various locations is often necessary* |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Job Description and Salary
As a copier technician, you generally have a great deal of independence and work under minimal supervision. Since copy machines are difficult to transport casually, copier technicians usually work in the field - on site at a client's place of business - within an assigned territory. Duties include installing and repairing copiers as well as providing regular preventative maintenance, which might include testing, cleaning and reassembly of the machine. You also interact frequently with customers.
As of July 2015, copier technicians in the 10th-90th percentiles earned hourly wages ranging from approximately $12-$22, reported PayScale.com. The BLS reported that the median annual salary for computer, automated teller and office machine repairers, including copier technicians, was about $36,560 as of May 2014. Also per BLS, the highest-paying states for this group of professionals included Alaska, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Washington, D.C. The highest levels of employment were found in California, Texas, New York, Florida and Pennsylvania.
Education and Other Requirements
According to the BLS, most office machine repairers, like copier technicians, must generally have an associate's degree in electronics. Many schools offer associate's degree programs in electronics technology that can prepare you for this career, and studies include mathematics, electrical circuits, digital electronics and data communications. BLS also notes that some basic knowledge of mechanical equipment is necessary to deal with machine components such as paper loaders.
Since copier technicians work at various locations, employers often require that you have a driver's license. Some employers additionally require that you have a clean driving record and provide your own vehicle, according to job postings in Monster.com posted in February 2012. Other skills you'll need to balance your duties as a copier technician, per these postings, include troubleshooting, interpersonal, time management and organizational skills.
Sample Job Postings from Real Employers
Employers seeking copier technicians often request knowledge of a certain brand or brands of copy machine and related work experience, which sometimes substitutes for a degree in the field. Requesting computer networking experience is also common. Here are some sample job postings culled from Monster.com in February 2012 to give you an idea of expectations:
- A corporation in Arkansas seeks a copier technician who is a high school or technical school graduate with 2-4 years of experience involving business equipment maintenance. CompTIA A+ and Network+ certifications are considered positives.
- An office solutions company in Texas is looking for a copier technician with a high school diploma and 1-5 years of servicing experience. Customer service and mechanical skills, as well as knowledge of networks and computers, are desired.
- In Indiana, a firm seeks a copier technician holding an associate's degree in electronics, five years of related experience and computer networking knowledge.
- A copier maintenance dealership in Ohio wants a candidate with a bachelor's degree and two years of related experience with solid communication skills.
- A company in Vermont seeks an employee who has experience as a copier technician and networking knowledge.
Standing Out in the Field
Given the dwindling job market for copier technicians, taking steps to make yourself a more attractive candidate can help you get a foothold in the field. Although certification isn't required of these workers, BLS says that many employers prefer certified candidates.
Certification Information
The International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET) has seven different types of certification, and Electronics Technicians Association International (ETA International) offers more than 80. Certifications require the passing of stipulated examinations. Through both organizations, you can earn certifications testifying to basic electronics skills, as well as certifications designed for certain levels of experience. ISCET also offers, for example, a customer service representative credential, and ETA International offers certification in areas like computer networking.
Alternate Career Possibilities
BLS notes that since copier technicians with experience have a familiarity with the equipment they might move on to positions in customer service. Customer service representatives interface with clients and handle queries or resolve problems related to a company's products. BLS predicted a faster-than-average job growth of 15% for these professionals over the 2010-2020 decade. Employers generally require only a high school diploma.
If you'd like to apply a similar skill set to another career, becoming an electronic home equipment technician is also an option; employers desire applicants with knowledge of electronics. The BLS projected an 14% increase in jobs from 2010-2020; growth will be driven by consumer demand for modern digital products.
