Office Equipment Repair

<h2 id="section---IsOfficeEquipmentRepairRightForMe">Is Office Equipment Repair Right for Me?</h2> <h3 id="section---CareerOverview">Career Overview</h3> <p>Businesses around the world depend on electronic and digital devices to receive and process complex business data. Most offices have a printer, computer, fax machine and router or modem, at minimum, to help them operate efficiently in today's information-rich society. When technical problems arise, businesses rely upon the services of office equipment repair workers, who apply their knowledge of electronics, hardware, information processing and vendor-specific products to fix advanced office devices. </p> <h3 id="section---CareerOptions">Career Options</h3> <p>A career in office equipment repair can include a job as a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Copier_Technician_Job_Duties_Career_Outlook_and_Education_Requirements.html">copier technician</a>, computer support specialist, office machine repairer or <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Telecommunications_Technician_Career_Definition_Employment_Outlook_and_Education_Requirements.html">telecommunications technician</a>. In office equipment repair, you can expect to work with computers, servers and mainframes, fax machines or all-in-one communications devices. In some positions, you will work with vendor-specific equipment, such as copiers and printers. Potential employers may include government agencies, private companies or office equipment manufacturers. </p> <h3 id="section---JobDuties">Job Duties</h3> <p>Office equipment repairers and copier technicians receive service calls and perform on-site maintenance and repair work on large or small business machines. Some repairers, called bench workers, perform in-house repairs on small or portable equipment. Computer support specialists and repairers work on desktop computer and laptops, computer mainframes, servers and network equipment. Telecommunications technicians diagnose and repair analog and digital telephone equipment, such as switching hubs, routers and fiber-optic lines. </p> <h3 id="section---SalaryInformation">Salary Information</h3> <p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) computer, automated teller and office machine repairers earned a median annual salary of $36,620 as of May 2012. Electrical and electronics repairers of commercial and industrial equipment earned a median of $52,650 per year, while computer support specialists were paid median salaries of $48,900. As of May 2012, telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except those who installed lines, enjoyed a median annual salary of $54,530 (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). </p> <h2 id="section---HowCanIWorkInOfficeEquipmentRepair">How Can I Work in Office Equipment Repair?</h2> <h3 id="section---Education">Education</h3> <p>Many opportunities in office equipment repair require a high level of technical knowledge. In some situations, knowledge of specific vendor equipment is required. The education requirements vary, but most employers prefer applicants with certification or an associate's degree, at minimum. </p> <p>You can select from several associate's degree programs, including <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Electronics_Technology_Associate_Degree.html">electronics technology</a>, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Computer_Specialist_Associate_Degree_Answers_to_Your_Questions.html">computer support specialist</a> or <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Telecommunications_Technology_Associates_Degree.html">telecommunications technology</a>. Core coursework can include topics in mathematics and microcomputers, circuitry and digital electronics. You'll also receive training in networking and servers, installation and maintenance. Some programs require the completion of a related internship prior to graduation. </p> <h3 id="section---Certifications">Certifications</h3> <p>Some entry-level positions require an industry certification; professional certifications can also help you advance n the field. For example, the Electronics Technicians Association offers several basic credentials, which vary based on your education level. If you choose to work with computers, you can pursue <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_is_CompTIA.html">CompTIA's</a> A+ certification, which validates your knowledge of computer support. Some equipment manufacturers offer their own certification programs. For instance, Konica Minolta offers the Outward certification program, which provides the training necessary to work on this specific brand of products.</p>