Computer Appliance Repair Career Overview

Computers are everywhere you look. From the massive banks of computers used to run the electrical grid, the water system, and many more of our basic services, to the tiny computers that power your cell phone, our whole world is dependent upon the seamless dance of those computer components.

When something goes wrong with those elements, where do companies, organizations, and individuals turn to fix the problem? Computer appliance repair is the answer.

Which Types of Jobs Are Available for Those Interested in Computer Appliance Repair?

Those who work with computer appliance repair are always in high demand by organizations, businesses, and government agencies, as well as individuals who use their computers for work-related communications. Computer appliance repair workers--also known as computer service technicians--handle the service, repair, installation, and troubleshooting of computers and related equipment.

Computer appliance repair places a heavy emphasis on the physical repair of the computer, including subsystems, such as video cards, sound cards, internal modems, hard drives, and other components that keep the machine running smoothly. Since many subsystems are relatively inexpensive, computer repairers often replace the component rather than working to repair it.

Since computers are now a part of daily life, computer appliance repair experts are needed in every business and industry. Computer repairers might run their own shops and cater to personal computers, or they can find work with major industries, businesses, and even government agencies, working to repair massive computer systems that millions of people depend upon every day.

Formal Training Required to Work in Computer Appliance Repair

Most entry-level positions in computer appliance repair require an associate's degree. Computer appliance repair degree programs place a heavy emphasis on electronics, both in terms of principle and safety. Those with formal education, extensive experience, and computer appliance repair degrees are more likely to land the most lucrative technical repair jobs.

Computer appliance repair training courses and degree programs can lead to interesting and stable computer appliance repair jobs. Look for a program that teaches a wide range of repair techniques, as well as courses in communication, customer service, and related issues that can make you even more attractive to prospective employers.

On-the-job training is often provided by employers, and continuing education is also very important. The world of computers changes rapidly, so keeping up with the latest techniques and technologies is an essential part of advancement in a competitive atmosphere.

Certification for computer appliance repair jobs is offered through various organizations and can be tailored to point out your strengths in the field. The Electronics Technicians Association offers more than 50 certification programs, and the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians offers certification in a wide range of areas.

Since computer appliance repair certification requires a significant amount of study and the passing of a comprehensive exam, many employers look favorably upon the designation.

The Typical Career Path of Someone Interested in Computer Appliance Repair

As the Internet connects our world and makes computers a much more important part of our everyday lives, computer repairers are needed in every type of business, organization, and government agency. Computer repair technicians work with personal computers for individuals, build up their foundation of experience, and then move into more complex computer systems.

Very experienced workers can move into supervisory or management positions, and soon find themselves teaching and training other computer repair personnel. They can also branch out into repair of related systems, such as phone banks, copiers, printers, projectors, and the like.

Some computer repairers might move into sales or marketing, or even learn to design their own systems that can give their company a decidedly competitive advantage.

Job Outlook and Salary Information for Those Interested in Computer Appliance Repair

As computer equipment and the computers themselves become more affordable, many users may simply replace their computers rather than turn to a repair expert to fix the older equipment. However, as computers become an integral part of business, commerce, and communication, larger computer systems will need more repair work--and that's where the experienced, certified computer appliance repair technician comes in.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer repair technicians had a median salary of $37,620 per year in 2009, with the most experienced and well-paid computer repairers making up to $59,090.