Computer repair
technicians must have extensive knowledge of computer hardware.
If you like working with computers or tend to tinker with electronic devices, you may wish to consider a career in home computer repair. Most companies that hire in the computer repair field expect you to work from their facility. If you plan to work from home, expect to be self-employed and do much of your own advertising and marketing. Does this Spark an idea?
The Job
Computer repair or service technicians generally work on a variety of computer systems and peripheral components. Much of the work requires extensive knowledge of computer hardware components like motherboards, circuitry and network cards. In most cases, computer repair involves the replacement of these different hardware pieces rather than repairing the component itself. Because it may not be feasible to work on all aspects of a computer system from home, you may need to offer in-home inspections and repair services. For those systems that cannot be repaired on-site, you can utilize a workshop at home.
Qualifications and Training
To work as a home computer repair technician, you must be comfortable working with all types of computer systems and have extensive knowledge of electronics. This can be obtained through an associate degree program or a certificate program offered by a technical school. Having some type of credential will lend credibility to your business. A number of online schools offer degree or certificate programs in computer repair. Certification through an organization like the Electronics Technicians Association also may provide your business with credibility.
Job Outlook and Compensation
The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the number of jobs in this field to decline slowly through 2018 as computer equipment becomes more reliable and less expensive. The bureau notes that as of May 2008, computer service technicians made a median hourly wage of $19.87. The highest earners in this field made as much as $28.41 per hour.
Tags: computer repair, extensive knowledge, computer hardware, computer repair, computer systems
