Computer, ATM, and Office Machine Repairers

Career summary

#3/21/19 lh

Computer, ATM, and office machine repairers work on a variety of machines including:

• Personal computers
• Mainframes
• Printers
• ATM machines
• Photocopiers
• Cash registers

Repairers (or field technicians) usually go to the customer's location to make repairs. They have many tools to help figure out what is wrong with a machine. They use oscilloscopes, ammeters, and voltmeters to test circuits and electronic components. They also run computer software to help locate problems. If a problem is too complex they take the machine to a service center in order to make repairs.

Repairers use small hand tools to take machines apart and see if parts are worn out and need replacing. After repairs, they put equipment back together, using a variety of tools. They sometimes solder and weld parts together.

Repairers also do routine maintenance on machines to keep them running properly and efficiently. Machines regularly need to be realigned, calibrated, and adjusted. After making repairs or performing maintenance they run tests to make sure the equipment runs properly.

Repairers install new machines and equipment. They connect machines to power sources and communication lines. Repairers also install new software. They make sure computers and printers work together properly.

Computer, ATM, and office machine repairers talk with customers. They find out what problems they are having. They also make sure people know how to use the machines correctly. They draw up bills and invoices and keep accurate records of all repairs and maintenance. They also order parts and track inventory.

Related careers

This career is part of the Manufacturing cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Appliance Installers and Repairers
• Audio-Visual Specialists
• Automotive Electronics Installers
• Broadcast Technicians
• Coin and Vending Machine Repairers
• Communications Equipment Mechanics
• Computer User Support Specialists
• Engineering Technicians
• Home Electronic Repairers
• Industrial Electronics Repairers
• Industrial Machinery Mechanics
• Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers

Military careers

• Electronic Instrument and Equipment Repairers
• Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers
• Weapons Maintenance Technicians

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to computer, atm, and office machine repairers.

• Travel to customers' stores or offices to install, service, or repair machines and parts.
• Talk with customers to determine problems with equipment.
• Read blueprints, charts, and schematics to determine machine settings and adjustments.
• Take apart and reassemble machines to make repairs or replace parts.
• Use hand, power, and measuring tools to assemble machines.
• Reinstall software programs or adjust settings on existing software.
• Advise customers concerning equipment operation, maintenance, and programming.
• Test new systems to find out what is wrong or to make sure they work properly after installation or repair.
• Install and configure new equipment, including operating software and peripheral equipment.
• Maintain records of equipment maintenance work and repairs.
• Order parts needed for repairs. Keep records of inventory.
• Align, adjust, and calibrate equipment according to specifications. Perform routine maintenance.
• Complete repair bills, shop records, time cards, and expense reports.

Common work activities

Computer, atm, and office machine repairers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Repair and maintain electronic equipment
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Use computers
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Get information needed to do the job
• Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Think creatively
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Handle and move objects
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Analyze data or information

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, computer, atm, and office machine repairers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium to high level of interaction with others. They often talk to customers and members of the public.
• Talk with others by telephone, e-mail, and face-to-face discussions.
• May on occasion deal with people who might be rude or angry, especially those affected by broken machines.
• Have limited responsibility for the work done by others.
• Sometimes work as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

• Usually work indoors, except for ATM repairers, who may work outside to service outdoor locations.
• Often travel to and from work sites in a truck or van.
• May work physically close to others.
• Occasionally are exposed to contaminants.

Work performance

• Repeat the same physical and mental activities.
• Must be very exact and accurate when fixing machines.
• Make most decisions on the spot, without consulting a supervisor first.
• Determine their daily tasks and goals independently.
• Work in a moderately stressful atmosphere in which daily and weekly deadlines must be met.

Hours/travel

• Usually work at least 40 hours per week.
• May work on-call, nights, or weekends.

Physical demands

Computer, atm, and office machine repairers frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Stand for long periods of time.

It is important for computer, atm, and office machine repairers to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for computer, atm, and office machine repairers to be able to:

• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Determine from which direction a sound came.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.

Skills and abilities

Computer, atm, and office machine repairers need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Understand written information.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Manage the time of self and others.
• Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with people

• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Look for ways to help people.

Work with things

• Repair machines or systems.
• Determine the causes of technical problems and find solutions for them.
• Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.
• Determine the tools and equipment needed to do a job.
• Maintain equipment on a routine basis. Determine when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Install equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Computer Installation and Repair

Other programs of study to consider

• Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technology
• Electrical and Electronics Equipment Installation and Repair
• Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
• Small Engine Repair

Training

To work as a computer, ATM, and office machine repairer, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• complete a formal training program; 
• complete short-term, on-the-job training; and
• have a driver's license.

Education after high school

Many computer, atm, and office machine repairers learn their skills through formal training programs. Some have an associate degree in electronics. Professional-technical schools and two-year colleges offer these programs. In your courses you learn about electricity, to use hand tools, and how to test electronic equipment.

On-the-job training

Employers generally provide some training to new repairers on specific equipment. Large companies may send repairers to outside training sessions. This keeps you informed of new equipment and how to service it. As computer and related technology has become more complex, the knowledge repairers need has also increased. Training may last up to one month.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be equipment repairers. There are several types of repairers, such as electronic instrument, precision instrument, and weapons maintenance. Training lasts from seven to 40 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Computer Applications
• Driver Education
• Electronics
• Equipment Maintenance and Repair

Many computer, ATM, and office machine repairers are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:

• Accounting
• Entrepreneurship
• Introduction to Business

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Most employers seek applicants with formal training in electronics, computers, or business machine technology. Military experience with communications equipment is highly valued by many employers.

Employers look for repairers who are able to work without close supervision. Many repairers have contact with customers. For these positions, employers look for applicants with a pleasant personality and a neat appearance. Good communication skills are also important.

Repairers must be able to see the difference between colors. This is because wires are color-coded.

Costs to workers

Some workers may be required to buy their own tools. However, many employers provide tools for workers. Office machine repairers may be required to have a business wardrobe.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

The minimum wage for Washington State as of January 1, 2020 is $13.50 per hour. Some areas of the state may have a higher minimum wage.

Wages vary by employer and area of the country. The repairer's level of skill and responsibility also affect wages.

Repairers who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. Repairers who are self-employed must provide their own insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

About 10% of computer, ATM, and office machine repairers are self-employed.

Major employers:

• Computer and office machine sales companies
• Electronics and appliance stores
• Computer repair stores
• Office machine repair companies

National outlook

Demand for this occupation is expected to decline. Many computer problems can be fixed remotely reducing the need for technicians. Also, more people are using online and mobile banking applications reducing the need for ATM machines.

Technicians will still be needed to repair large electronic equipment that is expensive to replace such as high-volume printers. Other types of electronic equipment may be easier replaced than repaired.

The best prospects are for people with degrees in electronics.

Other resources

Business Technology Association 
12411 Wornall Road, Suite 200
Kansas City, MO 64145
800.826.6159
816.941.3100

Computing Technology Industry Association 
3500 Lacey Road, Suite 100
Downers Grove, IL 60515
630.678.8300

Consumer Technology Association 
1919 South Eads Street
Arlington, VA 22202
703.907.7600

Electronics Technicians Association, International 
5 Depot Street
Greencastle, IN 46135
800.288.3824
765.653.8262

The International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians 
P. O. Box 378
Hillsboro, TX 76645
800.946.0201

Washington Business Week 
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545

References

Career cluster

• Manufacturing

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers (49-2011.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Aligner, Typewriter (706.381-010) 
• Assembly Technician (633.261-010) 
• Cash-register Servicer (633.281-010) 
• Dictating-transcribing-machine Servicer (633.281-014) 
• Electronics Mechanic (828.261-022) 
• Electronics-mechanic Apprentice (828.261-026) 
• Mail-processing-equipment Mechanic (633.261-014) 
• Office-machine Servicer (633.281-018) 
• Office-machine-servicer Apprentice (633.281-022) 
• Repairer, Typewriter (706.381-030) 
• Statistical-machine Servicer (633.281-030) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Conventional/Investigative

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled