what is a service technician?
As a service technician, you install equipment or systems. After installation, you test the equipment to ensure it works as expected. You also perform maintenance tasks and repair or replace parts. You are skilled in installing and servicing equipment or systems as a service technician. That means your daily duties may vary depending on your industry. For instance, service technicians can assist with installing heavy equipment in mining companies or repairing home appliances and computers.
Working as a service technician involves providing diverse services, and sometimes you go to your client's home or business premises to install something or conduct repairs. You require the necessary qualifications and expertise to perform repairs and installations. You also need a licence for some of the services you provide. For instance, working on air conditioning systems and refrigerators requires a licence.
Aside from educational qualifications and licences, soft skills will help you succeed as a service technician. For instance, physical strength is crucial since your work involves lifting heavy equipment and much physical activity. You also interact with various people daily; interpersonal and communication skills are valuable for the role.
service technician jobsaverage salary of a service technician
The average remuneration of a service technician in Australia is $75,000 per year. The salary can vary depending on the level of experience and location. When you are relatively new in the role, your earnings are $65,000 per year. As you improve your experience and qualifications, your profits increase to $85,000 yearly. For instance, an installation technician earns an average salary of $80,000 annually, while a maintenance technician earns over $85,000 yearly. An air conditioning and refrigeration technician job pays an average wage of $93,000 annually.
what factors influence the salary of a service technician?
Service technicians have diverse salaries based on their specific duties and area of specialisation. A service technician who can repair and install air conditioning systems requires additional training and experience. Hence, they have a higher remuneration package than service technicians in many other roles. Your expertise also influences your salary. When you have extensive experience, your earnings are higher than service technicians with minimal experience. Your qualifications also determine your earnings. For instance, getting added training to repair specific machinery improves your remuneration prospects.
Want to know more about what you will earn as a service technician? Check out what you are worth with our salary checker.
types of service technicians
As a service technician, you can explore various specialisations, including:
• IT service technician: as an IT technician, you resolve computer issues for your clients. You deal with problems such as hard drive crashes and operating system glitches. You also provide proactive solutions to minimise future problems, like recommending appropriate anti-virus software, and you may write code for specific programs.
• mechanical technician: as a mechanical technician, you repair vehicles. You run diagnostic checks to determine and fix vehicle problems. You also identify any required parts and recommend solutions to the vehicle owners.
• heating, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC) technician: as an HVAC technician, you are responsible for installing, servicing and diagnosing damage in air conditioning systems and refrigerators. You test the performance of the equipment and complete general maintenance.
• home appliance technician: as a service technician, you fix home appliances like washing machines, dryers and ovens. Your responsibilities include diagnosing, installing or repairing the appliances. You also provide recommendations for using the appliances and improving product life.
working as a service technician
As a service technician, your job involves installing and fixing various mechanical equipment. Let's explore the duties and responsibilities of a service technician.
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duties and responsibilities
Although your work location and the type of service you provide may differ, your typical responsibilities are closely related. They range from carrying out inspections and system maintenance to communicating with clients.
- carrying out inspections: as a service technician, you regularly inspect equipment and machines to determine machine performance and maintenance requirements.
- performing system maintenance: service technicians repair or replace damaged components after troubleshooting a system. As well as restoring damaged machines and equipment, you also optimise their performance. You carry out essential maintenance to keep the machines in good condition.
- maintaining safety and tools: you use specialised tools and are responsible for their maintenance. These tools often include computerised diagnostic equipment. When working in potentially hazardous environments, it is essential to wear protective gear. This includes heavy-duty gloves, a hard hat and other specialised clothing.
- interacting with clients: you have regular contact with your clients during the working day. You advise clients on equipment handling and handle post-installation work with a service desk analyst. After carrying out routine checks, you must update your clients and explain the identified problems in a way they can understand.
- assisting in sales: some service technicians work for electronics wholesalers and appliance stores. In such environments, you assist the marketing department with product and service promotion. Your knowledge of the equipment makes you a crucial member of the sales department. Some service technicians even help clients make the best purchases to meet their needs.
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work environment
Most service technicians work in repair shops, garages, homes, labs and institutions and other organisations operating different types of machinery. Your work is highly interactive in these environments because you communicate with clients, fellow employees and supervisors.
As a service technician, you are often exposed to different types of dirt and grime during your workday, especially in an auto repair shop. You may also be expected to work in tight spaces or stand for extended periods. Field service technicians have the most dynamic work environment. In this role, you will be on the road frequently to install, repair and maintain stationary machines on-site.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer and industry, your colleagues might include plumbers, computer technicians and mechanical engineers. You might also be working close to maintenance engineers and electricians, as well as other specialists that could consist of, but not be limited to, service supervisors, fitters and electricians.
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work schedule
Most service technicians enjoy full-time employment and have reasonably regular working hours. However, due to the uniqueness of each installation and repair, many service technicians work overtime. As a field service technician, you will integrate travelling time into your schedule because you move between worksites constantly.
Some service technicians work part-time or hold two or more jobs. In such cases, you must work weekends or overtime, depending on the agreement with your employer. Other service technicians, especially those who work on contracts, have irregular work schedules. If you become a licensed master service technician, you have more control over your schedule.
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job outlook
You can advance your career as a service technician by gaining experience or qualifications in a specific trade. For instance, specialising in computer repairs enables you to become a computer technician. Some service technicians specialise in repairing and installing HVAC systems or home appliances. Service technicians who repair cars often progress to become mechanics. Service technicians have a promising career outlook, with a job growth rate of 6.1% over the next five years.
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advantages of finding a service technician job through randstad
Finding your service technician job through Randstad provides essential benefits such as the following:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a service technician is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers every year thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.
education and skills
The licensing and qualifications you require to work as a service technician will depend on the field you specialise in. You can pursue the following trade qualifications:
trade qualifications: if you want to specialise in electrical servicing, complete a Certificate III in electrotechnology electrician. The trade certification helps you get the necessary licensing to work on electrical servicing. Pursuing a Certificate III in engineering-mechanical trade qualifies you to perform mechanical services like vehicle repairs. To be an HVAC service technician, complete a Certificate III in air conditioning and refrigeration.
skills and competencies
Some of the essential skills that service technicians require include:
- communication skills: as a service technician, you interact with your clients daily. That means communication skills are necessary to excel in the role. It's crucial to leave a good impression by being polite and explaining issues clearly.
- physical stamina: as a service technician, you spend much time standing and bending. Working with heavy equipment and lifting objects requires physical strength and energy.
- mechanical skills: as a service technician, extensive knowledge of machinery is crucial to understand the right tools for your trade. Mechanical skills also help you identify problems with equipment and appliances.
- time management: as a service technician, you visit client homes and schedule appointments daily. Having time management skills helps you ensure the appointments are on time.
FAQs about working as a service technician
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a service technician.
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how much does a service technician make in australia?
As a service technician, your average salary is $75,000 per year. However, the remuneration package may fluctuate based on your specialisation. Often, a service technician with knowledge of HVAC repairs earns more than an IT service technician.
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what are the responsibilities of a service technician?
As a service technician, you install and test various systems and equipment. You perform maintenance tasks and resolve issues. You can specialise in air conditioning, refrigeration, fire alarms, IT or electronics. You also prepare quotes and record notes and files for your client reports.
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what are the job qualifications for a service technician?
You require a trade qualification to become a service technician. The trade qualification you pursue depends on your chosen specialisation. For instance, complete a trade certificate in electrical technology if you want to do electrical servicing. You can also pursue a mechanical trade qualification to repair equipment and vehicles.
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is service technician a good career?
Working as a service technician has excellent career prospects and offers numerous growth opportunities. You can pursue various specialisation options like installing and repairing HVAC systems or servicing computers.
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is a service technician the same as a mechanic?
As a service technician, you specialise in diagnosing and identifying problems in equipment and systems. A mechanic specialises in hands-on work, such as performing repair tasks like changing oil and brake pads.
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how do I apply for a service technician vacancy?
Applying for a service technician job is straightforward: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.
