This article is part of an IT Career News series called Your Next Move. These articles take an inside look at the roles related to CompTIA certifications. Each article will include the responsibilities, qualifications, related job titles and salary range for the role. As you consider the next move in your IT career, check back with CompTIA to learn more about your job prospects and how to get there.
Contrary to popular (and stereotypical) belief, you can be an IT pro with a passion for people. After all, technology doesn’t work if the end user doesn’t understand how to use it. If your excitement for technology intersects with your love of helping people, then field service technician may be a good next move for you.
What Is a Field Service Technician?
A field service technician is responsible for analyzing, troubleshooting and evaluating technology issues in the field. This role generally supports external clients or end users in the following ways:
- Make data easily accessible to those who need it
- Pay attention to customers’ descriptions of computer problems
- Ask questions to properly diagnose the problem
- Walk customers through the recommended problem-solving steps
- Set up or repair computer equipment and related devices
- Train users to work with new computer hardware or software
- Document changes, revision and problems
- Provide information to other team members and managers
The main role of a field service technician is helping end users get the most out of their equipment. Individuals who are technically well-versed and are able to help clients install, repair and maintain hardware and software while building relationships with customers will succeed in this role.
It’s important to note that a field service technician is not your typical office job. As the title implies, this type of IT pro works in the field, meaning at client sites or a customer’s house – like a cable company technician, for example.
Your day likely consists of a schedule of places to be at certain times, and you could be in charge of making your own schedule. However, there is always some paperwork involved.
In addition to troubleshooting and problem solving, field service technicians are also responsible for creating reports outlining their field calls.
How to Become a Field Service Technician
Most employers hiring a field service technician are looking for someone with a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Of course, since mechanical aptitude is necessary, third-party validation of your technical skills can help you get your foot in the door.
In fact, out of all the IT job listings out there, CompTIA A+ appears the most in ads for field service technicians, field techs or field engineers. Earning your CompTIA A+ certification demonstrates your baseline knowledge of hardware, software, infrastructure and networking. Read more about how to get an IT certification.
But technical skills are not the only requirement for this role. Professional skills play a big part as well.
Here are a few of the most important soft skills that a field service technician must have:
- Great attention to detail
- Self motivation
- The ability to explain complex technical terms in a user-friendly way
While a field service technician is generally an entry-level position, those who excel in the role may move on to become office managers or head field service technicians.
IT Career Paths: How to Get into IT Support
The Details
Field Service Technician Salary Range
The median annual wage for a field service technician is $57,910 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)).
Field Service Technician Job Outlook
From 2018 to 2028, CompTIA projects an increase of 10% for field service technicians, with 863,100 jobs recorded in 2018.
Job Titles Related to Field Service Technician
- Field systems technician
- Field technician
- Field engineer
Will your next move be field service technician? If so, check out CompTIA A+ to get the skills to get you there.
12 comments
AGI Technology Institute uses CompTIA - Testout for our students. They are successful in their progr
AGI Technology Institute uses CompTIA - Testout for our students. They are successful in their program and are gainfully employed in the field of their dreams. CompTA is a great company to work with, and always their for Instructor support. Our students can see their progress on a daily basis. CompTIA we love you!!!!!!!!Read full commentEmily Matzelle provides a compelling insight into the dynamic role of a Field Service Technician in
Emily Matzelle provides a compelling insight into the dynamic role of a Field Service Technician in her latest article. The blend of technical expertise with people skills makes this role essential in ensuring technology serves its purpose effectively. For those considering a career move, especially after delving into the responsibilities, qualifications, and salary range detailed in the piece, it's a valuable resource.Read full commentI really appreciate that you shared this amazing post with us, thanks for sharing and keep up the am
I really appreciate that you shared this amazing post with us, thanks for sharing and keep up the amazing work. Read full commentThanks for sharing. This is a very well written Blog.
Hi Dan, Thank you for reading the article and for your question. Also, congrats on earning your A&#
Hi Dan, Thank you for reading the article and for your question. Also, congrats on earning your A+ Certification. I would suggest you add the cert to your LinkedIn profile as well as your resume in order to make it visible to the general audience. I hope this helps.Read full commentHello, I recently obtained my A+ certification. The challenge I am facing is getting an entry le
Hello, I recently obtained my A+ certification. The challenge I am facing is getting an entry level position in IT. Do you have any helpful resources?Read full commentThanks for sharing, this knowledgeable blog.
Thanks for sharing informative articles.
Thank you Professor Messer for all you do teaching others IT Thank you CompTIA
Hi Irving, the training and study materials for CompTIA Security+ 601 are not available just yet
Hi Irving, the training and study materials for CompTIA Security+ 601 are not available just yet, but as they become available you will find that information here: https://www.comptia.org/training/by-certification/security. Hope that helps! Read full commentDo you have available course material for the Sy0-601? I have taken the Sy0- 501 once, but will not
Do you have available course material for the Sy0-601? I have taken the Sy0- 501 once, but will not be ready to retake by the new launch date. Please advise.Read full commentI have read so many content regarding the blogger lovers however this article is actually a good pos
I have read so many content regarding the blogger lovers however this article is actually a good post, keep it up.Read full comment