PC technicians or computer troubleshooters or desktop support specialists are all-pervasive in today's Computing Age. PC technicians install and test PCs, fix performance issues, diagnose hardware-related problems, repair PCs in offices, homes, computer stores with servicing departments and in any place or work environment with installed PCs. The primarily hardware-centric job profile has now broadened to include troubleshooting, maintaining or repairing all peripherals, new-age storage devices and multiple software that are plugged into or installed on desktops or laptops.
- An associate degree or its equivalent is a must to be a PC technician. Certain certifications such as those offered by Microsoft, Novell, CompTIA enhance the resume of a PC technician. Tinkerers with no formal degrees but exceptional technical and computer skills and years of experience are also considered for PC technicians' jobs in many settings.
- PC technicians are always on the move or on call frequently during working hours and have to be equipped with varied and exhaustive tools of the trade. PC technicians carry diagnostic all-in-one USB drives, software troubleshooting CDs, hand toolboxes, hardware tools, utility CDs with Internet security programs and other popular applications/software and Boot CD with diagnostic programs, etc.
- PC technicians have many settings or job environments in today's all-encompassing Computing Age. They work in big enterprises, multi-location businesses, big-box consumer electronics retailers with major computer sections, specialized computer stores, computer manufacturers, etc.
- A full-time PC technician or a desktop support specialist can draw an annual salary between $40,000-$50,000 with variations accounting for state-level job environment dynamics. Freelance PC technicians or technicians working for PC repair firms typically charge $60 to $90 per hour for any assignment.
- A genuine and deep interest in the broad-based field of Information Technology (IT), keeping abreast of the latest developments in hardware and software technologies, and a customized approach to troubleshooting PC's in different environments can make for a highly successful PC technician.