Computer Specialist, Customer Service Technician, Information Technology Specialist, Personal Computer Service Technician, Service Technician
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
| Starting | $26.70 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $30.48 |
| Top | $34.92 |
Interest in precision working to adjust, align, replace and repair equipment, assemblies and components following manuals and schematics; and to inspect and test equipment, components and assemblies using multimeters, circuit testers, oscilloscopes, logic probes and other test instruments, tools and equipment
Interest in analyzing equipment to diagnose and locate circuit, component and equipment faults
Interest in speaking to customers regarding equipment malfunctions to complete work orders; may supervise other electronic equipment service technicians
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Computer service technicians' duties and responsibilities vary from one position to another but, in general, they:
Working with customer support analysts, computer service technicians may field test new equipment and report results to engineering and manufacturing personnel.
Computer service technicians work in surroundings that may vary from clean and well ventilated to cold and dusty. They may be required to lift and carry computer components weighing up to 40 kilograms.
Technicians usually work a standard work week but may be on 24 hour call for specified periods and work overtime when systems malfunction. The work can be stressful when systems are not working properly and customers are upset.
Computer service technicians need the following characteristics:
They should enjoy using instruments and equipment to perform tasks requiring precision, taking a methodical approach to gathering information, and assisting technologists and engineers.
The minimum education requirement for computer service technicians is a high school diploma plus related training or experience. Employers generally prefer to hire job applicants who have related post-secondary education and certification. Advancement may require a related two year diploma or equivalent. For information about two year programs, see the Computer Network Administrator and Computer Programmer occupational profiles.
There are a variety of post-secondary education programs offered in this field. Prospective students are advised to talk to potential employers about program suitability and reputation before choosing a program of study.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Many employers provide ongoing training opportunities, both in the classroom and on the job, to help computer service technicians keep up to date with rapidly changing technology.
Information systems professionals investigate, analyze, design, develop or manage information systems based on computer and related technologies through the objective application of specialized knowledge and professional judgement.
Information Systems Professional is a protected title under Alberta's Professional and Occupational Associations Registration Act. This means that to call yourself an Information Systems Professional or use the I.S.P. designation, you must be a registered member of the Canadian Information Processing Society of Alberta (CIPS Alberta). You do not have to be registered if you do not call yourself an Information Systems Professional.
The Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS) has defined the body of knowledge required for certification and recognizes the many different ways this standard may be achieved. Applicants must provide documented evidence for 1 of the following I.S.P. designation criteria routes: (1) Established Academic, (2) IT Industry Leader, (3) Established IT Professional, (4) Education Plus Experience, (5) Exam, (6) Professional Experience Only (applicants must have entered the field prior to 1976), or (7) Upgrade from Candidate Status. For official, detailed information, visit the CIPS website, CIPS Alberta website or contact CIPS Alberta.
Information systems professionals who are registered and in good standing with a regulatory organization elsewhere in Canada may be eligible for registration in Alberta if registered professionals in the 2 jurisdictions have similar responsibilities and competencies. For more information, see "What if I am already certified in another province or territory?" and the Alberta regulatory authority (below).
Canadian Information Processing Society of Alberta
PO Box 21085
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada T6R 2V4
Phone Number: 780-431-9311
Toll-free phone number: 1-844-431-9311
Fax number: 780-413-0076
E-mail: alberta@cips.ca
Website: ab.cips.ca
Computer service technicians are employed by computer manufacturers, computer consulting firms, computer sales and service firms, and large organizations such as government departments and major corporations.
Experienced computer service technicians may advance to supervisory or management positions. Those who have advanced training may become technical specialists who assist engineers in designing equipment.
Computer service technicians are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 2242: Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment). In Alberta, 75% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Over 7,600 Albertans are employed in the Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment) occupational group. This group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.5% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 114 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As computer service technicians form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for computer service technicians.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Salaries for computer service technicians vary considerably depending on the employer and the employee's qualifications and responsibilities.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $17.00 | $38.32 | $26.70 | $25.87 |
| Overall | $20.00 | $43.52 | $30.48 | $29.28 |
| Top | $24.00 | $49.04 | $34.92 | $32.74 |
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* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Public Administration | $77,776 |
|---|---|
| Wholesale Trade | $71,242 |
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $58,749 |
| Business, Building and Other Support Services | $52,677 |
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $51,910 |
| Retail Trade | $40,008 |
Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS) website: www.cips.ca
Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta - ASET website: www.aset.ab.ca
For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.
Updated Sep 01, 2009. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.