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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:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
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
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
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 for this NOC group 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.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Computer service technicians’ roles vary. In general, they:
Computer service technicians work with customer support analysts. They may test new equipment and report results to engineering and manufacturing staff.
Computer service technicians work in a variety of settings. Some are clean and airy while others are cold and dusty. Technicians may have to lift and carry heavy computer components.
Technicians usually work a standard work week. But some may be on 24-hour call for certain periods. Some may work overtime if systems fail. The work can be stressful when systems are not working, and customers are upset. Remote administration may be required.
Computer service technicians need:
They should enjoy:
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 65 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Oct 29, 2021 and Jun 26, 2022.
Review these skills to learn:
| Complete work orders, test and maintenance reports | 57 |
|---|---|
| Install, maintain and repair electronic equipment | 56 |
| Inspect and test electronic equipment and assemblies | 52 |
| Adjust, align, replace or repair electronic equipment and assemblies | 46 |
| Diagnose and locate circuit, component and equipment faults | 46 |
| Personal Suitability: Organized | 44 |
| Personal Suitability: Team player | 43 |
| Personal Suitability: Client focus | 41 |
| Personal Suitability: Effective interpersonal skills | 39 |
| Prepare cost estimates | 35 |
Computer service technicians need at least a high school diploma. They also need related training or experience. Employers often prefer applicants with related post-secondary education and certification.
Advancement may require a related 2-year diploma or equivalent. To learn more about 2-year programs, see the Computer Network Administrator and Computer Programmer occupational profiles.
There are many post-secondary programs in this field. If a career as a computer service technician interests you, talk to potential employers about training options before starting a training program. 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.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
CompTIA A+ certification is considered an industry standard. It offers theory and practical knowledge. It teaches technicians how to solve problems. Most employers require it.
Candidates must pass an exam to become certified. They can prepare through self-study and experience or take courses that lead to certification. These are available at many colleges.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Information systems professionals investigate, analyze, design, develop, or manage information systems based on computer and related technologies. They do so objectively applying specialized knowledge and professional judgement.
Information Systems Professional is a protected title under Alberta’s Professional and Occupational Associations Registration Act [pdf].
To call yourself an Information Systems Professional or use the ISP designation, you must register as a member of the Canadian Information Processing Society of Alberta (CIPS Alberta).
You do not have to register if you do not call yourself an Information Systems Professional.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Information Systems Professional.
Computer service technicians work for:
Experienced computer service technicians may become supervisors or managers. With further training, they can become technical specialists who help computer engineers design equipment.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 2242: Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment) occupational group, 75.7% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 2242: Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment) occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.7% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 116 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Earnings vary a lot. The type of employer and what qualifications and duties the employee has will have an impact on earnings.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
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.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
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.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $17.31 | $38.00 | $22.74 | $20.19 |
| Overall | $19.73 | $38.46 | $30.38 | $31.56 |
| Top | $24.00 | $48.08 | $37.82 | $40.50 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* 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.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| Manufacturing | $81,884 |
|---|---|
| Public Administration | $75,513 |
| Business, Building and Other Support Services | $62,417 |
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $62,002 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $60,622 |
| Wholesale Trade | $59,928 |
| Retail Trade | $58,053 |
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $48,140 |
Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) website: www.aset.ab.ca
Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS) of Alberta website: ab.cips.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2022. 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.
