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Office Equipment Technician: Occupations in Alberta - alis
Do you like to repair things and keep them running smoothly? Are you good at explaining what’s wrong with a piece of machinery? Do you have strong computer skills? Then you may want to work on a career as an office equipment technician.
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Occupations in Alberta
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Office Equipment Technician

Office equipment technicians take apart, clean, and repair business machines such as photocopiers, facsimile (fax) machines, and laser printers.

Contents Expand All
Also Known As

Business Machine Technician, Customer Service Technician, Mechanic, Service Technician

NOC Codes

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.

2006 NOC

  • 2242: Electronic Service Technicians (Household and Business Equipment)

2006 NOC-S

  • C142: Electronic Service Technicians (Household and Business Equipment)

2011 NOC

  • 2242: Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment)

2016 NOC

  • 2242: Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment)

2021 NOC

  • 22311: Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment)

2023 OaSIS

  • 22311.00: Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment)
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Office equipment technicians may specialize in one type of machine or work on different machines.

Technicians who work for business machine manufacturers and dealers typically service only the brands their company offers. They routinely visit customers with service contracts to:

  • Inspect machines for unusual wear
  • Replace worn or broken parts
  • Troubleshoot problems with equipment and networks
  • Advise customers on how to use equipment properly and spot potential problems
  • Clean, oil, and adjust machines to ensure optimum operation

When breakdowns occur, office equipment technicians must respond quickly. They must determine the cause of the malfunction and repair it. If it’s not repairable, they must replace the machine quickly to minimize disruption to office routines.

Office equipment technicians who work for small independent repair organizations must know how to repair several types of business machines. In general, they:

  • Provide a range of maintenance and repair services, including diagnostics, removal, installation, and retrofitting of multifunctional office and production copiers, printers, and fax machines
  • Install basic connections, such as setting up Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, downloading printer drivers, and training office workers on functions such as scan to email or to folder
  • Perform troubleshooting procedures and repair or replace equipment components as needed
  • Maintain and manage parts inventory
Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • Strength Required Lift over 20 kg

Office equipment technicians often work in office settings and are expected to wear business clothes. They use electronic meters and other electrical testing equipment as well as hand tools such as pliers and screwdrivers. They may need to travel from one service call to another and do some heavy lifting. There are few hazards in the occupation. However, the work can be stressful when customers are impatient.

Office equipment technicians tend to work standard office hours. Some technicians must be on call for after-hours emergency repairs. Some jobs require out-of-town travel.

Interests & Abilities

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.

Electronic Service Technicians (Household and Business Equipment)

2006 NOC: 2242

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
OBJECTIVE

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

INNOVATIVE

Interest in analyzing equipment to diagnose and locate circuit, component and equipment faults

METHODICAL

Interest in speaking to customers regarding equipment malfunctions to complete work orders; may supervise other electronic equipment service technicians

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

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.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

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.

Learn About Abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Office equipment technicians need:

  • Manual dexterity
  • Mechanical and problem-solving abilities
  • Analytical, organizational, and multitasking skills
  • Good vision to see small, delicate parts
  • Good colour perception to detect small changes in colour
  • Good hearing to trace malfunctions back to their source

Technicians may be the only representatives of their companies that office staff meet. They must therefore have excellent communication and customer relations skills.

They should enjoy using tools, instruments, and equipment to perform precision tasks. They should be comfortable analyzing information, diagnosing problems, and taking a methodical approach to their work.

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.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment)

2016 NOC: 2242

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 169 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Aug 23, 2023 and Nov 20, 2024.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Tasks: Inspect and test electronic equipment and assemblies
Tasks: Complete work orders, test and maintenance reports
Tasks: Diagnose and locate circuit, component and equipment faults
Tasks: Adjust, align, replace or repair electronic equipment and assemblies
Attention to detail
Tasks: Prepare cost estimates
Experience: 1 year to less than 2 years
Organized
Team player
Client focus
Tasks: Inspect and test electronic equipment and assemblies 144
Tasks: Complete work orders, test and maintenance reports 141
Tasks: Diagnose and locate circuit, component and equipment faults 137
Tasks: Adjust, align, replace or repair electronic equipment and assemblies 137
Attention to detail 100
Tasks: Prepare cost estimates 88
Experience: 1 year to less than 2 years 81
Construction Specialization: Organized 77
Construction Specialization: Team player 75
Construction Specialization: Client focus 74
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • Minimum Education Varies

Most office equipment technicians train on the job. Most employers prefer to hire people who already have good customer service skills and basic computer skills. Employers also prefer applicants who have a good understanding of electronic and electrical systems. These might include graduates of electronics courses or programs, or people with previous experience in electronics and mechanical repair. Some employers require employees to have a vehicle and a valid driver’s licence. Employees who work on banking machines must be bondable (acceptable to an insurance company as responsible and law abiding).

No post-secondary education programs are specifically designed to train office machine technicians. However, some employers prefer to hire individuals who have obtained A+ certification from the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA).

Manufacturers or franchise dealers may send trainees in their employ for special training programs. Some expect trainees to learn equipment repair techniques via computer-based training packages. Those employed in repair shops learn from working with experienced office equipment technicians. They also may take self-study courses.

Once trained, office equipment technicians must continuously upgrade their skills and knowledge to keep up with rapid changes in technology.

Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

Ace Career College
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:

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.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • Certification Not Regulated

There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Office machine technicians work for:

  • Firms that sell or service business machines
  • Equipment manufacturers
  • Independent repair shops
  • Organizations large enough to have on-staff maintenance and repair crews

Experienced office equipment technicians may advance to supervisory, management, or training positions. Some open independent repair shops of their own.

Industry Concentration

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.

Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment)
2016 NOC: 2242

75.7% of people in this occupational group work in:

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 examples, see Note.

Look for Work

Think Industries and Sectors When Planning Your Career

Jobs and occupations are changing every day. It can be hard to know what the future of work looks like—but not impossible. Look at industries and sectors for possible inspiration, insights, and opportunities.
3-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment)
2021 NOC: 22311
Lower
Demand
5,300
Employed

Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast

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 examples, see Note.

To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list
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OCCinfo

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors. Learn how these factors can affect your career decisions.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment)
2016 NOC: 2242
2.4%
Annual Growth
(Average)
170
New Positions

Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.

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 examples, see Note.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

As technology evolves, more and more functions are being integrated into a single machine. For example, one machine can photocopy, scan, print and send faxes. Machines also are becoming easier to install, operate, and maintain. These trends may have a negative impact on future demand for office equipment technicians.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2020

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.

Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment)

2016 NOC: 2242
Average Wage
$31.85
Per Hour
Average Salary
$65,450.00
Per Year
Average Hours
39.5
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
 2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 2242 Wage Profile

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.

B: Good Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

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.

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $18.00 $33.65 $23.72 $21.03
Overall $20.00 $53.87 $31.85 $28.85
Top $25.00 $74.52 $47.69 $45.67

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

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Wholesale Trade
Retail Trade
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
ALL INDUSTRIES $65,450
Wholesale Trade $63,750
Retail Trade $56,486
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services $76,393

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
42%
42%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
13%
13%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
3%
3%
Vacancy Rate
1%
Related High School Subjects
  • Business, Administration, Finance and IT
    • Networking
  • Trades, Manufacturing and Transportation
    • Electro-Technologies
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Engineering and Science Technologies
  • Trades, Industrial and Related Training
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) website: www.comptia.org

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.

Updated Mar 31, 2020. 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.

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