what is an IT technician?
An information technology (IT) technician provides support services to employees using a company's computer systems. When you join the profession, your work will involve fixing or maintaining hardware and software for your employer. Your job covers repairing computer system hardware, such as desktop devices, printers and external hard drives.
You also provide networking support, from installing networking equipment (switches, routers, cables, etc.) to monitoring networks to ensure optimal performance. Your job also covers installing and monitoring security breaches. Monitoring includes regular system checks on the installed servers and computer systems to ensure that anti-virus programs are running optimally.
When working as an IT technician, you ensure an organization’s storage system functions as expected. Aside from regular checks for errors, you update storage systems and perform backups to avoid losing vital data during a system glitch. Apart from your main tasks, you also assist other employees if they need technical support and recommend ways to improve the safety and security of your employer's computer systems.
Would working as an IT technician suit your interest in working with computers? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in an IT technician role.
view IT technician jobsaverage IT technician salary
According to Job Bank, the average salary of IT technicians in Canada is $71,052 per year or $36.44 per hour. When you are new to the role, you start with a salary of $51,716 annually. However, as your experience improves and you can perform complex duties, you are likely to earn over $74,431 yearly.
how to increase your salary as an IT technician
The salary of an IT technician depends on qualifications and specific duties. Some IT technicians perform complex tasks that require additional qualifications. For instance, if you perform complex repairs requiring expertise, you earn a higher salary than IT technicians who provide support on simple hardware or software issues. Specializing in hardware or software components relevant to your industry also increases your earnings since you bring additional expertise to the company.
The size of the organization also influences your earnings. When you work in a small start-up, the limited resources and the projects you work on influence your earnings. You handle complex tasks in large companies, and having unlimited resources boosts your earnings. The location could also affect your earnings since some regions, such as Quebec, have a higher demand for IT technicians.
types of IT technicians
As an IT technician, you provide general IT support or specialize in the following areas:
- help desk technician: when you are a help desk IT technician, your role is to diagnose technical problems for computer users. After identifying an issue, you contact a suitable technician to handle it.
- desktop support technician: as a desktop support IT technician, you respond to problems arising in desktop computers. Your work is to troubleshoot issues or configure and test networks. You can also assist computer users in setting up new desktops or user accounts.
- IT support analyst: if you are an IT support analyst, you are the go-to person during an IT audit. Your job is to determine issues that may arise in a system and recommend ways to improve its functionality.
- IT support specialist: your tasks are mainly hands-on since you are responsible for setting up or installing technologies. You troubleshoot and maintain hardware and software in your employer's computer systems to avoid glitches.
working as an IT technician
As an IT technician, you provide computer hardware and software support. Here are IT technician tasks, work schedules and work environments.
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what does an IT technician do?
Are you wondering what the daily tasks of an IT technician entail? Some typical responsibilities include:
- installing and maintaining networks: as an IT technician, you help computer users install network hardware, such as routers and switches. You also regularly check the network and test for issues to avoid unnecessary interruptions and network failures.
- resolving system failures: when a computer system failure occurs, it is your job to identify the cause of the problem and notify the computer users. You fix configuration or connection problems and restore system functionality to avoid the disruption of routines.
- configuring and installing new IT equipment: when your employer acquires new computer equipment or laptops, you install the necessary software and applications in the devices. You should also configure the settings to suit their functionality. If the users are unfamiliar with the equipment, you provide training to avoid damage.
- maintaining incident records: since you perform routine check-ups on all computer systems, you document incidents in the hardware or software. Keeping relevant records of hardware problems assists in auditing and resolution of computer system issues. Updating incident records during routine checks also helps you flag frequent issues that may cause future system malfunctions.
- monitoring servers and backups: as an IT technician, you are responsible for monitoring servers to ensure they work optimally. It is important to check the server backups to ensure the information is correctly backed-up. You also monitor workstation backups and anti-virus updates.
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work environment of an IT technician
As an IT technician, you work in an office setting, monitoring the networks and computer systems of your employer and their clients. When you are an in-house IT technician, you work for one company and respond to their issues. If your employer has clients, you do house visits to assist them with it-related issues.
When you work for an IT company that outsources technicians, your work environment varies, depending on the assigned client. Schools and colleges also hire IT technicians to provide network and computer system support. Remote IT support is possible, and you can work from home or remote locations and offer the same services.
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who are your colleagues?
As an IT technician, you interact with various professionals in the office environment. For instance, you will likely work with accounting technicians, data analysts and developers. Sometimes, you work with administrative assistants or customer service representatives to help them use their computer systems. You also collaborate with business systems analysts and web developers to ensure the computer software programs meet user requirements.
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IT technician work schedule
Companies require the services of an IT technician 24/7 due to the possibility of system failures or security breaches. Most IT technicians work in shifts and are on call day and night, including weekends. If you get a 9-to-5 job, you work 40 hours weekly. Most IT technician jobs are full-time, but part-time opportunities are also available.
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career opportunities as an IT technician
Many companies need IT support services, and skilled technicians should tap into the opportunities to enjoy a lucrative career. As an IT technician, you have a defined career path. For instance, with experience, you can become a team leader and supervise other technicians. Alternatively, multiple areas of specialization are available if you gain the right skills and certifications. With experience, you can become a network engineer, IT security analyst, database administrator or systems analyst.
Self-employment and freelance work are options, but you should gain experience by working for a company before starting your business.
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advantages of finding a job as an IT technician through randstad
Working with Randstad offers you a range of benefits.
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- many training opportunities
- a range of jobs in your area
IT technician skills and education
The educational requirements for being an IT technician include:
- college course: to work as an IT technician in Canada, complete a college program in computer science, network administration or computer programming. You can pursue a degree or a college qualification to learn the skills required to perform maintenance and repair tasks. Some employers require certification provided by software vendors. In Ontario, you require certification from the Ontario College of Trades.
- work experience: you need experience to work as an IT technician. On-the-job training prepares you for the role, but having entry-level experience in IT boosts your chances of employment.
competencies and characteristics of IT technicians
Aside from academic qualification and technical knowledge, you need soft skills to boost your career prospects. Some of the skills include:
- multi-tasking skills: as an IT technician, you work in fast-paced surroundings, and multi-tasking abilities can help you juggle multiple tasks. Organization skills are also handy since you are expected to keep accurate records of the repairs and maintenance tasks performed.
- time management skills: as an IT technician, you manage job tasks within a specific time frame. Time management skills help you consult with several clients and boost productivity.
- computer skills: familiarity with computer software and hardware functions enables you to resolve computer system problems. It is also crucial in maintaining networks and ensuring that upgrades will benefit the company's operations.
- analytical thinking: it is important to have strong analytical and diagnostic skills to identify problems in a computer system. Analytical thinking also helps you uncover hidden issues in a network that can cause future problems.
- problem-solving skills: your primary duty is to resolve system problems and assist computer users with hardware or software issues. Possessing a strong problem-solving ability is essential for IT technicians, and it helps you identify creative technical solutions.
FAQs
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of an IT technician.
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what are the tasks of an IT technician?
As an IT technician, your duties include maintaining and installing computer software or hardware components. You support the company's employees by remotely monitoring their computer systems and providing them with the necessary support. The role also involves performing repairs and upgrades on the systems.
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what do you require to be an IT technician?
You need a degree or a college course to become an IT technician. Complete a college course in computer science, network administration or another IT-related field to help you learn new skills. You may require additional certifications to learn new skills.
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what skills do IT technicians have?
As an IT technician, you require knowledge of computer hardware, software and operating systems. You pay close attention to detail when monitoring computer systems, as you are responsible for detecting glitches and errors.
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how much do IT technicians earn in Canada?
IT technicians receive an average salary of $71,052 yearly. Exact earnings fluctuate based on expertise and qualifications. In an entry-level role, you start with a lower salary of approximately $51,700 per year, but the amount increases to over $74,4oo with experience.
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is IT technician a good career?
If you love working with computers, you will enjoy being an IT technician. The role has promising job prospects and opportunities for career growth. You also receive a relatively good salary, which only increases as you gain expertise.
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how do I find a job as an IT technician?
Finding a job near you as an IT technician is easy. Search our job offers. Have you found what you're looking for? Then submit your application using the 'Apply' button top right on the page. No jobs available right now? Send us your resume, and we'll pass it on to a recruiter who will contact you if an opportunity opens up for you.
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