What does a 20424813906mechanic1.81automotive technician1.23maintenance1.15technician1.02lube technician0.97187181322114497.2523.2750.20HOURLY77952028462025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05service technician do?

Service technicians typically work for different types of hardware or machinery manufacturers, distributors or installation companies. The nature of their work can be varied because it depends on their specific technical skills, but all service technicians have to be capable of performing installation, maintenance and repair work on complex machines and devices either in the field or in a repair facility. They use their knowledge of the devices they handle to ensure that they’re working correctly and are properly installed for their buyers.

Service technician skills and qualifications

Service technicians must have an excellent technical and working knowledge of the specific hardware and devices they’re tasked with installing and maintaining. Their skills and qualifications should include:

• Knowledge of how to maintain, repair, diagnose and correctly install or replace equipment and machinery
• Firm technical knowledge of blueprints, diagrams, mechanical engineering schematics and electrical diagrams
• Excellent communication skills that allow them to explain technical problems to laypeople
• Strong knowledge about their industry and the general requirements of different equipment types
• Precise written communication abilities for filing repair, installation and maintenance reports
• Physical stamina in the handling of complex tools and heavy equipment and moving through confined spaces
• Ability to work with minimal supervision while using their own technical judgment regarding complex tasks

20424813906mechanic1.81automotive technician1.23maintenance1.15technician1.02lube technician0.97187181322114497.2523.2750.20HOURLY77952028462025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Service technician experience requirements

A service technician needs to have practical work experience in the field in which they’re installing and maintaining equipment for clients. In the case of heavy machinery technicians, this might include experience in the mining, construction or earth-moving industries. For technicians working with electrical installations, experience as apprentices or team members for a repair and installation crew could be vital for moving up in their career. Having worked previously as an auto mechanic, plumber, construction supervisor, handyman or electrician can also be an excellent past experience for a 20424813906mechanic1.81automotive technician1.23maintenance1.15technician1.02lube technician0.97187181322114497.2523.2750.20HOURLY77952028462025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05service technician career.

Service technician education and training requirements

A service technician is generally required to have a high school diploma or a GED as a basic entry requirement for their field. Beyond this, however, a technical post-secondary certification or degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, automotive repair or a related discipline specific to their particular technical industry will likely be something the technician needs to enter their field. A certain period of time spent working as an apprentice to a qualified industry-specific service technician may also help their career prospects.

Service technician salary expectations

Based on information from Indeed Salaries, service technicians can be reasonably compensated although their wages may vary significantly by industry. The average hourly pay for this profession is $18.72 per hour depending on location, work experience and other factors, but there’s room for wage increases and overtime hours.

Job description samples for similar positions

If service technician isn’t exactly the profession you’re looking for, you might want to consider some of the following closely related career fields:

• Computer technician
• Automotive technician
• Maintenance technician

Service technician job description FAQs

What kinds of industries do service technicians work in?

The range of industries in which service technicians can be employed is extremely broad. For example, mechanical service technicians may work with light or heavy machinery in numerous settings. The more specialized the equipment or devices that a service technician works with, the more likely they are to be well compensated.

What makes an effective, competent service technician?

The most useful skill for a competent service technician is a strong, practical grounding in the equipment and machinery they’re tasked with repairing or maintaining. A strong aptitude for mechanical repair work helps as does a high level of dexterity with tools and mechanical equipment. A knack for diagnosing problems and tracking down their causes is also very useful.

What kind of additional compensation can service technicians expect?

Because service technicians have so many different roles, potential earnings and compensation can be enormously varied. Technicians working on complex and highly specialized equipment can earn far more than regular automotive technicians, for example, but in all cases, there’s plenty of room for overtime pay and benefits.