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Online Technical Support & Repair Degree Programs

Tech support and computer repair roles are some of the most highly demanded positions in information technology today, as they support a wide range of industries. In technical support and repair, you resolve computer problems that can range from forgotten passwords to computer virus infections and worse. Many tech support technicians work at help desks at corporations large enough to need ongoing technical support. (cont)

Tech support technicians field complaints from people with computer-related issues and guide them through problem-solving steps. Some of these roles are remote, involving a lot of time on the phone and in front of computer screens. Some are in-person roles, where you help staff a desk and answer questions at a business office or customer service center.

Working in Tech Support and Repair

This work typically requires you to have good troubleshooting ability, patience, communication skills, and familiarity with computers. You traditionally perform most of your work on a computer but also have to interact regularly with others. Work weeks are typically in the 40-hour range, but sometimes on-call hours are required.

Some repair technicians spend work for a larger business that schedules repair calls. These hours can begin early in the morning and last most of the day, and on-call hours are sometimes required.

Technical Support and Repair Technician Career Training

Some tech support positions are available without formal training, and others require candidates to be educated through a certification or degree program. Some employers require a bachelor's degree, which can be available online.

Typical coursework involves training in networks, applications, hardware, Internet, databases, programming, and more. Technology training is the largest component of tech support and repair technician education. Ongoing training is often required of both of these types of jobs.

Career Growth in Technical Support and Repair

As businesses and individuals become more and more dependent on technology, your employment opportunities in this field are projected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to be excellent. In fact, between 2006 and 2016, job growth for computer support specialists is expected to reach 18 percent.

While earnings vary, according to the BLS, computer support specialists earned an annual median salary of $42,400 in 2007. The top 10 percent of specialists earned over $69,000 in 2007.

Some of the top industries for technical support include computer systems design, public school systems, higher education, as well as software publishers. In 2007, natural gas distribution, computer manufacturing, and securities and commodities topped the list for highest paying industries for technical support.

With career training in technical support, you can look to the District of Columbia, Oklahoma, and Colorado for employment. These three locations had the highest concentration of computer support specialists in 2007. The top paying places in 2007, included Massachusetts, Delaware, and the District of Columbia.

Keeping computers and networks running smoothly is the providence of technical support. If you enjoy working with computers and helping others, a career in technical support might be the right fit for you.