Career Definition for a Keyboard Repair Technician
A keyboard technician's job duties go beyond repairing keyboards. Keyboard repair technicians, also known as computer repair technicians, install, repair and maintain many components of computer hardware and software, including the mouse, speakers, keyboard and anti-virus software programs. These technicians are highly skilled to perform duties such as removing spyware from a computer hard drive, installing a scanner or adjusting a computer's control panel settings.
| Education | Associate degree helpful, trade schools also available |
| Job Skills | Working alone, tech savvy, problem solving |
| Median Salary (2021)* | $40,970 (computer, automated teller, and office machine repairers) |
| Job Growth (2021-2031)* | -4% (computer, automated teller, and office machine repairers) |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Required Education
Computer repair technicians may find it helpful to have an associate degree or higher in computer science or a related field. However, it may be more feasible for computer repair technicians to attend a trade school for two years and focus on gaining experience.
Skills Required
Keyboard repair technicians need to be technically savvy. Problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to be dependable and work alone, are desirable assets. Workers in this career may be required to work in several different locations.
Career and Economic Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the median annual salary for computer, ATM and office machine repairers, including keyboard repairers, was $40,970 in May 2021. Although there has been an increase in computers that need repairing, the cost to fix a keyboard or computer may be more expensive than replacing it, and thus this career field is projected to decline at a rate of 4% from 2021 to 2031.
Alternative Career Options
Individuals with a passion for troubleshooting and repairing may consider the following similar careers:
General Maintenance and Repair Worker
Like computer repairers, general maintenance and repair workers fix things, but maintenance workers maintain and fix minor problems with a building's mechanical systems, such as heating or air conditioning systems. These workers may also do minor building repairs, such as drywall or painting fixes. Maintenance workers need basic knowledge and skills in electricity, plumbing and blueprint reading, which can be learned through vocational courses. As of May 2021, these workers had a median annual salary of $43,180, according to the BLS. The BLS projects that jobs for maintenance workers will increase by 5% from 2021 to 2031.
Electronics Engineering Technician
Those interested in designing keyboards instead of fixing them might like the career of electronics engineering technician. These technicians design and build electronics equipment, such as keyboards, medical equipment and navigation equipment. Electronics engineering technicians need a minimum of an associate's degree in electronics technology. The median annual salary for electrical and electronics engineering technicians was $63,640, according to the BLS in May 2021. This occupation is projected to have little to no growth between 2021 and 2031.
