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Data Processing Equipment Repairers
Description OES Code: 85705
Repair, maintain, and install electronic computers (mainframes, minis, and micros), peripheral equipment, and word processing systems.

CA Wages/hour median range
New, no experience: $9.00 minimum – $15.53
New, experienced: $10.00 minimum – $19.56
3 yrs+ experience: $15.00 $6.00 – $25.00

Local Wages
CCOIS Survey OES Survey

Hours & Benefits
Most repairers work a standard 40 hour week, but many computer systems run 24 hours and repairers are often "on call" for emergencies. They usually get paid time and one-half for overtime and double time for holidays.

Fringe benefits usually include: paid leave for all major holidays; paid vacations and sick leave; medical, dental, and vision plans, and life insurance and retirement plans.

Employment Trends
Employment 1996 11,770
Projected Employment 2006 16,930
Growth Rate 1996-2006 43.8%
Openings due to Separations 4,540

Employment Trends by California County

Data Processing Equipment Repairers, with a growth rate of over twice the average for all occupations, ranks among the 50 fastest growing occupations in the State.

Growth in the computer and office machine industry continues to be strong. Technology is advancing and many new products are being developed.

Advancement
Data Processing Equipment Repairers may promote to supervisory positions. With a bachelor's degree, they may become electronic or electrical engineers or go into management.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Job seekers should contact employers or answer want ads in local newspapers. They can also register with their California Employment Development Department Office. Associations for electronic technicians and repairers often provide job leads to members.

Many trade schools and colleges have career placement centers where employers list job orders and sometimes invite recruiters to hold in-person job interviews.

For current job listings, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

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Education and Training
Most employers expect applicants to have a certificate or AS degree in electronics technology. Many of California's community colleges offer one-year certificate or two-year degree programs in electronics or data processing technology, as well as courses in related subjects. Training is also available through adult education programs, private technical schools and Regional Occupational Programs (ROP). Military or other technical training is also acceptable.

Data Processing Equipment Repairers are certified by trade associations; although not required, certified repairers may find it easier to get hired and qualify for promotions.

Skills & Other Requirements
Repairers need analytical skills and the ability to work independently much of the time. They should be able to work from blueprints, diagrams, sketches, and verbal instructions. Because they work on small electronics components, some employers may require applicants to have color vision screening and manual dexterity evaluation.

Repairers usually work alone. Some bending and lifting are involved; however, the job is not physically hard. Tools are usually supplied by the employer, but repairers are responsible for keeping them in good working order.

References
Note: The references below (and/or on other parts of this page) will link to pages on the internet outside the Career Video system.

California Occupational Guide: Data Processing Equipment Repairers #152
Related Occupation: Electrical & Electronic Engineering Technicians #60, Electronics Repairers - Commercial & EIndustrial Equipment #222, Office Machine Services #405, Instrumentation Technicians #485
Training: California State Training Inventory

 

© State of California EDD/LMID, US Department of Labor
Unless indicated otherwise, wage data
is based on Statewide aggregated CCOIS survey responses between 1995 and 1997.
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