Installation Technician Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Are you searching for an installation technician job description? Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of an installation technician. Feel free to use our installation technician job description template to produce your own installation technician job description. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as an installation technician.
Who is an Installation Technician?
Installation technicians are in charge of setting up various items and machinery. Technicians who install, maintain, and repair electrical and computer equipment work in homes and businesses. The duties of an installation technician include visiting customers’ homes or places of business to install equipment, recommend installation locations, troubleshoot problems, and providing customers with operating instructions.
Engineers and architects work closely with installation technicians to determine the best method for installing various pieces of equipment. They must also be able to read blueprints and other technical documents in order to properly install whatever they are working on.
In order to troubleshoot system malfunctions and provide customers with the necessary guidance, an installation technician must be knowledgeable about the complexity of the equipment. In some cases, installation technicians must perform routine inspections and maintenance to ensure the system is in good working order.
Installation technicians also install new electrical, computer, and telecommunication systems for customers and perform follow-up maintenance to ensure that the systems are working properly.
As more people buy home electronics and appliances like air conditioners, refrigerators, and televisions, installation technicians should be in higher demand.
Installation technicians are typically required to have a high school diploma or General Education Degree (GED). Some employers may require an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in electronics, home technology, or a related field.
Installation Technician Job Description
What is an installation technician job description? An installation technician job description is simply a list of duties and responsibilities of an installation technician in an organization. Below are the installation technician job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write an installation technician job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
Installation Technicians must follow strict regulations when installing various types of systems to ensure proper operation. Nonetheless, they perform the following tasks:
- Installing electronic or electrical devices such as tablets, projectors, routers, desktop computers, laptops, and flat-screen televisions.
- Upgrading or replacing equipment to improve its performance.
- Delivering billing invoices after services are completed and, if necessary, collecting payments from clients.
- Installing security equipment such as fire alarms, surveillance cameras, keypad systems, burglar alarms, and access control systems.
- Suggesting the best location for the installation, troubleshooting the process, and installing the machinery themselves.
- Addressing any questions the client may have about the apparatus.
- Ensuring that connections are tested to ensure that they are operational.
- Performing self-security checks and adhering to established safety regulations, standards, and instructions.
- Installing and repairing electrical wiring, equipment, and accessories such as wall outlets, light switches, ceiling fans, and so on.
- Providing both oral and written instructions to customers on how to use new equipment.
- Installing internet servers, routers, modems, and other hardware required to provide an online presence for a business or organization.
- Maintaining good working order of assigned tools and equipment by following instructions, resolving issues, monitoring supply levels, etc.
- Performing routine maintenance, and planning necessary repairs.
- Establishing computer networks such as intranets, extranets, LANs, and WANs to facilitate computer communication.
- Updating information and skills through networking, reading trade publications, and taking advantage of corporate training and educational opportunities on a regular basis.
- Testing system performance and functionality after installation.
- Taking part in ongoing technical, safety, and operational training programs.
- Keeping a clean and secure work environment as well as keeping track of work results and material purchases in accordance with instructions.
Qualifications
To be hired as an Installation Technician by any organization, you should have the following qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in electronics, information technology, or a related field is required.
- Two to five years of proven work experience as an installation technician installing high-speed internet.
- Excellent communication skills and adaptability to various task requirements.
- Clarity and knowledge of modern electronic, cable, satellite and telecommunications systems.
- Ability to stoop, kneel, and work in small spaces for extended periods of time.
- Excellent knowledge of modern electrical technology.
- The ability to climb ladders in order to install wiring and equipment on ceilings and roofs.
- On-site equipment repair and problem-solving skills are required.
Essential Skills
Installation technician skills are in high demand because such installations necessitate trained technicians who are knowledgeable in their field.
When applying to your company, successful installation technician candidates should have some of the following prerequisite abilities and credentials, though specific requirements may vary:
- Technical Knowledge:
Technical skill is defined as the ability to comprehend and apply knowledge to a specific field. Installation technicians require technical abilities because they must understand how to install a wide range of systems and products. This includes understanding how to use and operate the tools required for the job, reading and interpreting installation manuals, and troubleshooting any problems that may arise during installation.
- Communication skills:
Installation technicians must be able to communicate effectively with customers, managers, and coworkers. They must be able to communicate technical information to clients and outline to coworkers and managers what needs to be done to complete a task. They must be able to listen in order to understand what their managers and coworkers require.
- Physical Prowess:
Installation technicians may find physical exertion difficult. Working in awkward positions, carrying heavy objects, standing for long periods of time, ascending and descending stairs repeatedly, and other similar tasks will be required on a regular basis.
Being physically unfit makes staying focused and alert during shifts and overtime work difficult.
It goes without saying that having good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity are significant advantages.
- Detail-oriented observation:
The ability to pay close attention to detail is critical for installation technicians because it can aid in the accurate completion of their work. For example, if a technician is installing a new electrical outlet, they must ensure that the wires are connected correctly and that no wires are overlooked. This ensures that the outlet is properly installed and that the wires are secure.
- Training Skills:
Installation technicians are frequently tasked with teaching co-workers how to use the technology that they install and update. If you want to work as an installation technician, you should be able to explain various procedures and techniques in simple terms.
- Mechanical Ability:
Installation technicians use their mechanical aptitude to troubleshoot and repair complex systems. They use their understanding of how machines work to identify the source of problems and find solutions. Understanding how a system works as a result of how electricity, hydraulics, and other components interact is part of this.
- Ability to Work as a Team Member:
Installation technicians frequently collaborate with managers, salespeople, and other technicians to complete a project. Teamwork necessitates the ability to communicate clearly, share ideas, and collaborate to complete a project.
- Ability to Solve Problems:
Good problem-solving skills are essential for installation technicians. They may have to troubleshoot cable or wire issues, troubleshoot software or hardware issues, or figure out how to complete installations under difficult conditions.
- Equipment Repairs, Installations, and Troubleshooting:
Installation technicians should be very familiar with equipment inspection, repair, and installation. As technology advances, installation specialists should become acquainted with new tools and operating systems, and they should feel at ease interacting with both the internal and external components of the device to be installed. Furthermore, “troubleshooting” refers to the process of resolving any problem. Troubleshooting is used to identify the problem that is preventing a machine or system from functioning or operating properly. When troubleshooting after installation, you should have a broad range of skills as an installation technician to ensure proper operation.
- Organization Skills:
Installation technicians must be organized because they frequently handle multiple tasks at the same time and use a variety of tools to install, repair, and update systems. Being organized allows them to meet deadlines and customer expectations.
How to Become an Installation Technician
A career as an installation technician can lead to a career in the construction industry. To work as an installation technician, you must have a strong background in math and science. You must also be able to read and comprehend drawings and blueprints. Those interested in this career path, on the other hand, can get started by following the steps outlined below:
- Step 1: Education:
Those who are interested in installation Technician jobs necessitate a high school diploma or GED equivalent. While higher education requirements vary, many employers prefer candidates with bachelor’s degrees in electronics or information technology. Installation Technicians who provide electrical services are typically required to hold a master or apprentice electrician certification.
- Step 2: Training:
Installation technicians must complete industry-specific training, and many employers provide on-the-job training. A home security technician, for example, would be trained to install the relevant systems, whereas an installation technician at a cable company would typically be trained to install cable systems.
Apprenticeships are a type of additional training that some installation technicians may pursue. Apprenticeships enable people to pick the brains of seasoned experts in their field. A certain number of hours of on-the-job training may be required, which typically lasts three to five years.
- Step 3: Gain Experience:
Experience requirements specific to the industry, such as two to five years of experience installing high-speed internet, may apply. An employer may prefer candidates with prior IT experience if the job requires installing computer systems. Prior data entry experience may be required for technicians who deal directly with customers in order to enter service orders into company databases, and prior customer service experience is preferred. In these cases, prior experience may not be required because some companies provide training programs for entry-level installation technicians where they shadow and assist experienced technicians in learning installation processes from the ground up.
- Step 4: Certifications & Licenses:
Although certifications are not always required for installation technician jobs, they can show a potential employer that you are a motivated and ambitious employee. However, not all certifications are created equal. Earning these certifications will give you an advantage in the job market and increase your overall value. The Master Certified Electronics Technician (CETma) certification is most commonly held by installation technicians. This certification is given by ETA International. Because advanced certification is frequently earned through work experience, it is intended for workers with more experience.
To earn the title of Master Certified Electronics Technician (CETma) installation technician certification, you must pass the exam. You must have worked for more than two years to qualify for this certificate. Certification must be renewed at one-year intervals.
An installation technician may also be certified in one or more of the following areas:
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- Certified Network Computer Technician (CNCT)
Certified network computer technicians are expected to understand the fundamentals of computer electronics, the Internet, and networking technology as they apply to various aspects of the computer industry. After acquiring these skills, abilities, and knowledge, the CNCT will be able to find work in any area of the computer industry. It is important to note that this certification must be renewed every four (4) years.
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- Certified Installer (CI)
Certified network computer technicians must be familiar with the Internet, networking technology, and fundamental computer electronics in order to work in a variety of computer-related fields. You will be able to work in any sector of the computer industry once you have mastered these competencies. This certification must be renewed every four years.
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- Master Installation Technician
This certification assesses participants’ understanding of advanced electronic theory and applications and includes an extensive troubleshooting section for highly skilled technicians. To be eligible for this certification, you must have completed more than two years of post-secondary education or training, as well as at least two years of work experience. Just like other certifications, there is a four-year renewal exam that can be either oral or written.
Where to Work as an Installation Technician
Installation technicians work in a variety of settings, including offices, classrooms, hospitals, and private homes. Installation technicians are mostly employed in the telecommunications, electrical, and technology industries.
Installation Technician Salary Scale
The pay for installation technicians varies depending on their level of training and experience, the size of the company, and the location. They may also be paid overtime as additional compensation.
According to Indeed Salaries, the average annual salary for an installation technician is $45,854. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the National Compensation Survey, an entry-level installation technician with less than a year of experience earns $35,713 per year, while those in their early careers (1-4 years of experience) earn $42,569 and those in their mid-career (5-9 years) earn $49,752 per year. However, an installation technician with 10 to 19 years of experience earns $58,543, while those with more than 20 years of experience earn $74,394.