OVERVIEW
What Is a PC Technician?
Ìý
PC technicians help customers identify and overcome issues with their computers. When testing hardware, they examine a computer’s circuit board, disk drivers, and other components. When analyzing a computer’s software, they use various diagnostic tools and programs to identify and resolve functionality issues.
Earning a career as a PC technician is a great method forÌýbreaking into an entry-level IT role. To fulfill the role of a PC technician, you will generally need at least a qualifying undergraduate degree. Experience is also important to become a PC technician. The more computers you have handled and repaired, the more you can leverage past experiences to satisfy the needs of future customers.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does a PC Technician Do?
As one of theÌýbest entry-level IT jobs, the role of a PC technician involves communicating with clients, identifying issues in the performance of their computers, and efficiently fixing those problems. Here are some of the duties of a PC technician:
- Installing computersÌýand other devices across company networks.
- Testing connections and operating systems on individual devicesÌýto ensure that computers function well independently and as part of a larger network.
- Uninstalling outdated programs on computers, and replacing them with fully-protected programs that offer similar or improved functionality.
- Updating computer software programsÌýas updates become available.
- Researching potential hardware and software updatesÌýto advocate that any new programs be added to company devices once those updates are released.
- Troubleshooting devices to identify and solve any issuesÌýwith hardware or software performance.
- Identifying and eliminating computer viruses or other threatsÌýand implementing measures to protect devices against any future data breaches.
- Communicating with clients and fellow PC techniciansÌýas well as any other IT support staff who might help in completing shared tasks.
These and other responsibilities keep PC technicians busy. When they’re not proactively updating programs or installing new devices across corporate networks, they might be communicating with clients, troubleshooting issues, or researching new methods for improving IT operations.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
What Education Does a PC Technician Need?
ToÌýget the most out of your entry-level IT positionÌýas a PC technician, you will need to first satisfy a few educational requirements. Begin your IT career path through aÌýbachelor’s degree in information technologyÌýor a closely-related field. This degree path will teach you foundationalÌýIT subject matterÌýin individual applications, network security, and data management, all readily useful once you begin yourÌýcorporate or consumer-facing IT career.
What Certifications Does a PC Technician Need?
Certifications go hand-in-hand with a degree program to help demonstrate to employers that you have specific skills and experience. While a PC technician may not have many specific certifications required, several types of certifications can help demonstrate to employers your knowledge and experience, and can help you stand out in the job market. Some top certification options include:
- CompTIA A+Ìý
- CompTIA Network+Ìý
- CompTIA Security+Ìý
- CompTIA Project+Ìý
- CompTIA IT Operations Specialist
- CompTIA Secure Infrastructure SpecialistÌý
- Amazon AWS Cloud Practitioner
- CIW User Interface DesignerÌý
- LPI Linux EssentialsÌý
- ITIL®1 Foundation Certification
What Degree is Best for a PC Technician?
Technology
Information Technology – B.S.
Award-winning coursework and value-add certifications make this online...
Award-winning coursework and value-add certifications make this online program a top choice.
- Time:Ìý61% of graduates finish within 39 months.
- Tuition:Ìý$3925 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 35 total courses in this program.
Stackable CompTIA certifications that you can earn in this program:
- IT Operations Specialist (earned with A+ and Network+)
- Cloud Administration Professional (earned with Network+ and Cloud+)
- Secure Infrastructure Specialist (earned with A+, Network+, and Security+)
- Secure Cloud Professional (earned with Security+ and Cloud+)
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Scripting and programming
- Networking and security
- Systems and services
- Data management
- Business of IT
Technology
Accelerated IT Bachelor's and Master's Degree
Earn both your bachelor’s in IT and master’s in Information Technology at...
Earn both your bachelor’s in IT and master’s in Information Technology at a faster pace with fewer courses.
- Time: Approximately 5 years.
- Tuition: $4175 per 6-month term for the bachelor's degree; $4425 per term for the master's portion.
- Courses: 42-43 total courses in this program.
Stackable CompTIA certifications that you can earn in this program:
- IT Operations Specialist (earned with A+ and Network+)
- Cloud Administration Professional (earned with Network+ and Cloud+)
- Secure Infrastructure Specialist (earned with A+, Network+, and Security+)
- Secure Cloud Professional (earned with Security+ and Cloud+)
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Automation with Python
- Cloud and networking security
- IT service management
- Data and AI fluency and integration
- Agile project and product management
- Microsoft IT strategy in cloud, data, AI, and security
This program allows students to earn their bachelor's degree in IT and move directly into a master's degree in IT management, cutting down on the total number of courses to complete.
Technology
Cloud and Network Engineering – B.S.
Launch your career in designing, securing, and optimizing complex networks....
Launch your career in designing, securing, and optimizing complex networks.
Students choose between four unique specializations within this program. These spcializations prepare students to work with different software systems and processes in their careers.
Specializations in this program include: General, Cisco, AWS, and Azure.
- Time:Ìý61% of graduates finish similar programs within 36 months.
- Tuition:Ìý$3925 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 34 or 37 courses in this program depending on focus area
This program also includes third-party certifications that will help you boost your résumé and be prepared for career success. Certifications available in all specializations include:
- CompTIA A+
- Linux Essentials - LPI
- ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library)
How Much Does a PC Technician Make?
$60,956
According to (as of July 1, 2025), the average annual salary for a PC Technician in the U.S. is $60,956. Salaries typically range from $49,414 (low) to $75,184 (high), with regional variations—for example, California averages around $67,234/year.
What Is the Projected Job Growth?
10%
While specific BLS projections for PC Technicians are unavailable, projects that Computer Technician roles—which closely align with PC Technicians—are expected to grow by 10% from 2018 to 2028. This equates to approximately 83,100 new jobs nationwide, indicating steady demand for the role.
SKILLS
What Skills Does a PC Technician Need?
PC technicians—and anyone working in a technology-heavy field—rely onÌýspecific IT-related skillsÌýeach day. In communicating with clients, troubleshooting devices, and updating operating systems, PC technicians require client-facing and technology-facing skills that keep devices running smoothly. PC technicians must be skilled in the following areas:
- Technological proficiency.ÌýThe ability to fully use all technological applications required for the position, including computers, tablets, phones, online platforms, system diagnostic programs, and all of theÌýmost popular operating systems.Ìý
- Software management.ÌýThe ability to implement software programs for troubleshooting purposes and company use, in a way that helps all computer users thrive in a professional environment.
- Hardware management.ÌýThe ability to understand and manage all company hardware, from servers to individual user devices.
- Problem-solving.ÌýThe ability to identify issues and apply creative solutions that minimize device downtime and keep networks running efficiently.
- Device inspection.ÌýThe ability to quickly inspect any computer or device and identify potential issues which might be causing seen or unforeseen problems.
- Interpersonal communication.ÌýThe ability to correspond effectively with fellow PC technicians, company executives, and any clients with computers that require service.
- Project management.ÌýThe ability to appropriately pace your tasks without reachingÌýIT burnout.
- Organization.ÌýThe ability to record any necessary details from client or customer computers, including their past repairs, device RAM, processor temperatures, software and hardware versions, and other relevant details that can inform further optimizations.
- Cybersecurity.ÌýThe ability to implement protocols that keep devices safe from viruses and data breaches.
These skills and others allow PC technicians to achieve success each day. When these skills are fully utilized, PC technicians can help keep corporate environments of all sizes functioning well without technology-related interruptions.
Our Online University Degree Programs Start on the First of Every Month, All Year Long
No need to wait for spring or fall semester. It's back-to-school time at Â鶹Դ´ year-round. Get started by talking to an Enrollment Counselor today, and you'll be on your way to realizing your dream of a bachelor's or master's degree—sooner than you might think!
Next Start Date
{{startdate}}
Interested in Becoming a PC Technician?
Learn more about degree programs that can prepare you for this meaningful career.
