Computer and Office Machine Repairers

• Nature of the Work

  Computer and office machine repairers install equipment, do preventive maintenance, and correct problems. Computer repairers work on computers (mainframes, minis, and micros), peripheral equipment, and word processing systems, while office machine repairers work on photocopiers, cash registers, mail processing equipment, and typewriters. Some repairers service both computer and office equipment. They make cable and wiring connections when installing equipment, and work closely with electricians, who install the wiring. (A description of the work of electricians can be found elsewhere in the Handbook.)

  Even with preventive maintenance, computers and other machines do break down. Repairers run diagnostic programs to locate malfunctions. Although some of the most modern and sophisticated computers have a self-diagnosing capacity that identifies problems, computer repairers must know enough about systems software to determine if the malfunction is in the hardware or in the software.

• Employment

  Computer and office machine repairers held about 134,000 jobs in 1994. Approximately 75,000 worked mainly on computer equipment, and the other 59,000 repaired mainly office machines. Three of every 5 were employed by wholesalers of computers and other office equipment, including the wholesaling divisions of equipment manufacturers, and by firms that provide maintenance services for a fee. Others worked for retail establishments and some with organizations that serviced their own equipment.

  Repairers work throughout the country, even in relatively small communities. Most repairers, however, work in large cities, where computer and office equipment is concentrated.

• Job Outlook

  Employment of computer and office machine repairers is expected to faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2005. However, employment of repairers will grow less rapidly than the anticipated increase in the amount of equipment because of the improved reliability of computer and office machines and ease of repair. Applicants for computer repairer positions will have the most favorable job prospects.

  Employment of those who repair computers is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations. Demand for computer repairers will increase as the amount of computer equipment increases—organizations throughout the economy should continue to automate in search of greater productivity and improved service. The development of new computer applications and lower computer prices, will also spur demand. More repairers will be needed to install, maintain, and repair these machines.

  Employment of those who repair office machines is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations. Slow growth in the amount of non-computer-based office equipment will dampen the demand for these repairers.

  (See introductory part of this section for information on working conditions, training requirements, earnings, and sources of additional information.)

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