what is a technician?
As a technician, you are a skilled worker with special training in a given field of work or type of machinery. You perform a range of tasks related to the operations of machines and equipment. This includes installing, maintaining, and repairing these systems.
Many industries require technicians, which gives you many options when choosing an industry to work in. Some of the more common industries include telecommunications, healthcare, and manufacturing. You ensure that the vital machinery that powers these industries continues to run smoothly. You even improve the performance of machinery where possible. You diagnose problems when they occur and find a way to resolve them as quickly as possible, with minimal disruption to the operation.
While you possess a lot of technical knowledge, much of your work is hands-on. You can potentially work in a range of environments, from clinical laboratories to factory floors. In some technician roles, you travel to remote locations to perform your tasks. This can be the case for companies with multiple locations and companies that provide technical support on-call.
If you have a technical mind, enjoy working with your hands, and would like to learn more about this profession, keep reading. Below you will find out more about what a technician role involves, what it typically pays, and what skills and competencies are needed.
technician jobsaverage salary of a technician
According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a technician is ₹20000 per year in India. Depending on your specific duties, you may also be eligible for various allowances and benefits.
factors that affect technician's pay
Your salary is influenced by several factors, including your level of education. While a higher level of education doesn't guarantee a more capable technician, employers are often willing to pay more for a technician with a degree. Perhaps more important, however, is your training. Your employer may consider some certifications valuable to the role and be prepared to pay more for a technician with that training.
The company you work for and its location in India also impact your potential salary. Companies in urban areas with a higher cost of living usually pay more than companies in a more rural location.
types of technicians
Technicians come in many forms, with different specialities in the industry and the equipment they are trained to work on. Some of the most common types of technicians are:
- mechanical technicians: as a mechanical technician, you work on machines and mechanical systems, such as car engines and air conditioning units.
- it technicians: in this role, you work in the field of information technology, providing support and troubleshooting for computer systems and networks.
- electronics technicians: electronics technicians specialise in repairing and maintaining electronic equipment, including televisions, computers, and smartphones.
- medical technicians: as a medical technician, you assist doctors and nurses in diagnosing and treating patients, and you may specialise in areas like radiology or lab work. You observe any policies and regulations related to working in a medical setting
- construction technicians: as this type of technician, you work on building and construction projects. You may even specialise in plumbing, electrical, or HVAC systems.
working as a technician
The specific duties of a technician include the following:
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duties and responsibilities
The specific duties of a technician include the following:
- repair and maintain equipment: when equipment breaks down or needs routine maintenance, you are typically called upon to diagnose and repair the issue. This may sometimes be in an on-call situation, requiring you to deal with the issue outside regular work hours.
- install and set up equipment: you are responsible for installing and setting up new equipment, such as computer systems or medical apparatus. The type of equipment will depend on the specific nature of your role.
- provide technical support: depending on your role, you may also provide technical support to consumers and employees, troubleshooting problems and answering their questions.
- keep records and documentation: in most cases, you are required to keep documentation regarding any work you carry out. This not only helps future technicians working on the same machinery but also helps employers make decisions, such as when to replace equipment.
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work environment
Your work environment as a technician in India can vary significantly depending on the specifics of your role. For example, if you are a technician who works with medical equipment, you work in a medical setting. This will mean clinical surroundings and perhaps a busy environment if you work at a hospital. On the other hand, if you work in manufacturing, your environment will likely be more industrial, such as a factory floor. Another example is IT, which is usually an office-based environment.
Regardless of which type of technician you are, most roles involve working with your hands and require some degree of physical fitness and mobility
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who are your colleagues?
Being a technician can mean working with a range of different people. For example, if you are an IT technician responsible for the operation of computer systems within a company, you may be called out to several departments. If your company is large enough, you also work with other technicians, coordinating a shared workload. Finally, you work with your supervisors or managers. These people are responsible for overseeing and managing your department and may require regular reports from you.
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work schedule
Being a technician in India is often a full-time job, which means a typical work week of around 48 hours. There are part-time jobs available in this profession, however. The hours you work depend on the specifics of your role. For example, IT technicians working in an office environment typically work regular business hours. Conversely, technicians in a factory setting may work on a shift system or be required to be on-call for emergency breakdowns.
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job outlook
As technician roles are required in so many industries and types of business, the outlook for technicians is positive. For example, the healthcare and tech industries are set to expand in the near future. Their growth will inevitably lead to more demand for technicians in those fields. The same applies to any other industries undergoing a period of growth.
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advantages of finding a technician job through randstad
Finding your technician job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid on a monthly basis
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a technician is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
The role of a technician contains so much variety that the requirements as far as academic qualifications are entirely dependent on the type of technician job you are seeking. For example, some technician roles require a degree, while others may only require training specific to the job. Some of the more common academic qualifications for technicians include:
- 12-standard: whether you are pursuing a technician's role that requires a degree or not, you will need to complete a full 10+2 education in a science stream.
- diploma: for many technician roles, a diploma in an appropriate field is sufficient.
- bachelor's degree: depending on the type of technician you want to be, you may need a bachelor's degree in a relevant subject matter. As an example, if you want to become a medical technician, pursue a Bachelor's of Science in Medical Laboratory Technology.
skills and competencies
Some of the qualities of a technician include the following:
- problem-solving ability: many of the challenges you face as a technician require you to use your problem-solving skills to find creative solutions. This applies to fixing problems but also doing it in a way that causes minimal disruption to the organisation.
- technical skills: depending on your field, you may need strong technical skills in areas such as electrical work, mechanics, or computer repair. Part of this role involves staying informed and up-to-date with news from within your field.
- attention to detail: your work as a technician often involves precision and attention to detail, so it's important to have strong organisational and detail-oriented skills. Missing small details can be the difference between a fast and efficient repair and the whole operation grinding to a halt.
- communication: you regularly communicate with customers and other technicians as part of your job, so good communication skills are essential to succeed in this field.
FAQs about working as a technician
Here are some common questions about working as a technician:
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what is a technician's salary?
The average salary for a technician in India is around ₹250,000 per year. For entry-level positions, the figure is closer to ₹180,000, while the highest earners make as much as ₹650,000.
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is technician a good career?
The suitability of a career as a technician depends on individual interests and capacities. However, with a wide variety of industries and businesses to choose from and a good job outlook in terms of future demand, this profession has many positives.
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what are the types of technicians in India?
Technicians are required in a range of different fields and industries, including manufacturing, medical, IT, electronics, construction, and more. A technician of one type will usually need additional training to move into another discipline.
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what is the job of a technician?
Technicians are skilled professionals who work in most industries. They repair, install, replace, and perform routine maintenance on a range of equipment and machinery.
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how do I apply for a technician vacancy?
Applying for a technician job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!