The job splits between bench work, opening up a machine to check wires, gears, and bearings for wear, and on-site calls where a technician talks through the problem directly with the customer before touching a tool. Repairs range from a quick part swap to hands-on soldering and rewiring, and a visit often ends with a quick tutorial on proper use so the same issue doesn't come back. Pay can climb to about $71,730 for those who specialize in a single machine type, like ATMs, or move into equipment sales and vendor support.
Pros
Hands-on troubleshooting work that only needs vocational training or an apprenticeship, not a four-year degree
Pay tops out near $72k, solid for a role with a low educational barrier to entry
Varied days mixing shop bench diagnostics with customer-site visits rather than one repetitive task
Cons
Employment projected to shrink slightly over the next decade (-0.9%) as machines get replaced or digitized
Regular exposure to contaminants and long stretches on your feet take a physical toll
Frequent contact with frustrated customers whose equipment is broken adds emotional friction to the job
A typical day
The service van rolls out at 8 with a route: first stop, a bank ATM throwing card-reader errors — on-site diagnosis, a reader swap, a test transaction, and careful logging because machines that handle cash come with paperwork. Next, a law office's copier is jamming; a worn feed roller is the culprit, replaced from van stock. After lunch, a preventive-maintenance visit at a hospital's print fleet, then a callback where the "broken" fax was a dead phone jack. Customers get a quick lesson with every fix, since the machine they understand breaks less. The van gets restocked and tomorrow's route confirmed before heading home.
Tasks at the job
Reassemble machines after making repairs or replacing parts.
Converse with customers to determine details of equipment problems.
Disassemble machines to examine parts, such as wires, gears, or bearings for wear or defects, using hand or power tools and measuring devices.
Advise customers concerning equipment operation, maintenance, or programming.
Repair, adjust, or replace electrical or mechanical components or parts, using hand tools, power tools, or soldering or welding equipment.
Travel to customers' stores or offices to service machines or to provide emergency repair service.
Workplace & working conditions
Work happens indoors in a climate-controlled setting, and most of the day is spent on your feet. The role involves regular exposure to contaminants.
The pace is often fast, with real time pressure to meet deadlines, and you're expected to exercise significant independent judgment day to day. The work is highly structured, following set procedures. You'll regularly deal with frustrated or upset people as part of the job.
Education necessary or common
Vocational training, apprenticeship, or associate's degree
Licenses & certifications
CompTIA A+
Manufacturer service certifications (Canon, Xerox, NCR — employer-sponsored)