How much does a machine repair tech make?

In the U.S., experienced repair techs and people with sought-after certificates or skills may earn more. Pay can also differ by employer or industry, location, and hours worked; some techs travel for emergency repairs.

Repair, maintain, or install computers, word processing systems, automated teller machines, and electronic office machines, such as duplicating and fax machines.

What's a typical day like?

A machine repair tech travels to offices or stores, opens a computer, ATM, or copier, and checks its wires and moving parts. They repair or replace faulty pieces, test the machine, and record the work.

In the U.S., finish high school, then take technical classes or some college in electronics and computers; BLS lists some college as typical entry education. A registered apprenticeship or short on-the-job training can teach machine-specific repair skills.

High school plus some training (preparation level 2 of 5)

Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.

At McMurdo Station in Antarctica, Wells Fargo flies a technician in every two years to replace ATM parts—and storms can keep the technician there for six months!