Office Machine Repairer
An Office Machine Repairer specializes in the installation, troubleshooting, and repair of business equipment such as printers, fax machines, copiers, and scanners. Employed by office supply retailers, repair companies, or large corporations, these professionals often navigate busy work environments that include offices, warehouses, and manufacturing facilities. The role attracts individuals with a keen interest in computers, electronics, and mechanical processes, who enjoy problem-solving and assisting others. Daily duties typically involve assessing and repairing multiple machines, often requiring extensive disassembly and the use of diagnostic tools to identify issues.
While a postsecondary degree is not always necessary, certifications or formal training in electronics are highly recommended, as they enhance job prospects and opportunities for advancement. Many office machine repairers work independently but must maintain strong communication skills to effectively interact with clients and office staff. The job outlook for this field is currently experiencing a decline, with a projected employment decrease of 11%. However, for those drawn to hands-on technical work and troubleshooting, a career as an office machine repairer offers the chance to play a crucial role in maintaining essential business technologies.
Office Machine Repairer
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Manufacturing
Interests: Machine repair, working with your hands
Earnings (Yearly Median): $48,290 annual, $23.22 hourly
Employment & Outlook: -11% (Decline)
Overview
Sphere of Work. Office machine repairers install, troubleshoot, and fix business equipment such as printers, fax machines, copiers, and scanners. Office supply retailers and small businesses specializing in office systems repair employ office machine professionals. Large corporations or singular enterprises employ some office machine repairers and are responsible for servicing all machines within one company.
Work Environment. Office machine specialists work in business settings such as offices, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and other environments that utilize office systems technology. Major repairs may take place at workshops or the headquarters of office machine repair firms. Much of the work of office machine repairers occurs in active work environments, requiring specialists to respect those in surrounding workspaces.
Occupation Interest. The office machine repair field attracts individuals interested in computers, electronics, and mechanical processes. These professionals also enjoy troubleshooting problems and analyzing mechanical issues. They are good listeners who excel at examining evidence. Office machine specialists enjoy helping others. They possess the patience to explain the complexities of advanced technologies to less knowledgeable people.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Office machine repair specialists often investigate and repair several machines daily. Specialists employed by retail outlets or repair companies usually begin their day at headquarters, reviewing the day’s scheduled jobs. They also organize the equipment and tools required for each job.
Some repair specialists concentrate on one specific type of business machine, while others are well-versed in various technologies. Most office machine repairers work alone. Installation of large devices, such as copiers and printers, may require specialists to work in pairs.
Troubleshooting business machines usually requires extensive disassembly, which workers must be careful to conduct in a non-disruptive and organized manner. Testing of machinery may require the use of specific diagnostic tools.
Once a specialist discovers the specific problem, the repair begins, either by performing maintenance on faulty machine parts or replacing them entirely. After parts are repaired or replaced, it is the role of the machine repair specialist to run a series of tests to make sure everything is in working order. Many specialists also conclude repairs by informing administrative and office staff members about preventing future disruptions.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Office machine repairers work primarily in office settings. They also work in and around businesses of all kinds, often near other professionals and in active office environments during business hours.
Human Environment. Most office machine repairers work alone. However, strong interpersonal and communication skills are a prerequisite for the position because of the extensive interaction with other professionals at job locations.
Technological Environment. Office machine repairers utilize various technological equipment, from diagnostic software to hand and power tools. They must also be well-versed in the technological infrastructure and internal software of the machines they service.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. High school students can best prepare for a career in office machine repair by completing coursework in algebra, calculus, introductory robotics, and computer science. Drafting, design, and industrial art classes can also serve as precursors for work in machine schematics. English, composition, and rhetorical communication courses also provide an essential foundation for interpersonal communication and problem-solving skills vital for success in the field.
Postsecondary. A postsecondary degree is not traditionally a requirement for job vacancies in office machine repair. However, most positions recommend applicants have certification or some kind of formal education in electronics. Many employers prefer applicants with electronics training attained from vocational or technical schools or military experience. Applicants with more extensive electronics and machine repair training have increased promotional opportunities that can lead to positions working with more complex systems and supervisory and management roles.
Related Occupations
− Electromechanical Equipment Assembler
− Electronic Equipment Repairer
− Home Entertainment Equipment Repairer
− Telecommunications Equipment Repairer
− Television & Radio Repairer
Bibliography
“Data for Occupations Not Covered in Detail: Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers.” Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 24 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/about/data-for-occupations-not-covered-in-detail.htm. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.
“Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023: 49-2011 Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers.” Occupational Employment Statistics. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 3 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes492011.htm. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.