What Does a Field Technician Do? Roles And Responsibilities - Zippia (2024)

Updated April 25, 2024

7 min read

What Does a Field Technician Do? Roles And Responsibilities - Zippia (1)

A field technician is responsible for providing technical and maintenance support for the customers by area visits. Field technicians' duties include diagnosing technical problems, replacing malfunction components, upgrading systems for efficiency, running equipment tests to ensure stability, creating draft reports of performed processes, utilizing vehicles and other tools safely, following client's specifications on operating equipment, and adhering to the safety standards. A field technician must have excellent communication and decision-making skills, as well as extensive knowledge of the technological industry.

On This Page

What Does a Field Technician Do? Roles And Responsibilities - Zippia (2)

Field technician responsibilities

As a field technician, one's responsibilities often revolve around installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of various equipment and systems. According to expert Sya Kedzior Ph.D., Associate Professor at Towson University's Department of Geography and Environmental Planning, field technicians "conduct part of their work week in the 'office' writing or doing technical work." This includes tasks such as "installed and performed hardware maintenance on computer systems, computer peripherals, and associated equipment" and "managed installation and maintenance of broadband equipment for wireless data connectivity throughout." They also "perform troubleshooting of customer problems on desktop hardware, applications and operating systems" and "maintain product performance at customer locations, including repairs and modifications." These responsibilities demonstrate the versatile and technical nature of a field technician's role.

Here are examples of responsibilities from real field technician resumes:

  • Lead training, operations, user hardware and software support, and logbook oversight.
  • Manage network reliability, capacity and performance in conjunction with RF engineering establish guidelines.
  • Install cable to data network, pulling cat5, cat6 to racks, patch panel patch cords.
  • Provide desktop support and troubleshoot network communications issue at customer homes.
  • Install AWS and LTE Equiptment.
  • Work with NOC's for trouble issues.
  • Log in to the E_node_B, scratch load, the node and reload it.
  • Perform LTE integration with NOC.
  • Experience in E1/T1 provisioning and testing.
  • Work around Unix and used systems.
  • Add second shelf for power convertors and rectifiers.
  • Use ASTM specifications to conduct a non-bias investigation.
  • Travele throughout the state installing PCs and upgrading software.
  • Used SCCM to install and configure standard software loads/images.
  • Assist in the turn up and testing on SONET equipment.

Field technician skills and personality traits

We calculated that 11% of Field Technicians are proficient in Customer Service, Ladders, and Test Equipment. They’re also known for soft skills such as Dexterity, Organizational skills, and Physical strength.

We break down the percentage of Field Technicians that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Customer Service, 11%

    Prioritize and organized high volume work orders practicing excellent time management skills to ensure high quality customer service.

  • Ladders, 9%

    Climbed ladders to enable equipment installation.

  • Test Equipment, 7%

    Modify performance and operation of component parts and circuitry to specifications, using test equipment and precision instruments.

  • Hand Tools, 6%

    Repaired electrical and mechanical equipment using testers and all necessary hand tools.

  • Smartphones, 4%

    Worked as a technician for all cellular devices supported by Verizon Wireless including flip phones, smartphones, and other electronics.

  • Preventative Maintenance, 4%

    Maintained clear and concise records for services provided, preventative maintenance schedules, parts inventory, installation/upgrades and troubleshooting techniques.

"customer service," "ladders," and "test equipment" are among the most common skills that field technicians use at work. You can find even more field technician responsibilities below, including:

Dexterity. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a field technician to have is dexterity. Their role and responsibilities require that "heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians must perform many tasks, such as disassembling engine parts, connecting or attaching components, and using hand tools, with a steady hand and good hand-eye coordination." Field technicians often use dexterity in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "serviced customer forklifts and areal equipment at customer locations. "

Organizational skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling field technician duties is organizational skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians must maintain accurate service records and parts inventories." According to a field technician resume, here's how field technicians can utilize organizational skills in their job responsibilities: "renowned for first-rate performances, organizational skills, and exceptional customer service delivery. "

Physical strength. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of field technicians is physical strength. This skill is critical to many everyday field technician duties, as "heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians must be able to lift and move heavy equipment, tools, and parts without risking injury." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "repair desktop and laptop computers when physical hardware fails or clients have software issues. "

Troubleshooting skills. For certain field technician responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "troubleshooting skills." The day-to-day duties of a field technician rely on this skill, as "heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians must be familiar with diagnostic equipment to find the source of malfunctions." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what field technicians do: "dispatch to customer locations for new installs and troubleshooting. "

Mechanical skills. A commonly-found skill in field technician job descriptions, "mechanical skills" is essential to what field technicians do. Field technician responsibilities rely on this skill because "heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians must be familiar with engine components and systems and know how they interact with each other." You can also see how field technician duties rely on mechanical skills in this resume example: "experience providing preventative and correct field mechanical service on gas compressors and engines on site at customer locations. "

All field technician skills

The three companies that hire the most field technicians are:

  • Spectrum540 field technicians jobs
  • AT&T194 field technicians jobs
  • Sleep Number100 field technicians jobs

Choose from 10+ customizable field technician resume templates

Build a professional field technician resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your field technician resume.

Compare different field technicians

Field technician vs. Assistant laboratory technician

The primary responsibility of a lab assistant is to help scientists and technologists. Lab assistants are assigned to prepare and monitor tests and experiments in research or medical laboratory. They analyze data and establish reports based on test results. Also, they set up the tools and equipment used in the lab. It is also part of their job to clean the lab rooms--knowledge in lab management, communication skills, attention to detail, and medical-related management.

If we compare the average field technician annual salary with that of an assistant laboratory technician, we find that assistant laboratory technicians typically earn a $1,964 lower salary than field technicians make annually.Even though field technicians and assistant laboratory technicians are distinct careers, a few of the skills required for both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require ladders, test equipment, and gps in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a field technician are more likely to require skills like "customer service," "hand tools," "smartphones," and "preventative maintenance." On the other hand, a job as an assistant laboratory technician requires skills like "patients," "computer lab," "vital signs," and "ekg." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

The education levels that assistant laboratory technicians earn slightly differ from field technicians. In particular, assistant laboratory technicians are 1.2% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a field technician. Additionally, they're 0.7% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Learn more about field technicians vs assistant laboratory technicians.

Field technician vs. Contractor/technician

An information technology technician, also known as an IT technician, is responsible for ensuring that all computer systems in a company or organization are running smoothly and efficiently. Their duties primarily revolve around installing and maintaining systems, including software and hardware, and resolving any issues. They also provide technical support such as troubleshooting, navigation, and even system upgrades. Furthermore, an information technology technician can choose whether to work for a company or independently.

Contractor/technician positions earn higher pay than field technician roles. They earn a $17,390 higher salary than field technicians per year.While the salary may differ for these jobs, they share a few skills needed to perform their duties. Based on resume data, both field technicians and contractor/technicians have skills such as "test equipment," "gps," and "test results. "

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, field technician responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "customer service," "ladders," "hand tools," and "smartphones." Meanwhile, a contractor/technician has duties that require skills in areas such as "network printers," "desktop support," "r," and "technical assistance." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

In general, contractor/technicians achieve similar levels of education than field technicians. They're 3.2% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.7% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Learn more about field technicians vs information technology technicians.

Field technician vs. Information technology technician

A communications technician utilizes their expertise in electronics by diagnosing issues and repairing devices ranging from cellphones, laptops, tablets, and more. They are responsible for troubleshooting and discussing the extent of malfunction with clients. Technicians diagnose the root of the problem and determine which corrective measure to take. A communications technician may work independently or as a member of a company. Most of the time, they have to consult with the clients over the pricing and kind of repairs, and then offer replacement parts.

On average, information technology technicians earn higher salaries than field technicians, with a $11,511 difference per year.Using the responsibilities included on field technicians and information technology technicians resumes, we found that both professions have similar skill requirements, such as "customer service," "smartphones," and "technical support.rdquo;

Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from field technician resumes include skills like "ladders," "test equipment," "hand tools," and "preventative maintenance," whereas an information technology technician is more likely to list skills in "troubleshoot," "desk support," "network printers," and "sql. "

Information technology technicians earn the best pay in the finance industry, where they command an average salary of $66,881. Field technicians earn the highest pay from the energy industry, with an average salary of $41,076.Most information technology technicians achieve a similar degree level compared to field technicians. For example, they're 1.2% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Learn more about field technicians vs communications technicians.

Field technician vs. Communications technician

Communications technicians typically earn higher pay than field technicians. On average, communications technicians earn a $14,702 higher salary per year.While both field technicians and communications technicians complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like customer service, test equipment, and hand tools, the two careers vary in some skills.

Even though a few skill sets overlap between field technicians and communications technicians, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a field technician might have more use for skills like "ladders," "smartphones," "preventative maintenance," and "asphalt." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of communications technicians require skills like "rehabilitation," "telephone systems," "communications equipment," and "emergency calls. "

The government industry tends to pay the highest salaries for communications technicians, with average annual pay of $51,581. Comparatively, the highest field technician annual salary comes from the energy industry.communications technicians reach similar levels of education compared to field technicians, in general. The difference is that they're 0.7% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of field technician

Updated April 25, 2024

What Does a Field Technician Do? Roles And Responsibilities - Zippia (19)

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

What a Field Technician Does FAQs

Have more questions?

See all answers to common installation, maintenance and repair questions.

Search for field technician jobs

What Similar Roles Do

  • What an Assistant Laboratory Technician Does
  • What a Communications Technician Does
  • What a Computer Technician Does
  • What a Contractor/Technician Does
  • What a Data Technician Does
  • What a Field Service Technician Does
  • What a Hardware Technician Does
  • What an Information Technology Technician Does
  • What an Installation Technician Does
  • What a Junior Technician Does
  • What a Lead Field Technician Does
  • What a Network Technician Does
  • What a Projection Technician Does
  • What a Repair Technician Does
  • What a Service Line Technician Does

Field Technician Related Careers

  • Assistant Laboratory Technician
  • Communications Technician
  • Computer Technician
  • Contractor/Technician
  • Data Technician
  • Field Service Technician
  • Hardware Technician
  • Information Technology Technician
  • Installation Technician
  • Junior Technician
  • Lead Field Technician
  • Network Technician
  • Projection Technician
  • Repair Technician
  • Senior Field Technician

Field Technician Related Jobs

  • Assistant Laboratory Technician
  • Communications Technician
  • Computer Technician
  • Contractor/Technician
  • Data Technician
  • Field Service Technician
  • Hardware Technician
  • Information Technology Technician
  • Installation Technician
  • Junior Technician
  • Lead Field Technician
  • Network Technician
  • Projection Technician
  • Repair Technician
  • Senior Field Technician

Field Technician Jobs By Location

  • Buffalo Field Technician
  • Enterprise Field Technician
  • Garland Field Technician
  • Grand Forks Field Technician
  • Grosse Pointe Park Field Technician
  • Hialeah Field Technician
  • Lancaster Field Technician
  • Meridian Field Technician
  • Old Saybrook Field Technician
  • Olympia Field Technician
  • Omaha Field Technician
  • Pontiac Field Technician
  • Santa Barbara Field Technician
  • Spring Field Technician
  • Urban Honolulu Field Technician
  • Zippia Careers
  • Installation, Maintenance and Repair Industry
  • Field Technician
  • What Does A Field Technician Do

Updated April 25, 2024

Browse installation, maintenance and repair jobs

  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • E
  • F
  • G
  • H
  • I
  • J
  • K
  • L
  • M
  • N
  • O
  • P
  • Q
  • R
  • S
  • T
  • U
  • V
  • W
  • X
  • Y
  • Z
What Does a Field Technician Do? Roles And Responsibilities - Zippia (2024)

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Nathanial Hackett

Last Updated:

Views: 6305

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (72 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Nathanial Hackett

Birthday: 1997-10-09

Address: Apt. 935 264 Abshire Canyon, South Nerissachester, NM 01800

Phone: +9752624861224

Job: Forward Technology Assistant

Hobby: Listening to music, Shopping, Vacation, Baton twirling, Flower arranging, Blacksmithing, Do it yourself

Introduction: My name is Nathanial Hackett, I am a lovely, curious, smiling, lively, thoughtful, courageous, lively person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.