The IT Technician Role Explained

If you want to know more about the role of an IT technician, this webpage will help. It explains what an IT technician is, IT technician responsibilities, IT technician requirements and skills, what’s usually included in an IT technician job description, the impact of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) on IT technician jobs, how IT technicians can level up with GenAI, the IT technician average salary, the educational requirements and certifications required, and how to become an IT technician.

What is an IT technician?

An IT technician is an IT professional who provides technical support for corporate IT infrastructure, including computer systems and networks. They install, configure, and maintain IT infrastructure elements, ensuring optimal performance and security. They also identify, diagnose, and resolve technical issues and assist end-users with technology-related problems.

An IT technician might also manage servers, networks, and data storage solutions. Where their role involves setting up new equipment, updating systems, and implementing cybersecurity measures. For example, a network IT technician installs networking equipment and regularly monitors the corporate network to ensure it’s running optimally.

Ultimately, IT technicians play a crucial role in maintaining an organization’s IT infrastructure so that the technology employed meets business requirements.

IT technician duties and responsibilities

An IT technician’s primary duties and responsibilities will differ across organizations and based on any role-based specialism. There are, however, some typical duties and responsibilities, including:

• Installing, configuring, and maintaining the corporate IT infrastructure (operating systems, software applications, and hardware components)
• Setting up, managing, and troubleshooting network infrastructure, including LAN, WAN, and internet connectivity
• Performing regular system updates, backups, and maintenance tasks
• Providing technical support for end-users, helping with queries and issues related to technology and services
• Diagnosing and resolving technical issues such as system crashes, slow performance, and connectivity problems
• Recommending and performing hardware and software upgrades, repairs, and replacements.
• Training end-users on new applications and hardware
• Implementing and managing infosec measures to protect the IT infrastructure from viruses, malware, and unauthorized access
• Maintaining hardware and software inventory
• Ensuring the IT infrastructure’s compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.

IT technician requirements and skills

The main requirements and skills for an IT technician will vary by organization. However, the common requirements and skills include:

• Continued education in information technology, computer science, or related field
• Practical IT technician experience gained through internships or work placements
• A good understanding of various IT infrastructure elements
• Relevant IT management certifications such as CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, Microsoft Certified Solutions
• Associate (MCSA), or Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
• Expertise in installing, configuring, and maintaining computer hardware, software, and networks.
• Strong problem-solving skills to help diagnose and fix technical issues
• Verbal and written communication skills
• Strong customer service skills
• Managing time effectively across multiple IT technician tasks, prioritizing and meeting deadlines
• Knowledge of cybersecurity principles and best practices
• The ability to work collaboratively within a team and across departments.

IT technician job description

A typical IT technician job description will state that the role involves providing technical support, maintaining hardware and software systems, and ensuring the smooth operation of the IT infrastructure.

The key responsibilities detailed in the IT technician job description will likely include:

• Installing, configuring, and maintaining IT infrastructure elements
• Diagnosing and troubleshooting technical issues
• Providing technical support to end-users
• Setting up, managing, and troubleshooting network infrastructure
• Performing regular system updates, backups, and maintenance tasks
• Training end-users on new applications and hardware
• Implementing and managing security measures to protect systems
• Maintaining detailed records of hardware and software inventory, network configurations, and technical support activities
• Recommending and performing upgrades, repairs, and replacements
• Monitoring systems and networks to ensure stability and address potential issues
• Ensuring the IT infrastructure’s compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.

There might also be required qualifications and experience, such as:

• Continued education in IT, computer science, or related field
• Certifications such as CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, MCSA, or CCNA
• Proven experience in an IT technician role or similar position.

Plus, the various skills listed above.

IT technician average salary

IT technician pay will vary depending on a variety of factors, including:

• Company location and industry
• Their level of experience
• The local demand versus supply situation
• Whether there’s a particular IT technician focus, e.g. cybersecurity.

In the United States, a mid-level IT technician should expect an annual salary of circa US$50k.

The impact of GenAI (ChatGPT, Copilot, etc.) on
IT technician jobs

GenAI will have both a positive and negative impact on IT technicians. In terms of the positive impact, IT technicians will benefit from:

• The automation of routine tasks – such as system monitoring, software updates, and troubleshooting common issues
• Enhanced problem-solving – diagnosing and resolving technical issues more quickly
• Predictive maintenance – predicting potential failures before they occur
• Improved IT support – chatbots and virtual assistants can handle basic IT support queries, freeing up IT technicians to address more complicated issues
• Skill enhancement – making IT technicians more valuable in the job market.

However, the potential negative impact of GenAI also need to be considered, including:

• Job displacement – GenAI could reduce the need for entry-level IT technician roles
• Increased complexity – IT technicians might need new skills and knowledge
• Additional security risks – such as AI-driven cyber-attacks, which IT technicians need to be prepared to defend against.

How can IT technicians level up with GenAI?

The opportunities and challenges of GenAI mean that IT technicians will need to do some or all of the following:

• Focus on acquiring new IT technician skills related to GenAI
• Leverage GenAI tools to improve their efficiency and effectiveness, augmenting their own capabilities
• Specialize in areas less likely to be automated, such as network architecture, cybersecurity, and complex problem-solving
• Learn to work alongside GenAI capabilities, understanding their limitations and when human intervention is required.
• Experiment with GenAI tools to gain practical experience
• Contribute to GenAI-related projects, either within the organization or in open-source communities
• Focus on integrating GenAI solutions into existing IT infrastructure.

Educational requirements and certifications required for
IT technicians

Some companies require IT technicians to have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in IT or computer science. Although certifications aren’t mandatory, they can help differentiate competing candidates. Example IT technician certifications include:

• CompTIA A+ – this covers essential IT skills
• CompTIA Network+ – this focuses on networking concepts and skills.
• Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) – this validates skills related to Microsoft technologies
• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) – this focuses on network management and infrastructure
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) – this is for IT technicians focusing on cybersecurity.

How to become an IT technician

Becoming an IT technician involves several key steps. At a high level, these are:

• The aforementioned education needs
• The acquisition of relevant certifications
• Gaining relevant experience via internships and entry-level positions such as IT service desk support roles.

To know more on how you can achieve all of this, request a free demo with our product experts today!