what is an electrical technician?
As an electrical technician, you develop electrical and electronic circuits. These are used to control systems, devices, and machinery. This includes interface circuits, microprocessors, and simulators. You install, network, and commission systems. In addition to control technology, you also handle measurement and regulation technology. You ensure that your systems and equipment operate smoothly. To do this, regular maintenance is essential.
When a fault occurs, you identify the cause. Technologies are developing rapidly, which is why you continually optimise systems and machinery. The demands on electronically controlled equipment are increasing, primarily concerning energy efficiency and environmental friendliness. Typically, you work as an electrical technician in middle management. You oversee subsystems or an entire project. In your profession, there are numerous opportunities with excellent prospects. Keep reading to find out how you can succeed as an electrical technician.
electrical technician jobsworking as an electrical technician.
Your tasks as an electrical technician depend on your specialisation. You will always be working with control system circuits. Your role revolves around plants, machinery, and systems. Find out more about your responsibilities as an electrical technician here.
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your area of responsibility
Your typical tasks as an electrical technician include:
- Development: Your job as an electrical technician is to design electronic and electrical circuits. You don’t do this in isolation from the requirements. Whether you’re working for clients or companies, everyone has their own needs. You analyse these and look for the optimal solution. In doing so, you take into account economic, environmental, and safety considerations.
- Manufacturing: To turn components into functioning interface circuits, microprocessors, and simulators, performance and function calculations are necessary. This involves designing measurement and testing procedures, setting up experimental series, and measuring the electrical voltage.
- Installation: Your prototypes have been successfully tested. Now they are ready for operation. You install or connect them to the network. Before starting up the system, you check that everything is functioning smoothly. If it’s not quite perfect yet, you make the necessary adjustments.
- Maintenance: As an electrical technician, you ensure that your control technology functions flawlessly. You do this by checking it regularly. If a fault occurs, you identify the cause. If necessary, you carry out repairs and replace faulty components.
- Optimization: As an electrical technician, part of your job is to improve existing systems. Standards change, technologies evolve. What was considered energy-efficient yesterday may no longer be so today. Priorities shift. Years ago, environmental considerations were less important; now, they are essential.
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who are your colleagues?
Your area of work as an electrical technician is quite diverse. The same goes for your working environment. Depending on where you work, you'll be collaborating with different specialists. During the development phase, you'll be working alongside developement engineers. When it comes to installation, you're often supported by mechanical technicians, network technicians, or IT engineers. If repairs are needed, you'll appreciate the contact with electronics engineers and electrician.
types of electrical technicians.
Typically, as an electrical technician, you specialise in a particular field. There, you gain in-depth knowledge. The following areas are particularly suitable:
- Electrical engineer in energy technology: Energy optimisation is one of the key topics for the future. In this specialised field, you are responsible for energy engineering solutions. You generate, transmit, and distribute electrical energy. This involves converting energy sources such as biomass, sunlight, water, and wind into electrical power. You develop systems composed of various devices, ensuring electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). Your main task is to ensure a safe and reliable energy supply. Energy-efficient and alternative systems, such as photovoltaic installations or electric mobility, will support you in this endeavour.
- Electronics engineer: As a specialist in electronics, you primarily work in the high-frequency sector. However, your responsibilities also include building automation, power electronics, and microprocessors. You are the one who develops control systems for plants, equipment, and machinery. This also involves creating comprehensive circuit designs.
- Electrotechnician in information technology: Nothing works in our digital world without smart communication devices like smartphones. That’s where you, as an IT professional, come into play. In your role, you transmit, relay, and process information. You practically combine programmable electronics with computer science. Within this broad field, you can specialise in automation, embedded systems, communication, and robotics.
salary as an electrical technician.
Your gross salary as an electrical technician depends on your specialisation and level of experience. Since you work across different industries and regions, you’ll find a wide range of gross salaries on job platforms. Typically, electrical technicians are employed in middle management positions. This means you have the freedom to negotiate your monthly salary. Generally, you can expect a starting salary of around 58,000 CHF, which is approximately 4,800 CHF per month. You can increase your basic salary by taking on more complex tasks in energy technology and information technology. Higher wages are usually found in large companies, whereas smaller firms often offer you more responsibilities and broader skills. Find out more about your gross salary as an electrical technician here.
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how much do I earn as an electrical technician in a permanent position?
As an electrical technician, your gross annual salary ranges between 58,000 and 115,000 CHF. That’s roughly 4,800 to 9,500 CHF per month. The median salary is around 70,000 CHF, which equates to about 5,800 CHF per month. Your age also plays a role. When you're starting out, your salary will be closer to the entry-level rate. As you get older and gain more experience, your earnings increase. If you work in energy technology with complex systems or in information technology, your salary will be towards the higher end. Further training and additional qualifications can boost your annual earnings. Some companies also offer extra benefits such as bonuses and incentives. Additionally, the region where you work influences your monthly income, companies in Zurich tend to pay significantly more than those in Graubünden.
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in which industry do I earn the most as an electrical technician?
Gross wages in the ICT sector are considered the highest in the country. However, it also depends on your specialisation and level of responsibility. If you develop complex systems, you will earn more than if you design simple household appliances. Well-paid jobs can be found in nanoelectronics. The pharmaceutical industry and the construction sector also offer high salaries. Particularly on construction sites, attractive additional benefits such as shift allowances or weekend premiums are available.
vocational and further education as an electrical technician.
To pursue further training as an electrical technician, you need to have completed basic education and gained practical work experience. Good qualifications for this are as an electrical technician EFZ, IT Specialist EFZ, or mechanical technician EFZ. After at least one year of professional experience, you can undertake additional training as an electrical technician. This can be done alongside your job over six to seven semesters. Alternatively, you can complete your training full-time in four semesters. Keep in mind that during part-time training, you will still receive a salary. If you choose full-time study, you will need to rely on savings or additional income. Upon completion, you will be awarded the nationally recognised title of Diplomatic Technician HF in electrical engineering. Even during your studies, you can specialise in electronics, energy technology, or information technology.
As an electrical technician, you're far from reaching the top of your career ladder. If you're aiming for a management position, it's best to pursue a technical degree with a Bachelor's or Master's qualification. Specialising in engineering and electrical engineering gives you excellent prospects in the job market. Attending leadership seminars can help you gain additional skills. In your technical profession, there's always more to learn. Technologies evolve rapidly, and you need to keep up.
positions as an electrical technician.
Thanks to your solid technical foundation, you’re versatile as an electrical technician. Companies in the ICT sector are keen to recruit you as a specialist. The financial sector also values your expertise as a consultant. Your further training opens up many opportunities. Exciting roles with attractive working conditions are waiting for you. Are you looking for an exciting position as an electrical technician? Take a look at our offers on this page.
positions for career changers as electrical technicians.
Electricians are characterised by their expertise in electrical and electronic circuits. Depending on their specialisation, they are familiar with the generation, distribution, and conversion of electrical energy. The necessary specialised knowledge is acquired through foundational training and further specialised education. As a career changer, you have opportunities if you bring technical skills, work experience, and a willingness to learn. Any missing qualifications can be gained through courses. There is a wide range of options available from professional associations, higher technical colleges, and universities of applied sciences.
career opportunities and development potential as an electrical technician.
As an electrical technician, you have excellent career prospects. This assumes you are willing to continue developing yourself. Your solid technical expertise provides the foundation to prove yourself, for example, as a project manager. By pursuing a technical degree, you open the door to the exciting world of research. For a managerial position within a company, you will also need leadership skills. Electrical engineering remains a key to success in the future. In a digital world that must harness environmentally friendly energy sources, you play a crucial role. Continuing professional development is definitely worthwhile in your profession.
competencies as an electrical technician.
Technical understanding is essential as an electrical technician. However, this alone does not guarantee success. Technical expertise combined with interpersonal skills will help you advance in your career. These include:
- Analytical skills: When a fault occurs in a complex system, you investigate the cause. Sometimes you don't recognise it immediately. In such cases, you carry out tests to get to the bottom of the issue. It could also be a bug in the software. Thanks to your analytical abilities, you manage to identify the fault within the system.
- Communication skills: As a specialist, you have an excellent knowledge of electrical engineering. However, this does not necessarily apply to your colleagues and clients. You are able to explain complex electronic concepts in a way that is easy to understand. Within a project team, you succeed in guiding team members clearly and effectively.
- Thirst for knowledge: In your profession, standing still is a step backwards. Technologies, standards, and methods are constantly evolving. As an electrical technician, you stay at the forefront of developments. You seek innovative solutions and assess whether they can be applied to your systems. Only then can you develop equipment and machinery that are up to date with the latest technology.
benefits of working as an electrical technician at randstad.
There are many good reasons to work at Randstad as an electrical technician.
✓ exciting jobs at well-known companies
✓ a reliable point of contact whenever you need one; personalised advice matters
✓ attractive employment conditions and good social benefits
✓ further education courses and personal development opportunities
✓ clear information in the myRandstad app
✓ do you have a fixed-term contract? Often, there’s the opportunity to secure a permanent position afterwards. Many well-known companies also recruit their staff directly through Randstad.
your training budget as an electrical technician at randstad.
If you work as an electrical technician for Randstad, you have access to training courses. As part of the Temp Training programme from swissstaffing, you can attend various training sessions. You will be reimbursed for the course fees later, provided you pass the course exam. Your consultant from Randstad is there to support you if you have any questions. This way, you can also gain additional language skills or job-specific knowledge. And all of this is available during your working hours as an electrical technician.
application tips for electrical technicians at randstad.
Have you found your dream job as an electrical technician? It’s not just qualifications and certificates that determine the success of your applications. Careful, error-free, and personalised documents will definitely help you in your job search. Here are a few useful tips to optimise your chances:
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1. finding an electrical technician job
Search through Randstad job vacancies. If you can't find a position that’s exactly right for you, you’re still welcome to get in touch with us personally without any obligation, or create a Randstad profile.
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2. applying as an electrical technician
The job advert continues: apply online, give us a call, or send us an email.
Make sure your documents are complete.
✓ CV with photo
✓ work references & diplomas
You don't have a CV yet or only an outdated version? Create a new layout using a free online template.
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3. preparing for a job interview as an electrical technician
A good preparation will help you stay calm during the interview as an assistant manager.
Here you’ll find tips for your job interview.
frequently asked questions.
Here you will find the answers to frequently asked questions about the profession of electrical technician.
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what does an electrical technician do?
As an electrical technician, you control devices, machines, and entire systems. You develop and test electronic circuits, as well as install, network, and maintain equipment. Your job is to ensure that all electronic systems run smoothly. Read more here about your responsibilities as an electrical technician.
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how much do I earn as an electrical technician?
Your gross salary as an electrical technician typically ranges between 58,000 CHF and 115,000 CHF per year. That’s roughly between 4,800 CHF and 9,500 CHF per month. Your pay mainly depends on your specialisation and level of experience. Additionally, the industry you work in has a significant impact on your earnings. If you’re responsible for complex systems, you can expect a higher salary. Extra benefits offered by some companies also have a positive effect on your overall pay. Find out more about your gross salary as an electrical technician on this page.
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is being an electrical technician a good profession?
If you love steering and getting to the bottom of things, then a career as an electrical technician is perfect for you. It’s an exciting profession with excellent prospects for the future. Through further training, you can specialise or develop your skills even further. You’ll never find it boring. As a skilled professional in a secure and stable job, you’ll find opportunities across all industries. Curious about what awaits you as an electrical technician? Then read on quickly.
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is being an electrical technician difficult?
Your profession as an electrical technician is demanding. You work with electrical energy and must meet standards for energy efficiency and environmental friendliness. Problems are there to be solved. Thanks to this mindset and your technical expertise, you overcome all challenges. Your curiosity drives you to explore new avenues and develop innovative systems. Find out more about the role of an electrical technician on this page.
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do you need experience to become an electrical technician?
To further your training as an electrical technician, you need a basic technical education (EFZ) and practical work experience. Specialising in energy technology, electronics, or information technology will make it easier to get started. Even if you're switching careers, having relevant work experience will give you a good advantage. Plus, professional experience pays off: your salary will increase. Through Randstad, you can find roles suitable for career changers and those with experience. Find out more here about the skills that will help you as an electrical technician.
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what requirements do I need to meet to become an electrical technician?
A completed basic training as an electrical technician EFZ, IT Specialist EFZ, or Polymechanic EFZ is mandatory. Afterwards, you should have gained at least one year of professional experience. As a career changer, you should be able to demonstrate experience in a related field. Any missing skills can be acquired through courses. This will improve your chances. Are you looking for an attractive position with prospects? Read more here about our offer for electrical technicians.
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how do I apply for a vacancy as an electrical technician?
Your application as an electrical technician is straightforward. Create a Randstad profile and browse our job portal for available positions nearby. Have you found an interesting opportunity? Then send us your cover letter, CV, and certificates straight away. Need help with your application? Our tips will guide you in putting together a compelling application with ease.