what is a service technician?
As a service technician, you are the expert in machines and equipment. You set them up, put them into operation, monitor, repair, and maintain them. Businesses and homeowners rely on you to ensure everything runs smoothly. If a machine, system, or device breaks down, you quickly find a solution. You carry out your work either at the company's premises or at the customer's location. That’s why service technicians are also known as customer service representatives. However, you never cover the entire range of skills; instead, you specialise. Service technicians are primarily found in the fields of electrical engineering, electronics, electrotechnology, hydraulics, mechanics, and pneumatics. Your foundation is always a basic qualification such as an electrician, electromechanic, electronics technician, mechatronics engineer, or polymechanic. You then choose your specialisation based on your preferences. Does this sound exciting and exactly what you envision as a career? If so, keep reading to find out what to expect as a service technician, where you might work, and what your salary could be.
service technician jobsworking as a service technician.
Your work as a service technician is quite diverse. You have many opportunities to specialise. Whether as an automotive mechatronics technician, expert in heating systems, IT technician, or medical technology engineer, you pursue your passion for technology. Primarily, as a service technician, you install and maintain machines and equipment. While the specific tasks may vary in detail, there are also routine duties. Find out more about your responsibilities as a service technician here.
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your area of responsibility
No matter where you work or what you specialise in, you have fundamental responsibilities as a service technician. These include:
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Conduct inspections: Your job as a service technician is to regularly check machines and equipment. This allows you to assess their condition and determine the maintenance requirements. In this way, you can prevent breakdowns and failures.
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Repairing and maintaining systems: When necessary, you repair machines or equipment. You use measuring devices to identify the cause of faults. If needed, you replace faulty parts. To prevent breakdowns from occurring in the first place, you carry out regular maintenance on your machines. This ensures smooth operation and helps preserve their value.
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Caring for customers: As a service technician, you regularly work with clients. You ensure their machines and equipment are in perfect working order. If a fault does occur, you explain the reasons in a clear and understandable way. Additionally, you instruct customers on how to operate the devices properly.
- Supporting sales: Through your service, you are in direct contact with the customer. Over time, a relationship of trust develops. Customers rely on your advice. If a repair is no longer worthwhile and you recommend a new purchase, the customer will listen to you. In this way, you also support the marketing and sales departments.
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who are your colleagues?
Primarily, you work as a service technician in companies, laboratories, or garages. Depending on where you're assigned, you'll be working with colleagues from various departments. After all, you're needed wherever there are machines, equipment, or systems. This could be in IT, manufacturing, or logistics. You also spend time out in the field, knowing which customers need new machinery. Your colleagues in sales appreciate any tips you can provide.
types of service technicians.
As a service technician, the whole world of specialisations is open to you. Here, you can indulge your passion for cars, machinery, or electronic devices. Here is a small selection of fields you might consider:
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Machine service technician: A machine service technician works in a company's production. Whether in smaller businesses or large corporations, you ensure everything runs smoothly. Whatever is needed, you take care of it. You check the functionality, analyse faults, and fix any issues. This also includes instructing staff on how to operate the machines and equipment.
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ICT service technician: As an ICT service technician, your area of expertise is IT systems. You install and maintain mobile and stationary communication systems and peripheral devices. When necessary, you organise repairs. Additionally, you instruct users on how to operate the equipment.
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Automobile mechatronics technician: Your work as an automobile mechatronics technician mainly takes place in garages. You carry out system checks and repair engines, drivetrains, and suspension systems.
- Service technician for heating systems: In this role, you specialise in combustion technologies such as gas, wood, oil, and heat pumps.
salary as a service technician.
Service technicians typically have a basic qualification in a technical trade. As a result, they are in demand across many industries. Your starting salary is already around 67,800 CHF per year. That’s approximately 5,800 CHF gross per month. In addition to your basic salary, you receive a range of extra benefits. If you spend a lot of time visiting customers, your employer will provide you with a company car. You are usually allowed to use it privately as well. When you help to initiate sales with customers, you often earn a commission. In industrial companies, service technicians sometimes work in shifts. In such cases, you can expect shift allowances, which are sometimes above the statutory rates. As a service technician, you need to be flexible. This also includes being on call on some weekends. Your employer will compensate you extra for this.
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how much do I earn as a service technician in a permanent position?
Your gross salary as a service technician typically ranges between 67,800 and 100,000 CHF per year. This equates to roughly 5,800 to 8,300 CHF per month. You work 42 hours a week for this. Some companies attract you with a reduced working week of 40 hours while maintaining the same pay. The more experience you have and the higher your qualifications, the more you earn. The numerous additional benefits also boost your average annual income. The region where your employer is based also plays a role; for example, you tend to earn more in Basel than in Bern.
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in which industry do I earn the most as a service technician?
Think carefully about which industry you want to work in. It also has an impact on your earnings. The more complex the machines and systems you are responsible for, the higher your salary. At a company with extensive production facilities, you will earn more than at a manufacturer of household appliances. In electrical engineering or medical technology, your tasks are more demanding than in retail. If you also work for a global corporation, international assignments may be required. This can have a positive effect on your salary.
vocational training and further education as a service technician.
Service technicians in Switzerland are required to have a basic technical education, which concludes with the Swiss Federal Certificate of Competence (EFZ). The most suitable qualification for you depends on your personal preferences. Whether you choose to become an electrical installer, electronics technician, refrigeration system installer, or production mechanic, you will establish a solid foundation. Large companies often require a bachelor’s degree for working with complex equipment. As a graduate engineer or computer scientist, you will have excellent prospects. Alternatively, you can supplement your basic training with additional qualifications. Universities of applied sciences, industry associations, and companies offer numerous seminars and courses. Most machinery manufacturers invite service technicians to free training sessions. It is essential for you as a service technician to keep your expertise up to date. If you aim for higher positions, further training in business management and leadership will prepare you for a managerial career.
positions as a service technician.
As a service technician, you're in demand wherever there are machines. Your specialisation ultimately determines which industry you'll work in. The options are numerous. You’ll find roles particularly in large manufacturing plants, the industrial sector, the ICT industry, and medical technology. The complexity is increasing in machinery and plant engineering. Innovative technical solutions are the answer to the challenges of climate protection. Companies need highly skilled specialists like you to maintain their equipment. Are you looking for an attractive position as a service technician where you can make a real difference? You’ll find such opportunities on this page.
positions for career changers as service technicians.
A service technician is not an apprenticeship profession. You need a basic technical education for that. The qualification to work in this field is gained through further training. Having experience in setting up, repairing, and maintaining equipment already provides a good foundation. As a career changer, open to new challenges and willing to continuously develop your skills, your chances of success increase.
career opportunities and development potential as a service technician.
At the start of your career, you're primarily focused on acquiring the necessary know-how. After a few years of professional experience, you might be ready for new challenges. If you're looking for more responsibility, you should work on developing your career. Positions in lower and middle management can be reached with additional qualifications. Continue to develop your skills and competencies. This will position you as a team leader or even a department head. Universities of applied sciences and professional associations offer a wide range of courses for this purpose. Large companies also provide in-house training programmes. Want to develop further? Take a look at our tests and tips.
competencies as a service technician.
In order to succeed as a service technician and earn a good income, you need to have certain technical and personal skills, such as:
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Communication skills: As a service technician, you have regular contact with customers. However, you don't always meet technical experts. Those without technical understanding expect clear explanations from you in simple words. Your strong communication skills and respectful manner help you to keep customers satisfied.
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Technical expertise: As a successful service technician, you are well-versed in machines and systems. You understand their strengths and weaknesses and know where to start. Your technical knowledge and practical skills support you in this.
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Organisation skills: If you're responsible for maintaining various machines and equipment, organisational talent is essential. When repairs are needed for different clients, you need to set priorities. You make the most of your limited time, working effectively and efficiently.
- Flexibility: A breakdown or failure of a machine or system is rarely predictable. Usually, they stop exactly when you're least prepared. Now is the time to be flexible. A failure can often have serious consequences. Imagine, in a gelato shop, the ice cream machine breaks down during the height of summer. Thanks to your efforts, even on weekends, you ensure customers leave with big smiles.
benefits of working as a service technician at randstad.
There are many good reasons to work at Randstad as a service 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 a service technician at randstad.
If you work as a production worker for Randstad, you have access to training courses. As part of the TempTraining programme from swissstaffing, you can attend training sessions. You will get the course fees reimbursed later, provided you pass the course exam. Your Randstad advisor is there to support you if you have any questions. This way, you can also gain additional language skills or job-specific knowledge—all during your working hours as a service technician.
application tips for service technicians at randstad.
Have you found your dream job as a service 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. find a position as a service technician
Search through Randstad's job listings. If you can't find a position that exactly suits you, you're still welcome to get in touch with us personally without any obligation, or you can create a Randstad profile.
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2. applying as a service 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 & DiplomasYou 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 service technician job interview
A good preparation will help you stay calm during the conversation as a service technician.
Here you’ll find tips for your job interview.
frequently asked questions.
Answers to frequently asked questions about the service technician job can be found here.
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what does a service technician do?
As a service technician, you install, inspect, repair, and maintain machines and systems. Your work is quite diverse and varied. Typically, you specialise in a particular area such as electronics, mechanics, pneumatics, or medical technology. You are the go-to person when there are faults or breakdowns. Find out more about your responsibilities as a service technician here.
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how much do I earn as a service technician?
Your annual gross salary as a service technician ranges between 67,800 and 100,000 CHF. That’s approximately 5,800 to 8,300 CHF per month. Your monthly earnings depend on your training, experience, and additional benefits. Companies often pay commissions and allowances for shift work and on-call duties. If you are responsible for complex machinery and electronics, employers tend to offer higher wages. Find out more about your gross salary as a service technician on this page.
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is being a service technician a good profession?
If you’re interested in technology and enjoy getting to the bottom of things, then a career as a service technician is perfect for you. You can look forward to a varied role that continues to inspire you every day. It’s in your hands to keep your customers and employer happy and to protect them from significant losses. With practical skills and flexibility, you’ll troubleshoot issues to ensure everything runs smoothly again. Want to find out more about what awaits you as a service technician? Keep reading here.
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is it difficult to be a service technician?
A service technician is a responsible profession that demands a high level of flexibility and organisational skills. To succeed, you need to continually update your knowledge and develop your skills. Your enthusiasm for technology and its possibilities will help you excel in this role. Find out more about the career of a service technician here.
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do you need experience to become a service technician?
A service technician is not an apprenticeship profession. You need a basic technical education and work experience to qualify as a service technician. Several years of professional experience will improve your chances of securing an interview. Willingness to learn and a desire to develop further are additional requirements to succeed as a service technician. Any skills you lack for your work can be acquired through courses. At Randstad, you will find positions suitable for both experienced professionals and career changers. Find out more here about the skills required to become a service technician.
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what requirements do I need to meet to become a service technician?
To become a service technician, you need a basic technical education recognised by the Swiss federal government. Your chosen specialisation will determine the industry you work in. If you want to service complex systems, a technical degree can be very beneficial. Are you looking for an interesting role with good prospects? Discover our range of opportunities for service technicians here.
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how do I apply for a vacant position as a service technician?
Your application as a service technician is straightforward. Create a Randstad profile and browse our job board 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 application tips will guide you in putting together a compelling application with ease.
