What is a bench technician and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
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Bench technicians are skilled professionals who install, maintain, and repair equipment not located in the main factory. They help ensure that clients receive proper service for their purchases, which is imperative in maintaining customer satisfaction.

The main job duties of a bench technician revolve around addressing technical issues, which may involve specific tasks like fixing loose connections, replacing faulty parts, configuring systems, and installing new software. Many bench technicians are also responsible for ordering new parts and recommending upgrades to customers.

The path to becoming a bench technician typically involves completing a degree in engineering, computer science, or computer technology. Moreover, an aspiring bench technician must have relevant work experience and have a proven track record of success in troubleshooting common issues. In terms of soft skills, employers want technicians that are highly communicable, can perform well under pressure, and have great customer service skills.

Bench technicians frequently travel for work and generally visit client sites during business hours. However, they may also work outside of regular business hours if need be, especially during emergencies.

ScoreBench TechnicianUS Average
Salary
3.2

Avg. Salary $41,317

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity
2.5
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.15%

Asian 8.05%

Black or African American 6.26%

Hispanic or Latino 10.43%

Unknown 4.32%

White 70.79%

Gender

female 10.63%

male 89.37%

Age - 52
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 52
Stress Level
5.5

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
7.0

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
6.2

Work Life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

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Bench Technician career paths

Key steps to become a bench technician

  1. Explore bench technician education requirements

    Most common bench technician degrees

    Associate

    55.2 %

    Bachelor's

    23.4 %

    High School Diploma

    8.8 %
  2. Start to develop specific bench technician skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Troubleshoot12.66%
    PC7.83%
    Windows6.39%
    Circuit Boards5.68%
    Test Equipment5.48%
  3. Complete relevant bench technician training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New bench technicians learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a bench technician based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real bench technician resumes.
  4. Gain additional bench technician certifications

    Bench technician certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific bench technician certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for bench technicians include Master Certified Electronics Technician (CETma) and Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT(AAB)).

    More About Certifications
  5. Research bench technician duties and responsibilities

    • Lead small teams in the development and installation of residential and commercial electrical and HVAC systems to include smart home systems.
    • Trouble-shoot and repair all boards to component level using oscilloscopes DMM's and spectrum analyzers.
    • Place fine pitch IC's and other parts as needed.
    • Repair pads and trace connectors on modems.
  6. Prepare your bench technician resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your bench technician resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a bench technician resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Bench Technician Resume templates

    Build a professional Bench Technician resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Bench Technician resume.
    Bench Technician Resume
    Bench Technician Resume
    Bench Technician Resume
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    Bench Technician Resume
    Bench Technician Resume
    Bench Technician Resume
  7. Apply for bench technician jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a bench technician job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Bench Technician Job

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Average bench technician salary

The average Bench Technician salary in the United States is $41,317 per year or $20 per hour. Bench technician salaries range between $29,000 and $57,000 per year.

Average Bench Technician Salary
$41,317 Yearly
$19.86 hourly

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How do bench technicians rate their job?

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Bench Technician reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2021
Pros

I like to work with my hands repairing electronic equipment because I feel rewards

Cons

Nothing


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2020
Pros

Installation of new and serviced equipments... Repairs and servicing of equipments into good condition...

Cons

Soldering and resoldering of good and bad components... because of the lead smoke generated...


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2020
Pros

Diagnosing problems and faults. Debugging and troubleshooting medical equipment.

Cons

When I do. Not accomplish my goals or tasks do not complete my work.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
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.

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