OVERVIEW
What Is a Server Technician?
A server technician makes sure an organization's server systems are running smoothly. They do this by running periodical maintenance, fixing any problems, and integrating new servers into the network. This type of position is suited to those who enjoy problem-solving and don’t mind the pressure of a company's entire network resting on their shoulders.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does a Server Technician Do?
A server technician will spend most of their time working in the office. It’s a key role in the IT industry, and one with a fair variety of scope. So let’s dive into what some common aspects of the job might be.
- Server maintenance and troubleshooting. Maintaining the smooth running of an organization's server system is the most important task for a Server Technician. You’ll be checking disk usage, updating the operating systems, managing RAID alarms, checking for hardware errors, and whatever else might be necessary to make sure the network is functioning as intended.
- Creation and integration. A server technician has to know computer hardware inside and out. You might be asked to build a server from scratch and integrate it into the existing network. The more servers on a system, the better you can optimize the network’s overall performance. Plus, having additional servers means you can assign specific tasks to each one. So when something does go wrong, the troubleshooting process is streamlined and far easier to sort out. The server integration process usually happens after business hours in order to minimize any company downtime. You might be called in at night to replace a server, download all the updates, and make sure everything is working as it should.
- Support and assistance. Despite the job title, you might not just be handling servers. Your job could include managing support for desktop computers across the organization you work for. If a PC is having trouble on the network, your job will be to find the source of the problem and fix it. Being a great server technician means the company will barely know you’re there—because everything is running so smoothly.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
How Do I Become a Server Technician?
A server technician is a good entry-level career. You need a solid foundation in computer knowledge and a thorough understanding of all the technologies involved in server maintenance. A B.S. in information technology would be a great choice to set you up for your new career.
Most employers would expect you to show a keen understanding of computers and IT, and perhaps even proof of experience in this field. Some server technicians might even pursue an M.S. in information technology in order to boost their chances when applying for managerial positions.
Another way to pad out your resume when applying for a role as a server technician is doing an internship at a company, or studying for certificates in different types of system protocols. Essentially you’ll want to show a prospective employer that you’re always able to stay on top of the ever-changing world of IT.
Best Degrees for Server Technicians
Technology
Information Technology – B.S.
Award-winning coursework and value-add certifications make this online...
Award-winning coursework and value-add certifications make this online program a top choice.
- Time: 61% of graduates finish within 39 months.
- Tuition: $3,625 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 36 total courses in this program.
Certifications included in this program at no additional cost:
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Project+
- CompTIA IT Operations Specialist
- CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist
- Amazon AWS Cloud Practitioner
- ITIL®*^ Foundation Certification
- LPI Linux Essentials
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Scripting and programming
- Networking and security
- Systems and services
- Data management
- Business of IT
Technology
Accelerated Information Technology Bachelor's and Master's Degree
Earn both your bachelor’s in IT and master’s in IT management at a faster...
Earn both your bachelor’s in IT and master’s in IT management at a faster pace with fewer courses.
- Time: Approximately 5 years.
- Tuition: $3,735 per 6-month term for the bachelor's degree; $3,940 per term for the master's portion.
- Courses: 42 total courses in this program.
Certifications included in this program at no additional cost:
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA IT Operations Specialist
- CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist
- Amazon AWS Cloud Practitioner
- ITIL®*^ Foundation Certification
- PMI CAPM
- LPI Linux Essentials
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Scripting and programming
- Networking and security
- Systems and services
- Data management
- Business of IT
This program allows students to earn their bachelor's degree in IT and move directly into a master's degree in IT management, cutting down on the total number of courses to complete.
How Much Does a Server Technician Make?
$57,910
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a server technician's median wage is about $57,910 per year. If you’re an experienced technician, you could be able to earn a significant amount more—the top 10% of server technicians make around $110,450 every year. Although this will of course vary depending on what state you’re living in and your level of experience.
What Is the Projected Job Growth?
8%
The outlook is rosy, with jobs in this sector expected to grow 8% during the 2019-2029 period. Companies are always upgrading their IT systems, meaning the demand for qualified technicians to oversee these processes is steadily rising.
And with the COVID-19 pandemic, there's been an increased demand for these types of services from the healthcare industry as a whole. Any qualified server technician with decent experience should have a bright future ahead of them.
SKILLS
What Skills Does a Server Technician Need?
A good server technician needs a range of skills to prosper at work. While computer skills are a given, you’ll also need to be skilled at solving problems under pressure, and have a flexible attitude to working hours. You need:
- Problem-solving skills
- A high rate of computer literacy (Windows, Apple, Linux)
- An eye for detail
- An aptitude for technical writing
- Clear communication skills
- The ability to work in a team
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