Career comparison
Computer Repair Technician vs. Electronics Technician
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Electronics technicians earn more at the median ($78,190 vs. $47,810), while computer repair technicians usually get to work faster (3–12 months of training). Computer repair technicians fix computers, printers, ATMs and other office technology. Electronics technicians build, test and troubleshoot electronic circuits and equipment.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Computer Repair Technician | Electronics Technician | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $47,810 ($22.99/hr) | $78,190 ($37.59/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $35,910 – $71,730 | $49,510 – $115,700 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | -3.0% (a projected decline) | +2.4% (slower than average) |
| Openings per year | 6,100 | 8,100 |
| Typical entry education | Some college, no degree | Associate's degree |
| Training time | 3–12 months | 2 years |
| Key credential | CompTIA A+ | ETA International Certified Electronics Technician (CET) |
| Work setting | Technicians work in repair shops, retail stores, corporate IT departments and at customer sites. | Technicians work in labs, factories and field sites, at benches with test equipment, often in clean or ESD-controlled areas.. |
What each job does
Computer Repair Technician
- Diagnose hardware and software problems
- Replace failed components
- Remove malware and reinstall systems
- Recover and transfer data
- Service printers, copiers and POS systems
Electronics Technician
- Build and assemble prototypes
- Solder and rework circuit boards
- Test circuits and systems
- Troubleshoot electronic failures
- Calibrate and maintain equipment
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, problem-solving, indoor work, and working independently. Both are part of the technology field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose computer repair technician if…
- I like taking things apart and fixing them
- I enjoy troubleshooting
- I’m patient with customers
Choose electronics technician if…
- I like electronics
- I enjoy troubleshooting
- I have steady hands
Still torn? Take the Computer Repair Technician fit quiz and the Electronics Technician fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, computer repair technician or electronics technician?
Electronics Technicians earn more at the median: $78,190 versus $47,810 for computer repair technicians, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Computer Repair Technicians typically train faster (3–12 months) than electronics technicians (2 years).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects electronics technicians to grow +2.4% from 2025–35, compared with -3.0% for computer repair technicians.