Many users of computer systems, however, rely on their equipment around the clock, and working time lost because of a breakdown can be very expensive. For this reason, technicians must be available to make emergency repairs at any time, day or night. Although overtime is commonplace, the method of assigning overtime varies by employer. Although some bending and lifting are necessary, the job is not strenuous. Work hazards are limited mainly to minor burns and electric shock, but these can be avoided if safety practices are followed.
Employers pay for travel, including reimbursement for job-related use of the technician's car.
In some cases, employers provide a car for the technician's use. Technicians who work for a nationwide organization must sometimes transfer to another city or State. Employment Computer service technicians held about 53,000 jobs in 1990. Most are employed by wholesalers and manufacturers of computer equipment and by firms that provide maintenance services for a fee. A small number are employed directly by organizations that have a great deal of computer equipment.