What Does a Field Service Technician Do?

Field service technicians travel to client locations to provide technical service and maintenance support. Learn more about these machinery technicians, how to become one and where to apply for machinery jobs.

Field Service Technician: An Overview

Field service technicians are integral in providing good customer support — they are the backbone of any company that pledges uncompromised customer satisfaction. Whether taking a look at small equipment like computers or honing their skills as heavy equipment technicians, field service technicians install, maintain and repair electrical products or equipment.

If you are tech-savvy with a knack for troubleshooting and enjoy working with people in the field, this career choice may sound appealing. Keep reading to see if you’ve got what it takes!

Heavy Machinery Field Service Technicians

There are many avenues for someone interested in a field service technician role, including pursuing a career in the heavy machinery industry. These field service technicians focus on automobiles and machines, such as material handling equipment, construction equipment or mining equipment. They travel to warehouses or construction sites to work on excavators, compactors, forklifts, wheel loaders and other equipment.

As a heavy machinery field service tech, you’ll also become acquainted with emerging technologies like forklift telemetry systems, lithium-ion and hydrogen batteries and innovative warehouse transportation solutions, such as conveyors and pallet shuttles. It’s an exciting endeavor for someone who wants to combine an interest in heavy machinery with a passion for problem-solving.

Responsibilities of a Heavy Machinery Field Service Technician

As a heavy machinery field service technician, some of your responsibilities may include:

• Driving to customer locations to repair equipment, such as forklifts or other material handling equipment.
• Conducting preventive maintenance services for a customer.
• Installing new equipment for a customer.
• Troubleshooting equipment issues.
• Providing technical training on company equipment.
• Pursuing further education opportunities offered by the employer.
• Adhering to a company’s core values while providing service.

If those responsibilities sound like something you’d excel at, you may be on the way to a new, fulfilling career.

Skills Needed to Become a Field Service Technician

Before pursuing a career as a heavy machinery field service technician, check out the skills associated with the position:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Problem-solving ability
• Troubleshooting skills
• Field experience
• Adaptability to changing work environments
• Time management
• Mechanical and electric skills
• Good driving record
• Working knowledge of combustion engines, if applicable
• Capable of reading schematic diagrams and service manuals
• Ability to use Microsoft Word and Excel
• Ability to use office equipment, like a copier and computer

You will also need to be able to perform the following physical tasks:

• Walking on uneven terrain
• Lifting more than 50 pounds frequently
• Operating hand tools and power tools
• Climbing in and out of equipment
• Lying under equipment and vehicles
• Bending from the waist or knees
• Raising and lowering parts and tools

Field Service Technician Typical Salary

According to Indeed, the average salary for a field service technician in the United States is $24-$25 per hour, or around $50,000 per year. However, wages can range broadly from $20-$30 per hour, or $41,600-$62,400 per year. Usually, salary equates to the applicant’s experience.

Do Field Service Technicians Receive Benefits?

Yes! Depending on the company, field service technicians can receive some seriously outstanding benefits, including:

• Paid sick leave.
• Paid vacation and paid holidays.
• Dental and vision plans.
• Quarterly and yearly bonuses.
• 401(k)/Roth IRA with company match.
• Company stock for associates with more than five years of service.

Arnold Machinery Company offers all of these benefits, as well as a sign-on bonus and exceptional opportunities for career advancement.

What Is the Job Outlook for Field Service Technicians?

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates there to be around 21,100 heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technician openings each year over the decade. Jobs in this field are expected to grow at a rate of 6% from 2022-2032. Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers and millwright positions are expected to grow 13% in the same period, and there are projected to be 49,100 yearly openings in this field on average.

How to Become a Heavy Machinery Field Service Technician

Field service technicians are generally required to have a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) diploma. Many prioritize taking science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) classes to improve their problem-solving and mechanical skills.

Individuals who have the relevant skills or experience out of high school may be able to apply directly for a field service technician role. Other ways to gain the necessary experience for machinery jobs include:

• Associate degree: If you want to learn more about the heavy equipment and machinery industry, you can pursue a two-year degree. Heavy equipment mechanics and automotive technology are common programs for those pursuing careers as heavy equipment field service technicians.
• Apprenticeships and internships: Apprenticeships and internships provide the opportunity to gain practical experience and may lead to a permanent position. You can speak with a college academic advisor, attend career fairs, search online, or get advice from a trade or labor union to find internships or apprenticeships near you.
• Certification: Certifications demonstrate your proficiency in a field reliant on technology. Field technicians may pursue certifications from organizations like the Occupational Information Network (O*NET), the International Fluid Power Society (IFPS), the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) or the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

Again, most companies require field service technician applicants to have a high school diploma or GED diploma, especially if they display a willingness and eagerness to learn!

Explore Heavy Machinery Field Service Tech Jobs at Arnold Machinery Company

Arnold Machinery careers offer many benefits for those looking for a field service technician role. When you sign on with Arnold Machinery, you become an associate — not an employee — and can enjoy benefits like a sign-on bonus, yearly and quarterly bonuses, career advancement opportunities and an outstanding benefits package. We also have many locations throughout the Western United States, including Idaho, Utah, Colorado, Nevada and Arizona.

Our company culture is incomparable, proven by our Silver Service^® commitment. We work hard to ensure customer satisfaction, and all of our team members play an essential role in that promise. This means you’ll have the freedom to make the right decisions for the customer without needing to ask permission first. If that sort of job independence where there’s no policy book to limit what you can do sounds like something you’d be into, we think you’d be a great fit for our team!

Ready to work for a dynamic team dedicated to providing excellent customer support? Browse the openings at Arnold Machinery today!