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Data Center Technician Duties and Responsibilities

Specific job responsibilities of a data center technician differ according to where they work. However, there are several core tasks associated with the role. Based on our analysis of multiple job listings, these include:

Perform Preventative Maintenance On a daily basis, data center technicians complete preventative maintenance of equipment and data network devices. They operate in tight spaces, run cables, and improve physical security around their assigned data center. Data center technicians engage in building projects and check utilities. To make sure the center does not overheat, they carefully examine power sources and heating and cooling controls.

Server Management and Repair Data center technicians troubleshoot and repair servers that have hardware and network issues. They run hardware diagnostics and replace failing parts. They are responsible for day-to-day performance and capacity management of servers. If something goes wrong, data center technicians are called on to quickly fix it in order to keep business data flowing.

Monitor System Processes Monitoring and maintaining operation of all network processes is the primary duty of data technicians. They evaluate machine temperature levels for optimal performance. Data technicians are expected to maintain accurate work records and event logs. They also create concise virtual information reports to keep company management informed of status updates.

Cross-Collaborate to Protect Data Data technicians install and arrange new equipment for data centers. This may include physically upgrading internal system components (CPU), memory hard drives, fiber cables, copper, and more. Once they install new equipment, data technicians often collaborate with software and networking engineering teams to ensure cybersecurity and network efficiency.

Technical Support and Education Data center technicians provide live support to clients and coworkers, and are expected to troubleshoot problems as they occur. They act as a main point person in the field, putting out fires and working on projects simultaneously. Educating other data center staff on how to properly troubleshoot hardware and software is also a key part of their role.

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Data Center Technician Skills and Qualifications

Successful data center technicians are self-driven and work effectively with little supervision. Employers typically seek out candidates with an associate or bachelor’s degree in a technical field. They also prefer candidates who possess the following abilities:

  • Hardware repair – data center technicians are hired to complete basic repair of damaged or faulty network equipment and devices
  • IT computer networking – technicians are in charge of running servers, switches, routers, monitors, and computer networking
  • Troubleshooting skills – performing tests to identify and fix errors in computer networks including LAN and WAN is a key component of their work
  • Physical Requirements – data technicians stay on their feet, and regularly crawl, crouch, kneel, lift, and move up to 40lbs over short distances
  • Inventory management – data technicians are required to maintain accurate inventory of tools, equipment, and network devices
  • Communication skills – being able to explain complicated technical process in a simple to way to non-technical staff is a requirement for successful data technicians
  • Technical writing skills – data technicians often develop standard operating procedures and manuals for the networks they are in charge of
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Data Center Technician Salary and Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) lists the median annual wage for at $63,340. According to this categorization, the lowest paid data technicians make less than $36,960. However, the highest ten percent of workers in this field earn more than $105,230. Occupational growth for data technicians is projected to be 11 percent through 2026, which the BLS lists as faster than average among all occupations. Many large organizations are expected to continue to upgrade their hardware and software, and support staff will be needed as data networks grow more complex and data security increases in importance.

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Helpful Resources

We searched the web to find the best industry resources to help you continue exploring a career as a data center technician. From best-selling books to training resources, this list is packed with opportunities to learn and engage.

Networking All-in-One For Dummies – learn the basics of computer networking to succeed as a data technician

Data Center Handbook – acquire knowledge of the best practices, technologies, design, and construction of computer systems and data storage systems

“Starting Out: Choosing a Career in the Data Center Industry” – wondering how to decide what type of data job you want? This guide will help you choose the best career path for you

“40-Plus Certifications to Advance Your Networking Career” – a list of the best company and non-company specific certifications for aspiring data center technicians

CompTIA Network+ All-In-One Exam Guide, Sixth Edition (Exam N10-006) – ace your CompTIA certification in this bestselling exam guide to increase your chances of getting hired