IT Technician Jobs: Everything You Need to Know

Remember that person who fixed your laptop when it crashed during finals? Or the one who got the office Wi-Fi working after everyone tried unplugging it for the fifth time? That’s an IT Technician – part problem-solver, part tech wizard, part therapist for people who just lost three hours of work.

An IT Technician is a great job that pays £21k to £45k (specialist or senior roles can exceed this), largely offers good job stability, and never gets boring because technology finds new ways to break every single day. If you’re interested in finding out everything you need to know about this career, read on…

What Does an IT Technician Actually Do?

Overall, an IT Technician keeps modern businesses running. When the CEO’s presentation won’t load, when hackers try breaking through firewalls, when the entire accounts department can’t print – they fix it. Fast.

But it’s more than emergency repairs; they’re also building tomorrow’s infrastructure today by setting up cloud systems, security protocols, and sometimes even teaching teams how to use technology that makes their jobs easier.

The best part? Every problem is a puzzle. One morning, they’re tracking down why emails bounce to one specific client. That afternoon, they’re configuring a new server. By evening, they’re explaining to someone why their “deleted” files aren’t really gone (and yes, they can recover them).

IT Technician Daily Tasks and Responsibilities

An IT Technician’s workday never looks the same twice. While others complain about routine, they’re dealing with fresh challenges that keep their brain engaged. To put things into perspective, here’s an example of what can fill their calendar:

• Building systems from scratch – assembling hardware, installing operating systems, configuring networks that handle thousands of users.
• Cloud management – migrating data to Azure or AWS, monitoring costs, keeping hybrid setups running smoothly.
• Security operations – running penetration tests, patching vulnerabilities, investigating suspicious login attempts at 2 am from an unknown IP.
• Problem investigation – diagnosing why the CRM runs slowly on Tuesdays, finding memory leaks, tracking down network bottlenecks.
• Automation creation – writing scripts that handle repetitive tasks, setting up monitoring that alerts before systems fail.
• User support with patience – explaining complex problems simply, training staff on new systems, staying calm when someone’s deleted the quarterly reports.
• Strategic planning – recommending technology investments, planning disaster recovery, building infrastructure that scales with business growth.

Where Do IT Technicians Work? Job Settings & Options

Remote work changed everything for IT careers. You’re no longer limited to companies within commuting distance. A Sheffield technician can support an Edinburgh finance firm, and a Cornwall specialist can manage servers for Manchester startups. Your service area is only limited by where you agree to travel.

Corporate IT departments often include benefits such as private healthcare, pension schemes, and support for professional development. Several Reed job listings for IT and technician roles also list these as part of their benefits packages.

Managed service providers (MSPs) bring variety. Monday you’re upgrading a dentist’s patient management system. Wednesday you’re investigating why a restaurant’s card machines keep failing. Friday you’re implementing backup solutions for an architecture firm. You’ll see every type of business, every kind of problem, and all possible technology stacks.

Self-employment means freedom. Set your rates (£300 – £500 daily for experienced technicians)¹, choose clients you enjoy working with, take August off if you fancy it. You’re running a business, though, so that means invoicing, marketing, and explaining why you charge more than “my nephew who’s good with computers.”

Hours depend on your path. Corporate roles lean towards standard schedules with occasional evening maintenance. MSPs might need coverage outside office hours because servers don’t care that it’s Sunday. Freelancers control their time but often work evenings to avoid disrupting client operations.

IT Technician Training and Certifications Required

Stories about fixing your mate’s gaming PC don’t impress hiring managers. They want the proof that proper certifications provide.

Start with foundations that matter:

• CompTIA A+ remains the gold standard entry certification.
• Microsoft Azure Fundamentals proves cloud competence.
• CompTIA Network+ demonstrates networking knowledge.

Advanced certifications command higher salaries:

• Microsoft 365 Certified for enterprise environments.
• AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner for cloud roles.
• CompTIA Security+ for cybersecurity positions.

Microsoft, CompTIA, and AWS certifications carry weight with employers, but certificates alone won’t land you the job. You need hands-on experience too. Self-study can work, but many exams are challenging and first-time failure rates for certain certifications are high.

How Much Do IT Technicians Earn in the UK?

Salaries shot up in 2025. Companies finally realised that losing their IT staff costs more than paying them properly.

Entry level (0 – 2 years): £21,000 – £30,000²: You’re resetting passwords, swapping hardware, learning how everything connects. It’s your apprenticeship in the real world.

Mid-level (2 – 5 years): £28,000 – £35,000³: Now you’re managing projects, mentoring juniors, specialising in areas that interest you. Companies trust you with critical systems.

Senior level (5+ years): £38,000 – £45,000⁴: You’re making decisions that affect entire organisations. Planning infrastructure, managing budgets, leading teams through major transitions.

Specialist roles break these limits:

• Cloud Solutions Architects (mid-range): £56,000 – £86,000⁵
• Cybersecurity Engineers (mid-range): £60,000 – £70,000⁶
• DevOps Engineers (mid-range): £56,000 – £87,000⁷
• IT Directors (mid-range): £76,000 – £120,000⁸

Location still matters, but less than before. London premiums are still present, but reduced; London salaries run about 15% higher now, down from the old 30% premium.⁹ Edinburgh, Manchester, and Bristol tech scenes offer competitive packages without capital city costs.

Contracting beats permanent salaries – experienced contractors charge £400 – £800 daily, depending on your specialisation. But you’ll pay your own tax, pension, sick days, so calculate carefully.¹⁰

Small companies often pay less but offer broader experience. Enterprises pay more but you might spend years managing one specific system. Choose based on your goals, not just the number.

Start Your IT Career with Pitman Training

Enough research. Time to act. Pitman Training has been creating careers since 1837 – before computers existed, we taught people the skills employers needed. Now we’re doing the same with IT.

Our IT Support Technician and Network Support diplomas combine industry certifications with practical skills. You study at your own pace, get support when you’re stuck, and graduate with qualifications employers recognise.

Book a free consultation to discuss your situation. We’ll explain funding options, show you the training platform, and map out your personal timeline to that first IT role. No pushy sales tactics – just honest advice about whether our programmes fit your goals.

Call us or submit an enquiry. By this time next year, you could be the one everyone messages when the printer starts making that weird noise.

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