Automated teller machines (ATM machines) make banking fast and convenient, but these complex machines break down from time to time. An ATM technician services and repairs these machines for banks and other ATM owners.
Like any maintenance job, those who are good at fixing things in general and working with tools can consider an ATM repair job. Some ATM repairers work as sole proprietors, while others get hired as a repairman by ATM repair companies. Other industries that may hire ATM technicians include the manufacturer or wholesaler of the automated teller machines. Machine manufacturers hire repair personnel to make extra money after selling the ATM machines.
Technicians generally do not need a college degree, but any university-level classes in electronics or engineering or technical-school training in ATM repair or other maintenance disciplines could be helpful in getting a job as an ATM technician.
There are also some companies the provide certification as an ATM repair and maintenance specialist. For example, the ACT company has ATM repair training and certifies technicians who complete a course of about 3 to 5 days in Springboro, Ohio. You can attend and get ATM technician certification on your own or try to get hired first and then get company-supplied training.
For those who would just like to learn what ATM technicians do on their own to increase the chances of employment, you may access some of the ACT training manuals for technicians. There is a link at the bottom of this article.
To find ATM repair technician jobs, you can look for repair companies in your area or use online sites like Simply Hired (see link below). The Bureau of Labor Statistics puts computer, ATM, and office machine repair workers in the same category. That group had about 153,000 total jobs in 2008. It is best to learn how to repair computers and office machines in addition to ATM machines to increase the chance of getting a maintenance/repair job.
Note that this job category is expected to be on the decline due to technological improvements that reduce the need for repairs. This means you should try to get formal training and diversify by learning how to fix a wide variety of machines. If you do get one of these jobs, then you may be interested to know that median salary was about $37,000 in May of 2010.
Resources:
ACT ATM Technician Certification Training and Manuals
Simply Hired ATM Technician Jobs