ICT technician
Key facts
Are you fascinated by technology and enjoy solving problems? As an ICT technician, you'll be at the forefront of keeping information systems running smoothly, ensuring businesses and individuals can rely on their digital tools.
ICT technicians are vital for maintaining the technology that powers modern workplaces and homes. Your days will involve a diverse range of tasks, from setting up new equipment and troubleshooting technical issues to ensuring software and networks are secure and efficient. You’ll work with a wide array of devices, including laptops, desktops, servers, smartphones, printers, and network infrastructure, providing essential support to users.
- • Installing and configuring computer hardware, software, and peripherals.
- • Diagnosing and resolving hardware and software malfunctions.
- • Maintaining and updating network infrastructure and security systems.
Where this occupation is in demand
Reported labour shortages and surpluses, by year. Published for occupation groups, not for individual job titles.
Deeper colour: reported the same way in more consecutive years.
Figures cover Information and communications technicians — 22 jobs including this one.
In shortage: Bulgaria, Denmark, Greece, Netherlands and 2 more.
Longest-running shortage: Netherlands, 3 years.
Select a place on the map to see its figures.
About this source›
Source: ELA/EURES labour shortages and surpluses. Readings are published at occupation-group level, and cover Europe. Editions differ in annex layout and country coverage, so a change between years does not always mean the labour market changed. Countries in grey were not reported, which is not the same as being in balance.
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Find your career path and explore the science behind our recommendations.
Could ICT technician fit you?
Answer three quick questions. This is not a full assessment — it is a teaser to help you decide whether to compare your profile.
Do you enjoy tasks that require Attention to Detail?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Integrity?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Dependability?
Future Outlook for ICT technician
The outlook for ICT technician reflects a balanced mix of automation exposure and durable, human-led work.
How are these scores calculated?
The Resilience Score (0–100) estimates how structurally protected this occupation is from automation and AI disruption, based on task-level analysis. Higher scores mean more human-judgment-intensive tasks. AI Exposure shows the estimated percentage of task hours that current AI capabilities could affect. These are model-derived structural indicators, not predictions about individual job security.
How could ICT technician change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How could ICT technician change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How AI may change this role
Deterministic, model-based interpretation of current role signals — not a guarantee of replacement.
What still depends on people
Most tasks here are AI-assistable rather than purely human-led.
Where AI may become a co-pilot
- use ICT hardware
- maintain ICT server
- maintain ICT system
Tasks most exposed to automation
- manage email hosting service
Vital Signs & AI Vectors
AI Exposure Vectors
0-100%Exposure to AI-assisted analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modelling tasks
Exposure to physical automation, robotics, and sensor-driven task displacement
Exposure to content generation, creative augmentation, and large language model tools
Exposure to workflow automation, decision-support software, and process digitisation
Technical Details
NexFuture v3.0 estimates automation exposure natively from ESCO essential-skill groups, weighted by skill mass and calibrated against expert anchors. Scores are probabilistic estimates, not guarantees. See the NexFuture Methodology White Paper for full details.
Measures automation exposure. It does not measure pay, demand, or how many jobs exist near you.
What people in this role usually do
Digital Technology
A typical day as a ICT technician
09 09:00 · Morning implement ICT recovery system
10 10:30 · Mid-morning administer ICT system
12 12:00 · Midday define firewall rules
14 14:00 · Afternoon implement a virtual private network
15 15:30 · Late afternoon keep up to date on product knowledge
17 17:00 · Wrap-up implement anti-virus software
Task order is illustrative. Individual days vary.
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attack vectors
Paths or methods that threat actors use to exploit vulnerabilities in information networks or systems from a concrete organisation and impact its availability, integrity and confidentiality. Attack vectors may include social engineering tactics such as phishing mails or pretexting, technical exploits as SQL injection as well as buffer overflow attacks.
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distributed directory information services
The directory services that automate the network management of security, user data and distributed resources and enable access to information in a computer system's directory.
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ICT network cable limitations
The limitations, such as distance limitations and resistance of types of cables, such as fibre cable, coax cable and ethernet cable which are used for realising networks.
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ICT network routing
The processes and techniques for choosing the best paths within an ICT network through which a packet can travel.
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procurement of ICT network equipment
The products available from network equipment providers and methods for selecting and procuring the equipment.
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ABAP
The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in ABAP.
- digital systems
- ICT networking hardware
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define firewall rules
Specify rules to govern a set of components aiming to limit access between groups of networks or a particular network and the internet.
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implement a virtual private network
Create an encrypted connection between private networks, such as different local networks of a company, over the internet to ensure that only authorized users can access it and that the data cannot be intercepted.
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implement anti-virus software
Download, install and update software to prevent, detect and remove malicious software, such as computer viruses.
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perform backups
Implement backup procedures to backup data and systems to ensure permanent and reliable system operation. Execute data backups in order to secure information by copying and archiving to ensure integrity during system integration and after data loss occurrence.
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use ICT hardware
Ability to use equipment such as monitor, mouse, keyboard, storage devices, printers, scanners etc to perform operations such as plugging in, starting up, shutting down, rebooting, saving files and other operations.
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maintain ICT server
Diagnose and eliminate hardware faults via repair or replacement. Take preventive measures, review performance, update software, review accessibility.
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maintain ICT system
Select and apply system and network monitoring techniques. Identify and fix operational problems. Ensure that system's capabilities and efficiency match company specifications.
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perform ICT troubleshooting
Identify problems with servers, desktops, printers, networks, and remote access, and perform actions which solve the problems.
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implement ICT recovery system
Create, manage and implement ICT system recovery plan in case of crisis in order to retrieve information and reacquire use of the system.
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keep up to date on product knowledge
Gather the latest information on developments related to the existing or supported products, methods or techniques.
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administer ICT system
Handle components of ICT system by maintaining configuration, managing users, monitoring resource use, performing backups and installing hardware or software to comply with the set requirements.
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use repair manuals
Apply the information, such as periodic maintenance charts, step by step repair instructions, troubleshooting information and overhaul procedures to perform routine maintenance and repairs.
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operate private branch exchange
Handle Private Branch Exchange (PBX), a telecommunication system within an organisation that switches calls between users on local lines. At the same time the system allows all users to share external phone lines.
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use precision tools
Use electronic, mechanical, electric, or optical precision tools, such as drilling machines, grinders, gear cutters and milling machines to boost accuracy while machining products.
Skill DNA
Work personality traits and values that define this role
See whether this role fits your Career DNA
Take the free Career DNA assessment to see how ICT technician aligns with your interests, work style, and future path. In less than 10 minutes, you will get a personalized fit signal and a roadmap for what to do next.
Scan to continue on mobileGrowth Pathways & Similar Roles
Explore typical career progression paths, adjacent skills, and similar roles to plan your next transition.
Where does ICT technician fit?
Similarity scores based on skill overlap from ESCO data.
Frequently asked questions
- What kind of qualifications do I need to become an ICT technician?
- While formal qualifications can be beneficial, practical experience and a strong aptitude for technology are often key. Many entry-level positions may require a diploma or certificate in ICT or a related field. Demonstrating problem-solving skills and a willingness to learn are highly valued.
- Is this a good career for someone who enjoys working independently?
- ICT technicians often work independently to diagnose and resolve issues, reflecting key work styles like attention to detail (1.C.5.b) and methodical approach (1.C.5.c). However, collaboration is also important, particularly when dealing with complex problems or larger network deployments.
- What are the typical work environments for an ICT technician?
- ICT technicians are employed across various sectors, including businesses, government organizations, educational institutions, and IT service providers. You might find yourself working in offices, data centers, or even visiting client sites to provide on-site support.
- ICT Technician — is there a shortage in Europe?
- Yes. In the 2025 ELA/EURES edition, a shortage was reported in 6 of the 11 European countries that assessed this occupation group: Bulgaria, Denmark, Greece, Netherlands and 2 more. Netherlands has reported one for 3 consecutive years. These assessments are published per occupation group rather than per job title.
- ICT Technician — what does it pay in the United States?
- $60,340 a year at the median, as of 2025-05. State medians run from $36,250 to $80,950. Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is a United States figure and not a projection for Europe.