Computer Repairman

While there aren’t technically any formal requirements for getting into computer repair, this isn’t a field you can jump into with no qualifications. Whether you plan to work at a computer repair shop or start your own computer repair business, you’ll need a mix of technical computer skills and soft skills for dealing with customers.

Technical knowledge and certifications

Fixing computers is highly technical, and you need to really know what you’re doing to not only fix people’s computers but also avoid causing damage to computer equipment. To start, you need to have extensive knowledge of computer hardware and software.

Many computer repair technicians get formal training, such as from an IT certification program, to build knowledge and gain credibility. You could simply take a quick foundational course in computer repair or get a brand-specific certificate for repairing particular types of computers.

You should also stay abreast of the latest developments in computer technology to stay competitive. There are plenty of easy ways to enhance your knowledge for free, from watching videos on YouTube to listening to relevant podcasts.

Experience fixing computers

While there’s no law saying you can’t start a computer repair side hustle without experience, it’s not recommended. As mentioned, computers are very fragile, and without sufficient experience, you could end up doing more damage than good.

Moreover, you’ll find very few people who are willing to trust their sensitive and expensive electronics with someone who doesn’t have any experience doing computer repairs professionally.

If you’re not confident in your computer repair skills just yet, you could get an internship or entry-level job working for a computer repair company to get some experience before you start trying to make money fixing computers on your own.

You may think that the only way to make money as a computer repair technician is to work at a computer repair shop—either as an employee or by opening up your own shop. But the truth is that there are several other ways you can earn a profit from computer repairs.

Here’s a list of all the different types of computer repair side hustles you can explore.

1. Get a job at a computer repair shop

One of the easiest ways to start earning money from fixing computers is to get a job in a computer repair shop. You’ll have the opportunity to learn on the job and gain experience. This is where many computer repair professionals get their start.

A major benefit of this computer repair side hustle is job stability and a steady income. You can even get a part-time computer repair job as a side hustle.

2. Offer remote computer repair support

If you’re looking for a computer repair side hustle you can do from home, then offering virtual computer repair services is your best option.

In this type of role, customers will seek your help via phone, email, or through other digital means. You then help them by either giving them instructions on how to fix the problem themselves or remotely taking over their computer to perform services like malware removal, system optimization, or configuration support.

You won’t be able to perform any physical hardware repairs if you’re working remotely. But on the plus side, you can work from anywhere, reduce costs, and reach a larger customer base.

3. Flip broken computers

One creative way to earn money from your computer repair skills is to start a computer flipping side hustle. This money-making strategy involves buying broken or used computers at a low cost, repairing or upgrading them, and then selling them for a profit.

Repairs might include replacing screens, upgrading components, or fixing damaged hardware. This can be a low-cost business if you start small, and it offers the potential to scale up with minimal commitment. You just need to be resourceful and have a good eye for computers that have potential to sell well.

4. Do custom builds and upgrades

Instead of helping customers who need repairs, you could use your computer repair skills to build custom computers or make alterations for people who want a computer that has unique features that aren’t necessarily readily available on the market.

This side hustle is more focused on improvements and optimization than on fixing broken computers. You’ll be pursuing a niche market, which has its pros and cons. It may be harder to get customers at first, but there’s also potential to charge a lot more money.

5. Perform on-site computer repairs

Rather than work in a computer repair shop, you could start a mobile computer repair business. In this case, you’d be traveling to different locations to perform on-site repairs. This could be a client’s home, an office, or any other environment with computers.

If your dream is to start your own computer repair business, then this is one of the easiest and lowest-cost ways to get started. You will need reliable transportation, and traveling costs and commuting time will eat into your profits. Nevertheless, it’s a great way to start building a name for yourself.

6. Sell or monetize content on how to fix computers

If you already have a job repairing computers and you’re just looking for a way to supplement your income, you could earn passive revenue by creating how-to guides, tutorials, or other instructional content that helps people do DIY computer repairs.

There are a few different ways to go about this. You could create and monetize a YouTube channel featuring videos showing people how to solve common computer issues. Or you could start a blog with step-by-step guides on how to perform different computer repairs.

With this side hustle, you won’t be engaging directly with customers, so it’s a good option if you’re introverted or if you want a more independent computer repair side gig that you can do from home on your own schedule.

7. Open your own computer repair shop

Opening your own computer repair shop may sound daunting, but it can be incredibly rewarding and profitable, if you do it right. While this may not be the best option if you’re looking for a part-time side hustle, it’s a great way to carve out a full-time independent career as a computer technician.

The main drawback to starting a physical computer repair business is the costs involved. Your exact startup costs will depend on the scale of your business, but the table below gives a rough idea of what you can expect to pay in upfront costs.

Cost of Starting a Computer Repair Business

As long as you have decent computer repair skills, you shouldn’t run into too much difficulty when starting a computer repair side hustle. However, it’s important to be aware of the risks involved with this type of work and how to prepare for the role to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Understand what computer repair technicians do

The main responsibility of a computer repair person is fixing computers, either for private clients or businesses. But this isn’t all they do.

As a computer repair technician, you’ll also have to perform the following tasks:

• Recover data from customers’ computers
• Clean laptops or desktop computers
• Purchase additional parts if necessary
• Communicate effectively with customers
• Make price estimations

It’s important to understand what you’ll be doing beyond just fixing broken computers for profit. You’ll also need strong communication skills and business skills if you want to succeed.

Know when NOT to repair a computer

If you’re doing computer repair as a side hustle and you don’t have extensive experience, it can be easy to make small mistakes that cost you and your customers a lot of money. It’s crucial that you’re able to spot signs of a job that you shouldn’t take on.

Be on the lookout for these indicators that you should stop and assess the situation before beginning repairs:

• Improper equipment: You won’t necessarily have the right equipment to repair every type of computer.
• Authorization required: Some manufacturers only allow authorized computer technicians to perform repairs on their devices. In these cases, special skills, training, or certification may be required.
• Active manufacturer warranty: A computer may be under warranty by the manufacturer, and performing repairs could void the warranty. If you see any tamper-proof stickers or seals on a computer someone brings in to you, this is a clear sign to take a step back and assess the situation before continuing.
• Device recalls: Some issues are prevalent enough that the computer manufacturer issues a recall notice on particular devices, with free replacements or repairs. In these cases, you should notify the customer.
• Replacement recommended: In cases where a computer is severely damaged or old, it may not be worth repairing. You’ll want to explain the pros and cons to the customer before initiating repairs.

Performing computer repair services without authorization can make you liable for any damages you cause. If in doubt, tell your customers to contact the manufacturer support team first.

While the exact amount you can make varies due to several factors, most computer repair technicians make around $15–$35 per hour.

It’s worth noting that those on the lower end of the earning spectrum tend to work for established computer repair businesses. Starting your own business requires more initial investment, but it’s the most profitable route in the long run.

Factors that can affect your income from fixing computers

Several factors affect how much you can earn as a computer repair technician. These are the main ones:

• Job scope: Some jobs pay more than others. For example, replacing hardware on a gaming PC will be more lucrative than just cleaning someone’s laptop.
• Location: If you’re providing in-person computer repair services, the demand, competition, and cost of living in your area may all influence how much you can charge.
• Job type: As mentioned, you can earn more if you’re a self-employed computer repair professional, but you’ll also face greater expenses. Employees at computer repair shops generally earn the lowest rates.

Understanding these factors will help you make a more informed decision about what type of computer repair side hustle to start and help you earn more money in the long run.

Before diving into a computer repair side hustle, you’ll need to decide if the work is right for you. If you don’t have any certifications or experience repairing computers, then you’ll need to be prepared to spend some time and energy learning the basics.

To help you make up your mind, below is a summary of what you can expect from a computer repair side hustle:

• Startup costs are low: Although you’ll need to pay a lot to open a computer repair shop, there are several computer repair side hustles that involve minimal to no startup costs.
• You’ll handle expensive items: You’ll handle sensitive and expensive computer equipment, and if you cause any damage, you’ll be liable to cover the costs.
• Demand is high: There’s no shortage of work for computer repair technicians, making it a safe field to get into right now. The computer repair industry is projected to grow 10% from 2018 to 2028.
• It’s a customer-facing role: Customer service is a central part of the role. Sometimes, customers may not understand what is wrong with their computer, which can lead to frustration on both sides.
• Competition can be tough: You’ll be competing against some big names, such as Best Buy, who have their own computer repair technicians and may be able to price you out.

If you have the right set of skills—both technical computer skills and customer service skills—then fixing computers can be a great way to earn money. It’s an ideal side hustle for people working in the technology or IT industry.

Pros and cons

Like any side hustle, being a computer repair technician has its pros and cons, which we’ll examine below.

Ultimately, fixing computers isn’t something that just anyone can make a career out of. But considering the high demand for work, low startup costs, and flexibility, a computer repair side hustle can be well worth it if you have the necessary knowledge and skills.