Is Computer Peripheral Equipment a Good Career Path?

Last Updated on August 10, 2023

In today’s technology-driven world, computer peripheral equipment plays a vital role in enhancing productivity and efficiency. If you’re passionate about making an impact in the IT industry, pursuing a career in computer peripheral equipment could be a smart choice. So, is computer peripheral equipment a good career path? Read on to find out more.

Computer peripheral devices, simply called peripheral equipment, are the auxiliary hardware devices that are used to input information or data into–or transfer data from–a computer. Peripheral devices are divided into three: input devices, output devices, and storage devices. These include computer equipment that you might be familiar with, like the mouse, webcams, headphones, printers, and USB flash drives.

What Are the Best Computer Peripheral Equipment Jobs?

Peripheral Equipment Technician

Peripheral equipment technicians, otherwise called hardware technicians, support and maintain computer systems and peripheral devices. They do this by installing, configuring, testing, troubleshooting, and repairing hardware.

Their job involves operating and controlling peripheral and related computer equipment and knowing the software and hardware that help solve technical problems in peripheral equipment. Other tasks include answering customers’ questions about peripheral equipment repairs and requirements, installing and downloading software, ensuring efficient use of peripheral devices, and implementing computer networks.

Peripheral equipment technicians can find jobs in industries such as professional, scientific, and technical services, education and training, retail trade, and many other industries. In hiring peripheral equipment technicians, employers usually look for a BSc/BA in Computer Science, engineering, or relevant field, and relevant certifications. Certifications that you might want to take a look at include:

• Master Certified Electronics Technician
• Mobile Communications and Electronics Installer
• Industrial Electronics
• Computer Service Technician
• OSHA Safety Certificate

Sales Representative

Computer peripheral equipment sales representatives are in charge of merchandising, distributing, and selling peripheral devices and related software. Sales representatives are usually the first person that customers talk to about their needs. This is why they should be experts in recognizing the needs of customers and providing detailed information on the peripheral devices that can best solve those needs.

Sales representatives are also assigned to check inventory to ensure orders are in stock, construct sales pitches and presentations, and act as customer service representatives to answer questions and concerns.

In hiring sales representatives for computer peripheral equipment, employers may prefer graduates from relevant degree backgrounds such as computer science, software engineering, electronic engineering, physics or mathematics. Strong technical skills, along with relevant sales and interpersonal skills, are definitely a plus. A bachelor’s degree in sales, marketing, or a related field can also provide a competitive edge.

Computer Peripheral Equipment Engineer

Peripheral equipment engineers design and develop computer systems and their physical components. These involve extensive testing and making modifications to peripheral equipment designs and the software needed for equipment to work.

Engineers are also involved in making product updates and ensuring compatibility between software and peripheral equipment. Extensive knowledge of computer-aided design platforms, operating systems, computing languages, and circuit design are required for peripheral equipment engineer jobs.

Employers usually look for applicants with a bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer systems engineering, or any related field. Engineering certifications from Apple, BISCI, Cisco, and CompTIA will also give you an advantage in this field.

Product Manager

Product managers lead the overall strategic development of peripheral equipment products. They take charge of the big picture, including long-term goals and vision. This requires knowing the ins and outs of a company’s strategy for peripheral equipment and communicating this strategy to stakeholders which are key to further developing products and driving revenue.

Product managers oversee product development, marketing, and sales, and manage product life cycles. They are also in charge of monitoring market trends and consumer needs, and coming up with product development plans that suit these.

This job can be further divided into software product management, hardware product management, and service product management. Employers looking for product managers usually require a bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or a related field. Different product management courses and certifications will definitely give you an advantage.

Peripheral Equipment Support Specialist

Support specialists take charge of installing, upgrading, and maintaining computer peripheral equipment and any related software. This is another client-facing job that includes assisting customers with technical issues and questions and helping diagnose technical issues.

Aside from providing technical support and diagnosing and resolving hardware or software issues, they assist end-users with peripheral device setup and configuration. Support specialists may also be responsible for conducting training on the use of new or updated products, as well as developing relevant training materials. This job typically requires a high school diploma, although an associate degree or certifications in computer hardware or troubleshooting can be beneficial.

Why You Should Get a Job in Computer Peripheral Equipment

The tech industry is a very lucrative field for job seekers, and the growing reliance on information and communication technology across various fields ensures a constant demand for professionals in the computer peripheral equipment sector. Specialization in areas such as sales, engineering, or technical support also gives plenty of room for career advancement and specialization. Here’s an overview of the compensation for specific jobs and the outlook for this kind of career.

Compensation

Peripheral Equipment Technician:

• Median Annual Salary: $40,390
• Entry-level technicians may start with lower salaries, while experienced technicians or those with specialized skills can earn higher wages

Sales Representative:

• Median Annual Salary: $57,000 to $79,000
• Sales representatives often receive a base salary along with commission or bonuses based on sales performance.

Computer Peripheral Equipment Engineer:

• Median Annual Salary: $76,384
• Salaries can vary based on experience, specialization, and the industry in which the engineer works.

Product Manager:

• Median Annual Salary: $97,870
• Product managers often receive a combination of base salary, performance bonuses, and profit-sharing or stock options depending on the company.

Peripheral Equipment Support Specialist:

• Median Annual Salary: $54,760
• Compensation may vary based on the level of technical expertise, years of experience, and the complexity of the supported peripheral devices.

Keep in mind that these are only estimated figures. Actual salaries can vary significantly depending on factors such as location, industry demand, company policies, and individual qualifications. If you’re looking for jobs in a specific company, it would help to look at job portals and see what the average salary is.

Outlook

The rapid and constant evolution of the tech industry, as well as the need for efficient peripheral devices, ensures a positive outlook for careers in this field. With advancements in areas like cloud computing, IoT (Internet of Things), and wireless connectivity, opportunities and challenges evolve, creating endless possibilities for career growth.

Embracing the Future: Computer Peripheral Equipment

What’s good about a career in computer peripheral equipment is that the skills that you will learn are highly transferable and adaptable. They can easily be applied to other fields such as education and training, sales and marketing, project management, and even customer relations. Whether you enjoy hands-on technical work or prefer sales and management roles, this industry caters to diverse interests.

Because tech is a rapidly evolving industry, it’s important to stay updated on the latest technological advancements, pursue relevant education, and obtain new and necessary certifications to position yourself on top of this field. Before committing to a career in computer peripheral equipment, make sure to research more about the IT industry and, if you can, reach out to experts and leaders who can give you valuable insights. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and explore different options–that way, you might even find more interesting aspects about this field.