Written by NextService
Field service is undergoing significant change. Field service technicians have seen their roles transform dramatically in the last five years, and this trend is set to continue. According to research from Bain & Company, 62% of technicians surveyed report their work has changed significantly in the last 3–5 years, and 93% expect even more transformation in the years ahead. As these roles evolve, many service engineer and service technician jobs now include expanded responsibilities, often resulting in higher average salaries. Companies across industries are adjusting compensation packages to meet rising demands, requiring more advanced skills for a variety of positions in the field service sector.
Why Field Service is Changing
Several forces are driving this change, with the COVID-19 pandemic as a major catalyst. Demand for services, especially those focused on the home, surged during the pandemic, and technicians faced new sanitation and social distancing requirements. Customer expectations also shifted, with a greater emphasis on seamless and rapid service. These changes appear lasting, and many companies now offer more competitive salaries for both entry-level and experienced service engineers who can adapt to new health and safety protocols.
Even before the pandemic, technology was reshaping the way technicians work. Digital tools have streamlined tasks, eliminated many pain points and expanded what technicians can accomplish. Laptops, smartphones and other devices have replaced clipboards and paper forms, enabling field engineers to access information and support on-site, with data automatically entered into digital systems. The long-term impact of technology in the hands of field service engineers will likely surpass that of the pandemic. For many, adopting these tools can improve career prospects and significantly increase salaries over time.
Economic factors are also influencing field work. The rise of the “green economy” is creating new opportunities in areas like solar panel installation and energy efficiency auditing, while requiring technicians to minimize environmental impact. Increased infrastructure spending and greater integration of technology into homes and offices are further boosting demand for field service jobs and changing expectations. These factors are driving up salaries as companies compete to attract and retain talent.
These forces are pushing field service technicians to perform at higher levels, but the rewards are substantial. As field service becomes more advanced and impactful, technicians—especially those with diverse skills—can expect increased demand for their expertise and higher pay. This period of transformation offers more positions, new job titles and expanded career growth opportunities.
Employment Outlook for Field Service Technicians
The trends above are increasing demand for more technicians and new types of roles. At the same time, a wave of retirements—accelerated by the pandemic—has left many organizations with talent and skills gaps. As a result, field service providers are actively recruiting and hiring. This demand extends to service engineer candidates, field engineer job seekers and technicians with specialized digital skills.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that demand in the U.S. for installation, maintenance and repair occupations will grow by 5%, adding 304,000 new jobs each year between 2021 and 2031. Companies also need replacements for retiring workers, pushing total annual hiring to 628,000. These estimates may be conservative, as the BLS does not include emerging field service roles like home automation or IoT installers, or less-skilled positions like home cleaners and landscapers. A broader definition of field service could push demand even higher, benefiting anyone looking to start or advance a career in this field.
Demand now exceeds supply. Retirements have outpaced the pipeline of new talent, and as companies seek technicians with digital skills, the available talent pool shrinks further. This presents workforce management challenges for providers but creates strong opportunities for technicians skilled in advanced or specialized tasks. Compensation is at an all-time high across field service sectors, and for some engineering roles, salary packages can rival those in other high-demand fields.
10 High Paying Field Service Jobs
Below are ten lucrative field service jobs. While some highly specialized engineers can command six-figure salaries, this list highlights high-paying roles in industries with significant and growing demand. Each job title is followed by the national median pay in 2021 and the state with the highest median wage, according to the BLS. Actual salaries can vary by location and specialization.
- Line Installers & Repairers – Median Wage: $74,530 – Highest Wage: $104,480
Professionals who service electrical power systems and telecom cables are well-compensated for their skills and for the risks involved. They are in high demand for laying fiber optic cables, and many companies offer robust benefits to attract talent for these critical infrastructure roles. - Mobile Aircraft Mechanics – Median Wage: $65,550 – Highest Wage: $84,240
Aircraft maintenance is essential, and mechanics willing to travel earn a premium. Rising private plane ownership is creating more opportunities. In aerospace defense, these roles often require specialized aviation knowledge. - Control and Valve Installers and Repairers – Median Wage: $62,760 – Highest Wage: $86,850
Technicians servicing regulating and controlling devices—such as thermostats, electric meters and gas regulators—bring specialized skills to challenging environments. As these controls become more advanced, pay is expected to rise. These roles often overlap with typical engineering responsibilities. - Electronics Installers & Repairers – Median Wage: $61,760 – Highest Wage: $112,760
Technicians skilled in installing and repairing electrical systems can expect long-term relevance and strong pay. There is significant potential to upskill and specialize, increasing earnings. Entry-level candidates can often move into engineering roles with the right training. - Telecommunications Equipment Installers & Repairers – Median Wage: $60,370 – Highest Wage: $86,630
Given the importance of communications systems, technicians who keep them running earn competitive wages. This industry is constantly evolving, providing advancement opportunities for ambitious engineers. Salaries often depend on certifications and technical skills. - Radio, Cellular and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers – Median Wage: $60,360 – Highest Wage: $94,740
These roles involve significant travel, risk and technical expertise, reflected in their pay. With few qualified candidates, technicians are in a strong position. Many telecom companies now offer structured career paths and comprehensive training. - Industrial Machinery Mechanics – Median Wage: $59,380 – Highest Wage: $78,780
Maintaining industrial equipment remains crucial, and skilled technicians command high wages. As factories adopt new tech-enabled equipment, demand and wage growth for field service engineers will remain strong. These roles often require advanced diagnostics as well as mechanical expertise. - Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers – Median Wage: $57,670 – Highest Wage: $81,000
Technicians working on sensitive machines with high accuracy requirements earn salaries that reflect their unique skills. As production processes demand greater consistency and quality, demand for these technicians will rise. This niche offers opportunities to expand into specialized roles. - Wind Turbine Technicians – Median Wage: $56,260 – Highest Wage: $99,570
Technicians installing and servicing wind turbines benefit from the growth of alternative energy. As more turbines are deployed, opportunities and salaries increase in this expanding sector. - Mobile Equipment Service Technicians – Median Wage: $53,770 – Highest Wage: $80,650
Even before the pandemic, more service providers offered mobile or on-site options, with higher wages for travel. Technicians willing to work on the road are in demand, and salary offerings for mobile roles often match those of similar responsibility levels.
Global and Future Outlook for Field Service Technicians
The figures above relate to U.S. technicians, but the global outlook is similarly positive. The same forces driving demand and limiting supply are present in Europe, Asia and elsewhere. In Asia, where development is accelerating, the talent shortage may be even more pronounced. While wages may vary by region, service engineers with in-demand skills can expect strong compensation and abundant opportunities worldwide.
This trend is expected to continue for years. One estimate suggests the global skilled talent shortage will reach over 85 million workers by 2030. While not all of these roles are in field service, demand for technical skills will far outpace supply, resulting in higher pay and better opportunities for qualified technicians. For those willing to train and acquire new skills, the coming years offer a chance to significantly increase earnings and rethink career paths. Companies in sectors like aerospace defense are actively recruiting skilled field service engineers, offering a range of roles with strong salary potential.
Field Service Management (FSM) Software – A Technician’s Most Important Tool
As discussed, field service is changing rapidly, much of it driven by technology. Technicians who are comfortable with technology and eager to use it are in the best position to secure top jobs and compensation. Technical skills are becoming as essential as traditional service skills, and these abilities directly impact earning potential.
The outlook for field service technology is especially bright for those proficient with field service management (FSM) software. FSM software is a suite of tools technicians can access in the field through a phone or laptop to facilitate service delivery. Using FSM software improves performance, safety, compliance and customer engagement, making technicians more valuable to employers. Technicians should embrace FSM software, seek out employers who utilize it and highlight their experience with these tools when job hunting. Proficiency with FSM can significantly boost both entry-level and experienced engineer salaries through streamlined workflows and efficient job execution.
To learn more about how TimeLinx PSM can help your service company, Contact us .
