How to Hire (and Keep) Skilled Field Techs in a Tough Labor Market
September 23, 2025
Why has hiring field technicians for site servicing become so difficult? Why is retaining them equally challenging? The reasons are numerous, and for some service-based companies, overcoming these issues can seem impossible.
Fortunately, if your business depends on hiring and retaining skilled field technicians, there is a path forward. Between adjusting the salaries you offer and partnering with an experienced staffing firm, there are many things you can do to hire (and keep) skilled field techs in this tough labor market.
Understanding the Challenges
Undoubtedly, high turnover is the biggest challenge facing the leaders and hiring managers at service-based businesses. But why has it become such a problem? The main reason is likely the compensation you offer your techs.
Companies that pay below current market wages often see higher turnover rates, as their most skilled techs tend to leave for better opportunities. Experienced service workers can typically secure what they want elsewhere: competitive pay, career growth opportunities, a supportive work environment, and the right tools to excel in their roles.
Effective Recruitment Strategies
So, how do you address these challenges in a competitive talent market?
The first step is to find a site service staffing agency with experience in your specific field. A recent survey shows that 71% of companies have found outsourcing field service technicians to be an effective strategy. That’s because the right agency can give you immediate access to niche talent networks and dramatically speed up your time-to-hire.
Other tips include leveraging technology by posting on targeted online job boards and using an applicant tracking system to manage candidates. Finally, ensure your compensation is competitive by researching market rates and the benefits packages offered by similar service-based businesses.
Comprehensive Onboarding and Training
Equally important is the employee experience after they join your company. You need a structured onboarding program that eases recruits into their new roles.
Beyond onboarding, commit to continuous training to keep tech skills sharp and up-to-date. These programs should help them achieve industry certifications, as this demonstrates your investment in their professional growth. Employees who grow with your company are far more likely to stay and improve your retention metrics.
Creating a Positive Work Environment
As well as substantial compensation and training opportunities, employees want to work in a positive environment. Create a culture of open communication where techs feel comfortable sharing ideas and concerns without fear of reprisal. Hold regular team meetings to align on goals and provide individual feedback.
Don’t forget to recognize and reward outstanding performance. A simple "thank you," a public shout-out, or performance-based incentives can significantly boost morale and make your technicians feel valued.
Providing Career Development Opportunities
Retaining skilled field technicians is easier when they feel they have growth opportunities. By defining career paths (such as moving from a junior tech role to a senior or management position), employees are more likely to stay.
A formal mentorship program could be a part of these career paths. Pairing newer hires with seasoned veterans accelerates skill development and knowledge transfer while building strong professional relationships and deepening loyalty to your company.
Enhancing Work-Life Balance
Service techs can’t work from home, but they still need the same work-life balance that other employees enjoy today. The demanding nature of field service can lead to burnout, a major reason for low employee retention rates.
Where possible, offer flexible scheduling options to help your team manage personal and family responsibilities. Also, provide resources for physical and mental health, such as gym memberships or access to counseling services, to help reduce instances of burnout.
Utilizing Technology to Support Technicians
Some excellent technology for field service technicians exists today, and technicians tend to gravitate toward companies that utilize it. Modern field service management software that streamlines scheduling, dispatching, and reporting. Investing in these tools is critical to retaining skilled field technicians.
Also, provide access to online learning platforms with courses for skill enhancement that help employees upskill. The best systems enable self-paced professional development, which is particularly beneficial for busy technicians.
Monitoring and Improving Retention Strategies
To see if your strategies for retaining skilled field technicians are working, you need a frame of reference. Begin conducting anonymous surveys to measure job satisfaction and identify areas for improvement.
Next, see how these improvements impact your turnover rates. Conduct exit interviews to determine why techs leave, and make further improvements based on the feedback you receive.
Building and Retaining Your Field Service Tech Team
In today’s competitive talent market, hiring field technicians for site servicing requires a multifaceted strategy. The same can be said of retaining skilled field technicians. The good news is you don’t have to address these challenges alone. HireQuest Direct understands the challenges faced by service-based businesses today and can provide the talent you need for exceptional customer service.
To learn more, find a HireQuest Direct office near you today.