Appliance Repair Technician

    Appliance Repair

    CIP Name: Appliance Repair Technician|CIP Code: 47.0106
    SOC Code: 49-9031

    Apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, install, and service major gas, electric, and microwave consumer appliances such as stoves, refrigerators, dryers, water heaters, washers, dishwashers, and commercial units such as ice makers and coffee makers.

    $49K
    Median Salary
    +2.6%
    Job Growth
    6mo-2yr
    Training
    3.1K
    Jobs/Year

    What Appliance Repair Technicians Do

    Apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, install, and service major gas, electric, and microwave consumer appliances such as stoves, refrigerators, dryers, water heaters, washers, dishwashers, and commercial units such as ice makers and coffee makers.

    Common Tasks

    • 1Bill customers for repair work, and collect payment.
    • 2Observe and examine appliances during operation to detect specific malfunctions such as loose parts or leaking fluid.
    • 3Talk to customers or refer to work orders to establish the nature of appliance malfunctions.
    • 4Refer to schematic drawings, product manuals, and troubleshooting guides to diagnose and repair problems.
    • 5Trace electrical circuits, following diagrams, and conduct tests with circuit testers and other equipment to locate shorts and grounds.

    Types of Appliance Repair Technicians

    Appliance MechanicAppliance Repair MechanicAppliance Repair Technician (Appliance Repair Tech)Appliance Service TechnicianAppliance Technician (Appliance Tech)Repair ManRepair TechnicianService Technician (Service Tech)Vacuum Repairer

    Work Environment

    Locations

    • • Customer homes
    • • Appliance repair shops
    • • Retail appliance service departments
    • • Property management and apartment complexes
    • • Commercial kitchens and small businesses

    Schedule

    Most work follows a set daytime schedule, but service calls can include evenings, weekends, and occasional on-call work.

    Physical Demands

    The job involves frequent standing, bending, kneeling, and handling tools and parts throughout the day. You may lift and maneuver heavy appliances and work in tight spaces while troubleshooting electrical and mechanical systems.

    Salary & Job Outlook

    Median $49,410
    $33,280$77,792+
    Entry Level
    10th percentile
    $33,280
    Early Career
    25th percentile
    $40,289
    Median
    50th percentile
    $49,410
    Experienced
    75th percentile
    $61,755
    Top Earners
    90th percentile
    $77,792+

    National Employment: 37,300 jobs

    Top Paying States

    Why Demand May Grow

    Demand may rise as households keep appliances longer and choose repair over replacement to save money. Growth in housing and the number of installed appliances can also increase service calls.

    Skills You'll Need

    Electrical troubleshooting and safe testingMechanical aptitude and tool useReading schematics and service manualsCustomer service and clear communicationAttention to detail and systematic diagnosticsTime management and route planningSafety practices for gas and electrical systems

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Steady need for repair and maintenance services
    • Hands-on work with clear problem-solving outcomes
    • Variety of job sites and daily tasks
    • Opportunities for independent or small-business work
    • Skills transfer to multiple appliance and equipment types

    Cons

    • Physical strain from lifting, kneeling, and awkward positions
    • Customer-facing pressure to fix issues quickly
    • Work can involve travel between service calls
    • Exposure to electrical, gas, and sharp-part hazards
    • Pay can vary with seasonality and service volume
    FAQ

    Common Questions About the Appliance Repair Technician Trade

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