Appliance Repair Technician
Appliance Repair
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.
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
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
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
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
Common Questions About the Appliance Repair Technician Trade
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