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Appliance Repair Technicians Job Overview

Appliance repair technicians service and repair machines such as washers and refrigerators. Some repair technicians work on small appliances such as microwaves or vacuum cleaners, while others specialize in major appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, washers and dryers and air conditioning units. They use a variety of hand tools, power tools and computerized testing devices to diagnose problems. Dealing with the customers is an important part of their work, which includes answering questions, responding to complaints and giving information on the care of appliances.

Appliance Repair Technicians Schools and Degrees

Professional-technical schools or two-year colleges offer formal training in appliance repair or electronics, which grant appliance repair technicians certificates or associate’s degree. In these programs, they learn by reading schematic drawings, analyzing problems, following safety procedures and also learn to make decisions of whether to replace or repair parts. The National Appliance Service Technician Certification, administered by the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians, requires repair technicians to pass a comprehensive examination that tests their competence in the diagnosis, repair and maintenance of major home appliances. The Professional Service Association administers a similar certification program. Those who pass the PSA examination earn the Certified Appliance Professional (CAP) designation.

Job Requirements

As technology is changing quickly, appliance repair technicians should be aware of the new developments in their field. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has made it mandatory for repair technicians to pass a written examination to become certified in proper handling of appliances. Exams are administered by EPA-approved organizations, such as trade schools, unions and employer associations. Appliance repair technicians should have mechanical and electrical knowledge. They also need to be courteous, as they need to frequently interact with people. Those who are self-employed need good business and financial skills to maintain their business.

Nature of Work

Appliance repair technicians inspect appliances when problems are reported. First they check for unusual noises, excessive vibration, fluid leakage or loose parts to determine the cause of the failure. Then they disassemble the appliance to examine the internal parts. They follow service manuals and use testing devices such as ammeters and voltmeters to check electrical systems for shorts and faulty connections. Once the problem is identified, they repair or replace the defective parts.

Repair technicians who handle portable appliances usually work in quiet and ventilated repair shops. Those who repair major appliances may spend several hours a day driving to and from appointments and emergency calls. They work a standard 40-hour week, but overtime and working on weekends is possible. Some repair technicians work early morning, evening and weekend shifts. They may remain on call incase of an emergency.

Appliance Repair Technicians Jobs and Outlook

According to research in 2006, appliance repair technicians held about 57,000 jobs in the US. That number is expected to grow by 2% in the next ten years. Employment is the highest in the following industries:

• Building Equipment Contractors
• Dry-cleaning and Laundry Services
• Electronics and Appliance Stores
• Natural Gas Distribution
• Personal and Household Goods Repair and Maintenance

The mean hourly wage for appliance repair technicians in the US is about $16.92, while the mean annual wages are around $35,200.

Job Numbers and Growth

About 57,000 appliance repair technicians can be found working in the US. A very low unemployment level has been the case recently. Employees without jobs were about 3%.

Area Job Conditions

Finding appliance repair technicians is easiest in Colorado Springs (Colorado), Burlington (Vermont), and Haverhill (Massachusetts), and by comparison more challenging in Las Vegas (Nevada), Boston (Massachusetts), and Memphis (Tennessee).

The pay is best in Tucson (Arizona), Las Vegas (Nevada), and Columbus (Ohio) and worst in Colorado Springs (Colorado), Saginaw (Michigan), and Billings (Montana).

Training and Education

You'll generally want long-term on-the-job training for this career path. Of current appliance repair technicians, 7% graduated from college with degrees. Some 43% of workers attened college but did not go on to get a bachelor's degree. A high school education was sufficient for 50% of employees. Recommended schools are shown in the column to the right; request information from them to help you decide which if any could help you with this career.

Part-Time Work and Self-Employment

Appliance repair technicians working part-time accounted for 9% of those employed in 2008. Self-employed workers represent an estimated 27% of the total.

Appliance Repair Technicians by Metropolitan Area (city and its surroundings)

In the table below, a Job Density near 0% means the area has an average number of people in this occupation, for its population. A higher or lower Job Density (e.g., +22% or -45%) tells you there are that many more or fewer workers of that type there than in the average US metro area. So, the higher the number, the more common the occupation.

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

California

Colorado

Delaware

District of Columbia

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

Nevada

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

West Virginia

Wisconsin