How to Become an Appliance Repair Technician in California

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How to Become an Appliance Repair Technician in California

A sudden malfunction of a frequently used appliance can turn an ordinary day into a formidable challenge.

In commercial settings, what may start as a mere inconvenience has the potential to spiral into a full-blown crisis.

It is precisely in these pivotal moments that the role of an appliance repair technician becomes crucial.

If your aspirations align with becoming the reliable go-to person in these high-pressure situations, you’ve found yourself in the ideal space!

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This article serves as your guide, unraveling the journey toward becoming an appliance repair technician, tuned to the distinctive setting of California.

Appliance Repair Technician Job Description and Responsibilities in California

The responsibilities of an appliance repair technician in California are varied.

Within this dynamic environment, technicians are entrusted with a spectrum of duties, including:

  • Rectifying damaged appliances
  • Ensuring the seamless functionality of operational ones
  • Expertly installing and/or adjusting a diverse array of appliances
  • Precision in utilizing the correct tools for each unique job
  • Offering clients transparent and precise cost estimates
  • Guaranteeing an abundant supply of spare parts
  • Maintaining meticulous records of their work, creating a comprehensive archive

Whether performing tasks on-site at a client’s location or within the confines of a specialized repair shop, technicians in California need both versatility and expertise.

Technicians who choose to focus on a specific type or brand of appliance rise to the forefront.

Whether it’s working with cutting-edge kitchen appliances or becoming the trusted authority on a brand, specialization transforms technicians from repair professionals into artisans of their craft.

Appliance Repair Technician Training in California

Embarking on a journey toward a career as an appliance repair technician requires a foundational step.

That is obtaining a high school diploma or a GED.

However, the pursuit of expertise doesn’t end there, as the diverse nature of appliances demands specialized training.

Various paths unfold for those aspiring to become appliance technicians.

One route involves enrolling in a specialized training program, typically offered by local vocational schools or high schools.

Completion of such a program culminates in the attainment of a valuable technician certification, marking the initial steps toward professional proficiency.

Alternatively, aspiring technicians can opt for enrollment in an appliances trade school, a comprehensive platform that facilitates qualification in the field.

Beyond appliance repair, trade schools often present additional programs such as an electrician or plumber training, broadening the skill set of aspiring professionals.

For those aiming to specialize further, tailored training in repairing appliances utilizing gas or electricity is available.

Courses like HVAC or steamfitting provide additional expertise in these specific areas, enhancing the technician’s versatility in addressing varied appliance needs.

Speaking of California, one question arises – which schools pave the way for aspiring appliance repair technicians in this state?

Brownson Technical School

Brownson Technical School offers an HVAC/R program, ensuring that students remain ahead of the industry curve.

You will receive training in:

  • Heating
  • Ventilation
  • Air Conditioning
  • Refrigeration repair
  • Maintenance
  • Design

The programs are meticulously crafted to provide hands-on training explicitly geared toward relevant HVAC certification exams.

This approach ensures that each student, regardless of their background, receives targeted and effective preparation for the challenges and opportunities within the HVAC/R profession.

The programs offered by this school usually last for 10 months.

The schedule is flexible, so you can choose weekend classes or regular ones.

You can also choose a hybrid of online and on-campus courses.

School Name Address
Brownson Technical School 1110 S Technology Cir, Unit D, Anaheim, CA 92805
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Obtaining the Appliance Repair Technician License in California

While certification is not mandatory, you should still consider getting the National Appliance Service Technician Certification (NASTeC).

In this state, the licensing entity is the Bureau of Household Goods and Services.

The general requirements are:

  • Legal resident of the USA
  • At least 18 years old
  • Paying the license fee
  • Meeting other prerequisites set by the Department
  • Passing a test

Renewal and Continuing Education for Appliance Repair Technicians in California

Certifications need to be renewed after 24 months.

For that, you need to take six hours of continuing education.

This is only needed starting with the second renewal.

These hours must be completed by the last day of the renewal period.

First-time license renewals do not necessitate continuing education.

It’s important to note that licenses must be renewed promptly to maintain an active status.

Appliance Repair Technician Salary in California

You may want to know what your salary will be for this position.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows an industry increase of 24% over the next few years

So, you will get a job as soon as you start looking for one.

You should also know that the average wage for appliance repair technicians at the national is $49,214 per year.

In this state, you can expect to earn around $54,283.

Look at the table below for more info on salaries in various areas.

Annual Salary Range:
$43K
$54K
$65K
10%
50%
90%
Annual Salary by Location:
Location Avg. Annual Salary
Santa Clara $61,764
Alviso $61,764
Sunnyvale $61,764
Alameda $60,041
Alamo $59,904
San Ramon $59,845
Tujunga $55,135
Acton $54,929
Yountville $54,756
Windsor $54,392

Regional Salary in California

Region Employed Avg. Annual Salary Avg. Hourly Pay Top 10% Annual Salary Bottom 10% Annual Salary
Bakersfield, CA2,570$51,970$24.99$75,770$34,370
Chico, CA750$52,480$25.23$77,220$35,160
El Centro, CA460$52,490$25.24$76,690$34,530
Fresno, CA3,240$50,800$24.42$72,550$33,800
Hanford-Corcoran, CA450$55,360$26.62$74,770$35,660
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA43,910$55,410$26.64$80,630$36,340
Madera, CA420$50,940$24.49$74,590$34,180
Merced, CA790$54,730$26.31$77,650$35,450
Modesto, CA1,680$56,810$27.31$78,600$36,180
Napa, CA730$59,210$28.47$82,610$38,110
Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA2,310$53,760$25.85$76,960$36,060
Redding, CA550$51,820$24.91$75,520$34,890
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA13,820$54,700$26.3$76,330$35,270
Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA7,550$54,820$26.36$77,850$36,670
Salinas, CA1,530$53,160$25.56$77,380$34,710
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA11,620$53,560$25.75$76,470$35,710
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA15,570$67,030$32.23$99,130$41,700
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA7,540$67,330$32.37$100,740$42,690
San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA1,080$52,580$25.28$74,140$35,710
Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA910$55,710$26.79$80,100$36,760
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA1,890$54,010$25.96$77,740$36,430
Santa Rosa, CA1,710$58,740$28.24$82,470$37,680
Stockton-Lodi, CA2,510$56,330$27.08$76,090$35,680
Vallejo-Fairfield, CA1,120$59,300$28.51$84,130$37,710
Visalia-Porterville, CA1,480$52,120$25.06$73,680$33,520
Yuba City, CA430$48,630$23.38$72,030$32,240
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Maintenance and Repair Workers, General, OCC Code 49-9071, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a minimum age to apply for an appliance repair license in California?

The short answer is “no,” but with how much training you’re supposed to undergo expect your career to start at least at 20 years old.

What fees must I pay to be an appliance repair technician in California?

Most of the fees are related to your education for the job and the ones related to becoming certified and/or licensed.

Here are some of the fees you might have to pay:

  • License application fee
  • Exam fee
  • License renewal fee
  • Certificate replacement fee (if you lost the original)
  • Late renewal penalty fees (if applicable)

What skills do I need for an appliance repair tech job in California?

All jobs require a set of skills, and many jobs will even have the same sets as others.

Here are the most important set of skills for an appliance repair tech:

  • Very good interpersonal skills
  • Detail-oriented
  • Creative when it comes to solving problems
  • Able to work with both hands
  • Able to follow instructions
  • Able to commute to the client’s location
  • Good knowledge of electricity
  • Able to work with a computer

USA Appliance Repair Technician Schools by State


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