How to Become an Appliance Repair Technician in Illinois

If you’re considering a career as an appliance repair technician and want to know if it’s right for you, you’re in the right place.

In this article, I’ll explain the details of the appliance technician profession, covering everything from job details to responsibilities.

We’ll also give you a step-by-step guide to help you become the high-demand appliance technician you aspire to be.

So, read on!

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Appliance Repair Technician Job Description and Responsibilities in Illinois

As mentioned, I’ll detail the occupational responsibilities, so you can realize better if this is indeed the career path for you.

Appliance repair techs are faced with these issues daily:

• Fixing damaged appliances
• Maintaining the functioning ones
• Installing and/or adjusting appliances
• Using the correct tools for the job
• Providing the estimated cost of the work
• Ensuring they have the correct spare parts
• Keeping a data log for bills, work, inventory

The technician needs to perform these tasks either at the client’s location or in the repair shop.

Many appliance technicians specialize in a single type of appliance or a particular electronic brand, a common practice.

Specialized technicians are highly sought after due to their expertise, consistently delivering superior results.

Appliance Repair Technician Training in Illinois

Getting a high school diploma is an initial requirement for this occupation.

Finding a comprehensive training program covering all types of appliances is challenging due to their diversity.

Start your search for a suitable training course at a vocational school.

Explore programs like electrician and plumber courses initially.

After obtaining credentials in these fields, you can delve into specialized classes for repairing electric or gas-operated appliances.

Becoming an HVAC technician or a steamfitter can enhance your proficiency in this profession.

Now, let’s discover educational institutions in Connecticut offering training for aspiring appliance repair technicians.

Fred’s Appliance Academy 

This academy offers classes on campus and online, but the campus is in Ohio, making it less accessible.

Learn about:

• Microwaves
• Refrigerators
• Washers
• Dryers
• Dishwashers
• Ranges

Some appliances operate with gas or electricity.

As a future repair tech, you may specialize in one appliance, regardless of its power source.

For online learning, tuition is:

• $1,365 for the entire suite
• Between $200 and $570 for a single appliance type

In-person course tuition is:

• $5,200 Diagnostic & Repair Foundations (3 weeks)
• $2,000 Diagnostic & Repair Foundations – Refrigerators (1 week)

This fee covers 2 meals during the weekdays.

Dyer Appliance Repair Academy

The primary drawback of this training academy is its Texas location, necessitating travel for students.

Online classes are not available, but Dyer has discount agreements with a few lodging places.

Classes span two weeks, occurring during daytime hours from Monday to Friday.

A weekend course on sealed systems diagnostics and repair is also offered.

While bringing laptops and tools is recommended for future students, it’s not mandatory.

The curriculum covers various topics, including:

• Basic Electricity,
• Lokring/R600,
• Service Mode Diagnostics,
• Multimeter Usage,
• Reading Schematics.

Master Samurai Tech

This institution exclusively provides online classes, offering various course bundles with different price tags for prospective students.

For example, the Core Appliance Repair Training is among the top choices.

Priced at $795, the program spans 40 to 80 hours, comprising 10 modules and 70 units.

The final module, consisting of four sub-modules, is dedicated to the exam you’ll need to pass and post-graduation plans.

Obtaining the Appliance Repair Technician License in Illinois

The Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) in Illinois oversees appliance repair techs in this state.

What’s interesting is that you can obtain different credentials through the Department.

These are:

• Appliance Maintenance Technician
• Appliance Maintenance Technician with Certification Requirements

The first group of technicians can work on virtually any appliance found in a home.

The second group needs extra nationally recognized credentials that focus on specific brands of goods.

Regardless of which one you choose, you’ll need:

• To pass some exams
• A clear background check
• Submit an application
• Pay the appropriate fees

One of the licenses mentioned earlier requires candidates to pass an exam.

Maintaining Your Appliance Repair Tech License In Illinois

In this state, the license gets renewed every 2 years.

During this period, you’ll have to complete 16 hours of approved continuing education classes.

Renewing the license also requires paying the associated fee.

Proof of continuing your education, the fee, and a renewal application form must be sent to the Department.

Appliance Repair Technician Salary in Illinois

The average annual wage for this position in the US is $49,214.

In Illinois, appliance repair technicians earn approximately $50,672 annually.

To identify regions with higher pay, refer to the table below.

Regional Salary in Illinois

Appliance Repair Technician Schools by State