Encountering the sudden malfunction of a frequently used appliance can turn a day sour and seemingly endless.
If this unfolds in a commercial setting, say a hotel, the situation can quickly spiral into a genuine crisis.
In such scenarios, reaching out to an appliance repair technician often proves to be the salvation.
If you want to be the go-to person for individuals grappling with appliance breakdowns, check out the article below!
Earn your accredited, affordable Appliance Repair career diploma online with Penn Foster in as little as 2 months!
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You will learn how to become a proficient appliance repair technician in Maryland.
Appliance Repair Technician Job Description and Responsibilities in Maryland
One of the first steps to take before getting trained is learning more about your daily responsibilities.
These are:
- Resolving issues with malfunctioning appliances
- Upholding the optimal functioning of operational appliances
- Installing and adjusting various appliances
- Employing the suitable tools for each specific job
- Providing clients with an estimated cost for the required work
- Ensuring the availability of the correct spare parts
- Maintaining a comprehensive data log encompassing bills, work details, and inventory
Appliance Repair Technician Training in Maryland
Securing a high school diploma or its equivalent is a requirement for this position.
Given the diverse array of appliances in existence, locating a comprehensive training program covering all of them poses a challenge.
Vocational schools offer at least two primary programs worth exploring:
- Electrician
- Plumber
Once you acquire credentials in either of these areas, you can attend specialized courses.
Additionally, pursuing roles like HVAC technician or steamfitter serves as just a couple of examples that can significantly contribute to honing the skills required for this profession.
Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering
Enrolling in a certificate program allows for completion in a matter of months.
Or, you can pursue a two-year degree at a community college.
As for tuition, the cost varies based on the chosen program.
According to Education Cost Helper, an HVAC certificate may require an investment as low as $1,200.
Pursuing an associate’s degree could incur tuition costs of around $15,000, while a bachelor’s degree from a state university may amount to approximately $40,000.
Private universities, such as Johns Hopkins, might have higher costs, reaching up to $50,000 per year.
For those leaning towards a non-traditional college path, a formal apprenticeship is recommended by the Maryland Board.
This approach provides a mix of hands-on experience and theory.
Dyer Appliance Academy
In the expansive catalog of courses offered by this online school, the Appliance Repair Technician Program stands out as a comprehensive two-week course.
Within the immersive curriculum of this program, you will explore a wide spectrum of subjects, including but not limited to:
- Basic Electricity
- Dishwashers
- Lokring/R600
- Reading Schematics
- Gas Fundamentals
- Microwaves
- Customer Service Skills
- Multimeter Usage
- Service Mode Diagnostics
- Basic Refrigeration
- Sealed Systems Diagnostics/Repair
- Washers
- Electric & Gas Dryers
This course is designed to provide students with the indispensable skills and knowledge crucial for building a thriving career
School Name | Address |
---|---|
Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering | 3400 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21218 |
Dyer Appliance Academy | online |
Earn your accredited, affordable Appliance Repair career diploma online with Penn Foster in as little as 2 months!
Obtaining the Appliance Repair Technician License in Maryland
The Maryland Board is responsible for granting licenses at various levels within the HVACR field.
Detailed information regarding the licensing criteria can be found on the board’s official website.
SI Examination serves as the examination service provider for the Maryland Board overseeing:
- Heating
- Ventilation
- Air Conditioning
- Refrigeration
Before attempting an exam for licensure as a master, master restricted, limited contractor, journeyman, or journeyman restricted, individuals must apply at PSI.
The PSI staff will carefully assess the application to determine the specific examination for which the applicant qualifies.
Here are the details regarding the exam questions and time limits for various categories:
- Master HVACR Contractor Examination: 100 questions, 240 minutes
- Master Restricted and Journeyman Restricted Air Conditioning: 50 questions, 120 minutes
- Master Restricted and Journeyman Restricted Forced Air: 50 questions, 120 minutes
- Master Restricted and Journeyman Restricted Hydronic: 50 questions, 120 minutes
- Master Restricted and Journeyman Restricted Refrigeration: 50 questions, 120 minutes
- Master Restricted and Journeyman Restricted Ventilation: 40 questions, 90 minutes
- Limited HVACR Contractor: 50 questions, 120 minutes
- HVACR Journeyman: 100 questions, 240 minutes
In terms of fees, the Master exam, Limited Contractor exam, and Journeyman exam all cost $150 each, while each of the other exams is priced at $50.
Examinations are available daily at locations like Baltimore, College Park, and Hagerstown.
To pass the exam, you need a grade of 70%.
Appliance Repair Technician Salary in Maryland
Nationwide, appliance repair techs earn an annual mean wage of $54,690, as reported by the BLS.
However, in Maryland, the annual mean wage for these professionals is around $50,847.
Experience plays a significant role in shaping the salary of an HVAC Technician in Maryland, with increases over time.
Salary fluctuations can be substantial, influenced by factors such as the city of employment, educational background, certifications, and additional skills.
Annual Salary Range:Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
---|---|
Silver Spring | $54,898 |
Beltsville | $54,881 |
Accokeek | $54,800 |
Barstow | $54,652 |
Abell | $54,652 |
Poolesville | $53,811 |
Sherwood | $52,784 |
Templeville | $51,462 |
Berlin | $50,900 |
Dundalk | $50,697 |
Regional Salary in Maryland
Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | 9,630 | $50,910 | $24.48 | $71,480 | $34,140 |
California-Lexington Park, MD | 290 | $48,580 | $23.35 | $63,230 | $33,530 |
Cumberland, MD-WV | 340 | $41,150 | $19.78 | $58,560 | $28,110 |
Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV | 970 | $47,790 | $22.98 | $69,250 | $29,680 |
Salisbury, MD-DE | 1,770 | $44,260 | $21.28 | $61,750 | $30,040 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a minimum age to apply for an appliance repair license in Maryland?
Yes, usually the minimum age for a license in this state is 18, but some individuals might be older than this by the time they obtain their credentials.
What fees must I pay to be an appliance repair technician in Maryland?
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 Maryland?
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
Read the full guide: How to Become an Appliance Repair Technician