How to Become an Appliance Repair Technician in New Jersey

In a household, a malfunctioning appliance is an unforeseen inconvenience.

Commercial settings are faced with a big problem if this were to happen on their premises.

An appliance repair technician needs to come as soon as possible so that the damages will be minimal.

If you’re someone who can use their hands on small yet potentially dangerous items, you could be a good candidate for a career as an appliance repair technician in New Jersey.

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Read on if you are intrigued by this idea!

Job Description and Responsibilities of Appliance Repair Technicians in New Jersey

Knowing ahead of time your job duties is useful.

Here are the ones encountered the most:

• Rectifying damaged appliances
• Sustaining the functionality of operational ones
• Installing and/or adjusting appliances
• Utilizing the appropriate tools for each job
• Providing an estimated cost for the work
• Ensuring the availability of correct spare parts
• Maintaining a comprehensive data log for bills, work details, and inventory

These duties can be carried out either on-site for clients or within the confines of a repair facility.

Usually, appliance repair technicians in New Jersey choose to specialize in a particular appliance or brand.

This gives them a better chance to get hired and earn a higher salary.

Training for Appliance Repair Technicians in New Jersey

As with any profession, completing training is a requirement for entering the workforce.

Securing a suitable training program for aspiring appliance repair technicians poses a challenge due to the industry’s diverse branches and specialized appliances.

Consider enrolling in a trade school offering programs for plumbers or electricians as a viable option.

Or, you can enroll in a college to pursue a specialized course is a recommended avenue.

Program durations vary, with some courses lasting as briefly as two weeks.

Keep in mind that a high school diploma or GED is mandatory, along with:

• A valid driver’s license
• A clean background record
• The ability to lift about 50 lbs.
• Successful completion of a drug test

These are some of the institutions where specialized training is offered for candidates in New Jersey.

Dyer Appliance Academy 

This web-based academy is a place where future appliance repair techs can attend several different courses meant to give them the necessary skills to get hired.

A standout feature of this educational portal is the Appliance Repair Technician Program.

Condensed yet thorough, this intensive two-week course not only imparts the fundamental elements of the trade but delves into more advanced topics.

This is a brief list of topics you’ll learn about: 

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

AC/C TECH

This is another academy that offers classes solely online.

Its tuition is affordable at around $2,267 especially considering it will also cover books and some of the tools you’ll need.

Once your training is complete, repairing the following appliances will seem like a piece of cake:

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

Obtaining the Appliance Repair Technician License in New Jersey

Not many states have laws regarding appliance repair technicians, and it seems New Jersey is one of them.

You can get a related license, like for HVACR, or the nationally recognized certification from NASTeC.

Before you make any decision, ensure you first verify with your local authorities and possible employers.

This way you’ll know for sure which credential is best to prepare for.

For the certification, you’ll have to pass an exam.

The test can be taken online or using traditional methods such as paper and pencil.

The questions are put together by a team of:

• Manufacturers – 6 of them
• A national retailer
• 7 vocational schools
• 14 independent businesses

These are the certification levels you can obtain through NASTeC:

• Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
• Cooking
• Laundry and Dishwashing
• Universal Technician

The last one includes the 3 specializations mentioned above and basic skills.

The EPA Refrigerant Recovery Certification is needed for the first option on the list.

Here’s what each exam will look like:

• Basic Skills Examination: 80 multiple-choice questions
• Specialty Examinations: Washer, Dryer, Dishwasher, Disposer and Trash
• Compactor Certification Examination: 40 multiple-choice questions
• Range/Oven and Microwave Oven Certification Examination: 40 multiple-choice questions
• Refrigerator/Freezer, Room Air Conditioner, and Dehumidifier Certification Examination: 40 multiple-choice questions

Keep in mind there are some fees to be paid, including the $20 processing fee that cannot be returned if you can’t take the exam.

Appliance Repair Technician Salary in New Jersey

Projections indicate a 20% job growth for appliance repair technicians in New Jersey over the next decade.

The next step in your journey is finding out how much money you will earn.

While the national average annual wage for this profession is $49,316 appliance repair technicians in New Jersey earn an approximate annual income of $54,292.

For more detailed salary information and potential areas for higher income, refer to the accompanying table.

Regional Salary in New Jersey

Appliance Repair Technician Schools by State