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Do you have a knack for hands-on problem-solving and are currently seeking to start a new career with strong job security?
If so, becoming an Appliance Repair Technician could be the right career pathway for you!
The BLS reports that it expects the demand for new Appliance Repair Technicians to remain steady as Americans call for designated and well-trained service providers to help them fix small and large appliances.
What Do Appliance Repair Technicians Do?
Today’s Appliance Repair Technicians are highly skilled service professionals who are trained to work with the intricacies of today’s digitally connected and smart appliances used in homes and businesses across the country.
A large part of the APT job description involves diagnosing and troubleshooting mechanical issues, electrical issues, hardware issues, and beyond.
Appliance Repair Technicians are Typically Trained to Service, Maintain, and Repair The Following Commercial and Household Appliances:
- Refrigerators and Large Kitchen Appliances
- Washing Machine Service and Repair
- Commercial Dryer Service and Repair
- Residential and Commercial Dishwasher Repair
- Microwave Repair
- Smart Appliance Repair
- Air Conditioner Repair
- Water Heater Repair
Now that you know what appliances well-trained APTs can repair, let’s discuss the average training, salary, and educational cost of becoming a certified Appliance Repair Technician in the US.
Appliance Repair Technician Training
If you are thinking about becoming a commercial or residential repair technician, the first step towards becoming a well-paid Appliance Repair Technician is getting the proper training, education, and licensing or certification where required.
Prospective APTs should note that the amount of education and training they will need can vary based on the career role they are seeking and their employer’s requirements.
The starting salaries for commercial techs are typically higher than those of residential techs, but commercial technicians may also undergo specialized training.
For example, high-earning technicians who work with air conditioning repair and refrigerants may need to obtain special licensing or Section 608 Certification from the Environmental Protection Agency.
Specialized credentials tell potential employers and industry peers that technicians have been well-trained in the use of chemicals, tools, and equipment that can negatively impact the environment if mishandled or misused.
Research the career role of interest before enrolling in APT training to make sure that your career goals and credentials are in alignment.
Most prospective technicians begin their careers by researching local, regional, and online programs offered by the following educational providers and certification or credentialing agencies.
- Local Community Colleges and Trade Schools
- Regional Online Appliance Technician Training Programs
- Workforce Development Training Programs
- Employer-Sponsored Programs
- Certification Agency Training
- Environmental Protection Agency
Appliance Repair Technician Salary Average – US
America’s BLS shows an ongoing need for the services of licensed and highly skilled appliance repairers in the US.
It also says that Home Appliance Repairer salaries average around $42,000 per year depending on several factors which can include the number of years on the job, number of years of education and training, licenses obtained, certification status, and employer type.
The BLS reports the highest-earning Home Appliance Repair techs bringing in just over $62,000.00 per year, while the lowest-paid techs earn just over $24,000.00 annually.
On the commercial side of the salary scale, Commercial and Industrial Equipment Repairers with electrical and electronics repair skills start at an average annual salary of almost $70,000.00 per year.
The lowest earners on the commercial side average around $41,600.00 per year and the highest-paid Commercial Repair Technicians are reported to bring in over $100,000.00 annually.
How Much Does it Cost to Become an Appliance Repair Technician?
If you’re looking for a high-paying career where you can use your hands-on problem-solving skills to repair major and minor appliances in a residential or commercial environment, salary data shows that Appliance Repair Technicians are bringing in the dough on both sides.
In this case, it looks like the educational investment will pay off over time.
So how much does it cost to become an Appliance Repair Technician in the US?
Consider the Following Costs When Estimating Educational Expenses for APT Training:
- Appliance Repair Training Programs: $500.00 – $2,000.00
- Background Checks: $50.00 – $100.00
- Drug Screening: $50.00 – $100.00
- EPA Certification: $25.00 – $150.00 per certification
- Industry-Related Certification: $50.00 – $100.00 per exam
- Tools and Supplies: $200.00 – $1,000.00+
- Uniforms and Equipment: $50.00 – $300.00
Technicians who have financial concerns about paying for their education seek scholarships, financial aid options, and payment plans for programs that offer these options to help make paying the cost of tuition easier.
APT hopefuls should do their due diligence and be sure to know the costs of training programs, application fees, and other program costs before applying or enrolling in a program.
Key Takeaways
- The Demand for Skilled Appliance Repair Technicians is Expected to Remain Consistent
- Becoming an Appliance Repair Technician Can Lead to a Rewarding and High Paying Career
- Most People Complete The Minimum Required Education and Training to Work as a Licensed or Certified Repair Technician
- EPA Certification is Required for Technicians Who Work with Environmentally Impacting Refrigerants
Sources
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commerical and Industrial Equipment – BLS
https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes492094.htm
Home Appliance Repairers – BLS
https://www.bls.gov/oes/2019/may/oes499031.htm
Section 608 Technician Certification Requirements – US EPA
https://www.epa.gov/section608/section-608-technician-certification-requirements