Mechanics, Maintenance & Manufacturing career

Appliance Repair Technician

Also called: Appliance Technician · Home Appliance Repairer · Refrigerator Repair Technician · Field Service Technician

What appliance repair technicians do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
What does an appliance repair technician do?

Home appliance repairers repair, adjust or install all types of household appliances. The median pay is $50,990 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about A few months to a year, and employment is projected to grow +1.9% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

  • Median pay
    $50,990
    $24.51/hour · May 2025
  • Job growth
    +1.9%
    2025–35, slower than average
  • Openings per year
    2,800
    Average, 2025–35
  • Typical entry education
    High school diploma or equivalent
    BLS classification
  • Time to train
    A few months to a year
    Typical program length
  • U.S. jobs
    40,500
    Employment, 2025

What appliance repair technicians do

Appliance repair technicians keep homes running. They drive to customers’ homes, diagnose washers, dryers, refrigerators, ovens and dishwashers, replace parts, handle refrigerants and explain repairs. Many work for service companies or run their own businesses.

A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical; refrigerant work requires EPA certification. BLS projects slow growth.

Typical duties

  • Diagnose appliance problems
  • Replace parts
  • Repair refrigeration systems
  • Read wiring diagrams
  • Install appliances
  • Explain repairs to customers
  • Order parts

Work environment and schedule

Technicians work in customers’ homes and drive between calls.

Schedule: Full time, sometimes Saturdays.

A day in the life

  1. Check the route.
  2. Fix a washer that won’t drain.
  3. Diagnose a warm refrigerator.
  4. Replace a dryer heating element.

See a full day in the life of an appliance repair technician →

Appliance Repair Technician salary

Half of appliance repair technicians earned more than $50,990 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $36,190 for the lowest 10% to $80,660 for the top 10%.

Full appliance repair technician pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become an appliance repair technician

  1. Finish high school
  2. Learn basic electricity
  3. Get hired
  4. Earn EPA 608
  5. Advance

A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical.

Step-by-step guide to becoming an appliance repair technician →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

  • Electrical troubleshooting
  • Refrigeration
  • Wiring diagrams
  • Parts replacement
  • Gas appliance safety

People skills

  • Customer service
  • Problem-solving
  • Honesty
  • Time management

All appliance repair technician skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Independent field work
  • No degree needed
  • Steady demand
  • Can start your own business

Cons

  • Driving between calls
  • Tight spaces
  • Heavy appliances
  • Customer frustration

Certifications and licenses

  • EPA 608 certification: Required for refrigerants.
  • NASTeC certification: Appliance technician credential.
  • Manufacturer training: Brand-specific.
  • Gas appliance training: Helpful.

Career path

  1. Trainee: Entry.
  2. Technician: Repair.
  3. Senior Technician: Complex repairs.
  4. Service Manager or Owner: Lead.

Learn the job before day one

Our Appliance Repair Technician training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as diagnose a refrigerator that isn’t cooling and fix a washer that won’t drain, safety and how to land your first job.

View Appliance Repair Technician trainingIs this career right for me?

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Compare: Appliance Repair Technician vs. HVAC Technician · Appliance Repair Technician vs. Electrician · Appliance Repair Technician vs. RV Technician · Appliance Repair Technician vs. Small Engine Mechanic

Appliance Repair Technician FAQ

Do appliance technicians need a license?

EPA 608 for refrigerants; some states license repair.

Is the job growing?

BLS projects slow growth.

Can I start my own business?

Many do.

How much does an appliance repair technician make?

The median annual wage for appliance repair technicians was $50,990 ($24.51 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $36,190 and the highest 10% earned more than $80,660.

How long does it take to become an appliance repair technician?

Most people need about A few months to a year of training. A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical.

Do you need a degree to be an appliance repair technician?

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.

More appliance repair technician questions →

Sources

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

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