Day in the life
A Day in the Life of an Appliance Repair Technician
What appliance repair technicians actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for an appliance repair technician?
Check the route. From there, the day usually includes diagnose appliance problems, replace parts, and repair refrigeration systems. Full time, sometimes Saturdays.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for an appliance repair technician working full time.
- Check the route.
- Fix a washer that won’t drain.
- Diagnose a warm refrigerator.
- Replace a dryer heating element.
- Install a dishwasher.
- Order a control board.
- Close tickets.
Where appliance repair technicians work
Technicians work in customers’ homes and drive between calls.
Hours and schedule
Full time, sometimes Saturdays.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Diagnose appliance problems
- Replace parts
- Repair refrigeration systems
- Read wiring diagrams
- Install appliances
- Explain repairs to customers
- Order parts
Tools you’ll use every day
- Multimeters
- Refrigerant gauges
- Hand tools
- Diagnostic apps
- Appliance dollies
- Tablets
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Independent field work
- No degree needed
- Steady demand
- Can start your own business
What’s hard
- Driving between calls
- Tight spaces
- Heavy appliances
- Customer frustration
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like fixing things
- I like working on my own
- I like customers
- I don’t mind driving
- I might start a business
- I don’t need a degree
Not sure? Take the free Appliance Repair Technician fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Unplug appliances
- Shut off gas
- Handle refrigerant safely
- Lift with dollies