Career comparison
Appliance Repair Technician vs. Electrician
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Electricians earn more at the median ($63,190 vs. $50,990), while appliance repair technicians usually get to work faster (A few months to a year of training). Appliance repair technicians fix washers, dryers, refrigerators and ovens in people’s homes. Electricians install, maintain and repair electrical wiring, panels and equipment safely to code.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Appliance Repair Technician | Electrician | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $50,990 ($24.51/hr) | $63,190 ($30.38/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $36,190 – $80,660 | $42,640 – $108,510 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +1.9% (slower than average) | +9.2% (much faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 2,800 | 72,700 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | A few months to a year | 4–5 years (paid apprenticeship) |
| Key credential | EPA 608 certification | Journeyman electrician license |
| Work setting | Technicians work in customers’ homes and drive between calls.. | Electricians work indoors and outdoors at construction sites, homes, businesses and factories. |
What each job does
Appliance Repair Technician
- Diagnose appliance problems
- Replace parts
- Repair refrigeration systems
- Read wiring diagrams
- Install appliances
Electrician
- Read blueprints, schematics and electrical plans
- Install conduit, wiring, panels, breakers, receptacles and fixtures
- Inspect and test electrical systems with meters and testers
- Troubleshoot and repair faults in circuits, motors and controls
- Follow the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local codes
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work and problem-solving. They sit in different fields, mechanics, maintenance & manufacturing and skilled trades & construction, but share transferable skills such as customer service and problem-solving.
Which should you choose?
Choose appliance repair technician if…
- I like fixing things
- I like working on my own
- I like customers
Choose electrician if…
- I like working with my hands and solving technical problems
- I’m comfortable with math and following detailed diagrams
- I respect safety rules, and follow them every time
Still torn? Take the Appliance Repair Technician fit quiz and the Electrician fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, appliance repair technician or electrician?
Electricians earn more at the median: $63,190 versus $50,990 for appliance repair technicians, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Appliance Repair Technicians typically train faster (A few months to a year) than electricians (4–5 years (paid apprenticeship)).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects electricians to grow +9.2% from 2025–35, compared with +1.9% for appliance repair technicians.