🔌Careers

Appliance Repair

Home appliance repair and maintenance services

$49k/yr median0% growth (10-yr)14,000 openings/yrFast entry (<1 yr)

Wages & Job Outlook

$49k

Median wage

per year

$30k

Entry wage

per year

$79k

Top 10%

per year

14K

Annual openings

jobs per year

0% projected job growth over 10 years — about average.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024) and Occupational Outlook Handbook 2024–34 projections.

Work-Life & Stability

Schedule

Full-time service route, M–F

Environment

indoor

Overtime

rare

Physical demand

moderate

Travel

Travel typically required

Hazard level

Low hazard

Recession-resistant · Classified as essential service

Overview

Appliance repair technicians diagnose and fix household appliances including refrigerators, washers, dryers, dishwashers, ovens, and HVAC-adjacent equipment. Manufacturer certifications differentiate technicians in this competitive field.

Day in the Life

Schedule 5–8 service calls per day. Drive to homes, diagnose appliance issues, order parts or repair on-site. Customer communication is key — explain repair vs. replace economics. Update work order software from van. Invoice and collect payment at appointment.

How to Get Started

On-the-Job Training

on-the-job

Many technicians learn through manufacturer training programs and apprenticing with established service companies

Duration: 1–3 yearsCost: Low / minimal tuition

Trade School / Vocational Program

trade-school

Appliance repair technology programs at vocational and community colleges

Duration: 6–12 monthsCost: Moderate tuition

Certification-First

certification-first

NASTeC or manufacturer certifications (Samsung, LG, Whirlpool) improve employment and wages

Duration: weeksCost: Low / minimal tuition

Find local appliance repair training near you

Programs, apprenticeship openings, and American Job Centers

Find training →

How to Pay for Your Training

Multiple funding programs can offset or eliminate the cost of training. Here are the most commonly applicable ones.

WIOA Individual Training Account (ITA)

Federally funded training voucher for eligible adults and dislocated workers. ITAs pay for approved programs at WIOA-eligible providers (ETPs). Amounts set by local Workforce Development Boards — typically $3,000–$12,000 per year depending on workforce area. Apply at your nearest American Job Center (CareerOneStop).

Up to $12,000

Apply →

Federal Pell Grant

Need-based federal grant up to $7,395/year for eligible students at accredited colleges and trade schools. Does not need to be repaid. Eligible programs include accredited community colleges, for-profit trade schools (UTI, Lincoln, etc.), and union training centers that are accredited institutions.

Up to $7,395

Apply →

Workforce Pell Grant (SAVES Act)

Starting July 1, 2026, Pell Grant eligibility expands to high-quality short-term workforce programs (8–15 weeks) at eligible institutions. For the first time, trade training programs under 600 hours are Pell-eligible — including many HVAC, electrical, and welding certificates. Students earn the same need-based amount as longer programs.

Up to $7,395

Apply →

GI Bill (Post-9/11, Chapter 33) — Apprenticeship

Post-9/11 GI Bill covers On-the-Job Training (OJT) and Registered Apprenticeship programs. Veterans receive a monthly housing allowance (MHA, based on E-5 w/dependents BAH at program location) that scales up as they advance through the apprenticeship. Covers full 3–5 year apprenticeship programs.

Up to $3,200

Apply →

See all programs you may qualify for →

Career Ladder

Appliance Repair Helper

$30k/yr

0–1 yrs exp.

Assists lead tech, helps with heavy appliance moving

Junior Appliance Technician

$40k/yr

1–2 yrs exp.

Handles straightforward repairs under supervision

Appliance Technician

$54k/yr

2–7 yrs exp.

Works independently on full range of appliances

Master Appliance Technician

$68k/yr

7+ yrs exp.

Handles complex diagnostics, mentors junior techs

Appliance Repair Operator

$82k/yr

5+ yrs exp.

Owns appliance repair service company

Licensing by State

State	Required?	License type	Issuing body
CA	Yes	Appliance Service Dealer Registration (Electronic & Appliance Repair Dealer)	California Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS, DCA), formerly BEARHFTI
TX	No	–	–
FL	No	–	–
NY	No	–	–
IL	No	–	–
PA	No	–	–
OH	No	–	–
GA	No	–	–
NC	No	–	–
MI	No	–	–
WA	No	–	–
AZ	No	–	–
VA	No	–	–
NJ	No	–	–
TN	No	–	–