BusinessHABLG appliance repair: Appliance repair technicians spend their days fixing other people’s problems. Using their expertise in appliance technologies, appliance repair technicians install, maintain and repair appliances both commercially and in homes. Understanding the steps to take to become an appliance repair technician can help you determine what training you need to become a successful trade professional. In this article, we discuss the role of an appliance repair technician, explain how to become an appliance repair technician and answer frequently asked questions about this career.
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1. What is an appliance repair technician?
An appliance repair technician is a professional who fixes damaged appliances and maintains functioning ones. These specialists also deal with the initial installation of a home or commercially used appliance. Appliance repair technicians tend to focus on specific equipment or products from an individual manufacturer.
2. What does an appliance repair technician do?
Appliance repair technicians install, adjust and repair appliances. They travel to clients’ homes and businesses to examine appliances and provide estimates on the cost to repair. The appliances they work with may include refrigerators, dryers, washing machines and ovens. The main duties of an appliance repair technician include:
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Diagnosing appliance problems
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Locating the repair or replacement parts needed
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Installing the new parts
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Keeping a detailed record of bills and work
3. How much does an appliance repair technician make?
The national average salary for an appliance repair technician is $53,210 per year. Additional compensation for overtime work can be around $6,250 a year. Salaries vary based on experience, location and the type of appliances they repair.
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4. What is the job outlook for an appliance repair technician?
The U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics predicts a decline in employment opportunities for appliance repair technicians of 7% between 2019 and 2029. However, with more people opting to repair their appliances rather than replace them due to supply decrease, the job outlook for appliance repair technicians may increase in the coming years.
Appliance repair technicians typically need to meet certain qualifications to work in this field. If you want to become an appliance repair technician, consider the following steps:
5. Research training opportunities
Because training and education requirements vary for jobs in this field, it is helpful to research what is necessary for the specific kind of appliance repair technician position you are interested in. Each state has different requirements, such as whether or not you need a license.
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6. Pursue technical or vocational training
You may want to consider pursuing technical or vocational training beyond your high school education to learn about different appliances. Courses are offered at community colleges, adult education centers and vocational schools. It would also be beneficial to learn about other components of appliance repair to help expand your knowledge, such as drywall, plumbing, woodworking, electricity and blueprint reading.
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7. Obtain certifications and licenses
Certifications are not required for a general appliance repair technician position, but specific appliances, like refrigerators, may require them. Specializing in a particular appliance makes you a more desirable technician. Those specializing in home appliances may consider obtaining the National Appliance Service Technician Certification (NASTeC). Also, consider becoming a licensed technician by taking a state-level exam. Appliance repair technicians also need to have a driver’s license with a clean record since they often drive a company repair van.
8. Gain experience
Internships and on-the-job training provide an opportunity to gain experience in this industry. You can learn more about appliance repairs by studying experienced technicians and fixing smaller problems, like a leaky sink, on your own.
9. Find a job
Some technical schools help with job placement. Consider applying for technician positions in small repair businesses or the maintenance divisions of larger companies. Another option is to look for positions that offer on-the-job training so that you can learn while working.
10. Continue your education
Think about continuing your education even after getting a job. Appliances are always changing as technology evolves, and it’s important to keep your skills up to date. Some certifications also require continuing education.
Appliance repair technician FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about appliance repair technicians:
11. What skills do you need to become an appliance repair technician?
In addition to appliance repair skills, appliance repair technicians require a combination of soft and hard skills to succeed in their role. Here are some of the skills you can develop to become a great appliance repair technician:
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Customer service: Appliance repair technicians work with various clients, sometimes even in their homes, so they need to maintain a professional demeanor and provide good customer service in their interactions.
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Problem-solving: Since many of an appliance repair technician’s job duties revolve around fixing damaged appliances, these professionals need to be able to solve problems and come up with effective solutions.
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Refrigeration knowledge: Appliance repair technicians must have a strong knowledge of refrigeration to help them work with refrigerator-related issues.
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Expertise in tools: An appliance repair technician uses many tools, like pliers and screwdrivers, when making repairs and maintaining appliances, so they need to know which tools work best for each type of repair.
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Electricity knowledge: Because appliances and electricity are interconnected, appliance repair technicians need to understand electricity and how it powers appliances.
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12. How long does it take to become an appliance repair technician?
The duration of training to become an appliance repair technician varies depending on the position. Appliance repair technicians typically receive training while working for an employer, which can accelerate the process. Those opting for post-secondary education can take between one to two years to complete their training.
13. When do appliance repair technicians work?
Most appliance repair technicians work a normal 40-hour week, but some work weekends and early and late shifts to cover emergency repairs. The demand for service goes up in the summertime when more refrigerators and air conditioner units need to be repaired, offering an opportunity to work overtime.
14. What computer skills do you need to be an appliance repair technician?
An appliance repair technician needs to have the capability to search the internet to find the proper replacement parts and stay up to date on technical information regarding specific appliances. You will also need to know how to search manufacturers’ websites to find the information needed to repair a specific type of equipment.
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