Prepare for a Career as an Appliance Technician
If you can figure out why the washing machine makes that funny noise when the spin cycle begins, a career as an appliance technician may be the right fit for you. Appliance technicians travel to clients' homes, installing and fixing common appliances. They usually do not have direct supervisors, instead managing their own time and responsibilities. In addition to technical expertise, part of their job is customer service, answering questions and teaching customers how to use new appliances correctly.
Appliance techs work with a variety of household appliances including:
- Refrigerators
- Microwaves
- Ranges
- Air-conditioning units
- Dishwashers
Appliance Technician Training, Career Prospects, and Salary
Although the career path for many appliance technicians is a high school diploma or GED plus on-the-job training, aspiring appliance technicians can improve their chances of employment by attending programs in appliance repair and electronics offered at postsecondary vocational or technical schools. Programs usually last from 1 to 2 years and offer coursework in electronics and electricity, appliance handling, and work safety. You will probably also need to attend continuing education classes to stay current on the latest appliance technologies. Although certification is not required for most appliance technicians (those who work with refrigerant are an exception), voluntary certification by national and professional associations can increase employment opportunities.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects excellent career opportunities for appliance repair technicians in the coming years, especially for workers with formal appliance technician training. Opportunities should be particularly good in highly populated areas of the country. In 2008, the median hourly pay for appliance repair technicians was $16.30.