Skilled Trades

Home Appliance Repairer

SOC 49-9031.00 · ESCO 7412

REA INV ART SOC ENT CON This role See your match →

Role snapshot

Overview

Diagnoses and fixes problems with household appliances such as washing machines, refrigerators, dishwashers, and ovens. Replaces faulty parts, tests electrical circuits, and advises customers on proper maintenance to extend appliance life. This role requires strong problem-solving skills, mechanical aptitude, and good customer service.

Ensures essential household appliances function correctly, reducing waste, saving consumers money, and maintaining convenience and quality of life in homes.

On the job

  • Travel to customer homes or businesses to inspect malfunctioning appliances.
  • Diagnose mechanical and electrical problems using testing equipment and diagnostic tools.
  • Disassemble appliances, identify faulty components, and replace or repair parts such as motors, timers, and thermostats.
  • Test repaired appliances to ensure they are operating safely and efficiently.
  • Explain repairs to customers, provide maintenance tips, and process payments or warranty claims.
Home Appliance Repairer at work

Tools & technology

MultimeterScrewdriver setWrench setPliersWire strippersPropane torchService manuals

Average salary

$55K
MEDIAN SALARY Annual · USD
$35K Bottom 10%
$75K Top 10%

Job outlook

Stable

Demand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.

Education & training

Vocational training, an apprenticeship, or a postsecondary certificate in appliance repair, electronics, or a related field. Some learn on the job.

Career pathways

WHERE YOU COULD GO

Lead Appliance Technician
Appliance Repair Business Owner

CURRENT ROLE

Home Appliance Repairer

Skilled Trades

ADJACENT MOVES

HVAC Technician
Industrial Maintenance Technician
Apprentice Appliance Repairer
Electronics Technician Assistant
General Maintenance Worker

STARTING POINTS

Who thrives here

Interest profile

R

realistic · RCI

Individuals who enjoy practical, hands-on tasks, solving technical problems, and working with tools and machinery tend to thrive in this role. A methodical and organized approach is beneficial for diagnosis and repair.

Personality characteristics

Methodical

Approaches problems systematically, following diagnostic procedures and technical specifications to ensure effective repairs.

Practical

Enjoys working with tools and machinery to fix tangible problems, preferring hands-on solutions over theoretical concepts.

Composed

Remains calm and focused when encountering difficult repairs or frustrated customers, maintaining professionalism.

Service-Oriented

Interacts politely and clearly with customers, explaining issues and solutions to ensure satisfaction.

Problem-Solver

Driven to identify the root cause of malfunctions and devise effective, lasting repair strategies.

Best for

  • People who enjoy diagnosing complex mechanical and electrical issues and bringing things back to working order.
  • Individuals who prefer practical, independent work with direct, tangible results.
  • Those who are meticulous, reliable, and skilled in using a variety of tools and testing equipment.

Watch out for

  • Requires frequent travel to different locations, which may not suit those who prefer a single, fixed work environment.
  • Can involve physically demanding tasks, working in confined spaces, or handling heavy equipment.
  • Dealing with frustrated customers or unexpected repair challenges requires patience and resilience.

A week in the life

A representative working week for a Home Appliance Repairer — where the deep work, meetings, and admin actually land.

8am9am10am11am12pm1pm2pm3pm4pm5pm6pm
Mon
Route planning & vehicle prep
Service Call (diagnosis & repair)
Service Call (diagnosis & repair)
Tue
Daily brief & tool check
Service Call (diagnosis & repair)
Service Call (diagnosis & repair)
Wed
Technical training/webinar
Service Call (diagnosis & repair)
Service Call (diagnosis & repair)
Team meeting
Thu
Customer call scheduling
Service Call (diagnosis & repair)
Service Call (diagnosis & repair)
Fri
End-of-week paperwork
Complex diagnosis & repair
Parts inventory & vehicle restocking
Warranty claims processing
Deep work Meeting External Social Admin

FREE ASSESSMENT

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