Appliance repair technicians are needed to install and repair appliances in homes and apartment complexes, and in commercial and industrial businesses.
The evolving nature of this profession has led to an increased need for appliance repair technicians who understand the complex nature of today’s “smart” appliances.
They also need to know the other technologies that are involved in the installation and repair of various appliances.
The role of appliance technicians may vary, depending on whether they have the knowledge and skills to work in a specialized technical area of appliance repair.
The constant need for qualified appliance repair technicians is one of the reasons that some people choose this career.
Considering the pros and cons of becoming an appliance repair technician can help you decide if this is the right career for you.
Pros of Being an Appliance Repair Technician
The pros of being an appliance repair technician are reasons that people may choose to start working in this field, and why appliance repair technicians stay in this field once they choose it as their career.
1. Varied Job Duties
Appliance repair technicians do not have to worry about performing duties that require them to sit at a desk all day.
They work in homes or businesses, which takes them away from the traditional job setting.
Installing appliances such as washers, dryers, stoves, microwaves, dishwashers, and other appliances, examining and diagnosing problems with appliances in homes and businesses, and repairing or replacing defective parts or appliance units are part of the job requirements of appliance repair technicians.
Some other duties that appliance repair technicians have include keeping detailed records and informing owners about the proper use and maintenance of appliances.
These various duties help to keep appliance repair technicians from becoming bored at a typical 9-to-5 job.
2. Appliance Repair Technicians Work with Their Hands
People who like working with their hands often enjoy the work of being appliance repair technicians.
The job requires using various hand tools and diagnostic tools.
Replacing, adjusting, or modifying parts on appliances allows appliance repair technicians to work with their hands.
3. Meeting a Lot of People
Since appliance repair technicians work primarily outside an office, they have the chance to meet and interact with a lot of people.
Responding to calls for appliance installation, maintenance, and repair takes appliance repair technicians to a lot of residential homes.
They also interact with a lot of people in commercial settings.
4. Not a Desk Job
Becoming an appliance repair technician requires you to keep detailed records of each part or other item you use to maintain, repair, or replace appliances.
It also means that you must keep inventory control records.
You must maintain billing records and customer payments.
Maintaining records does not require appliance repair technicians to sit at a desk all day.
The primary duties of the job take them into homes and businesses.
The fact that this is not a desk job is likely to be one reason that people choose this career.
5. Job Stability
Some sites that offer insight into the expected job growth of many careers do not list appliance repair technicians as a separate category.
Including this career on a general list of repair technicians can give the impression that it is not a stable career.
The fact is that many appliance repair technicians find their career to have excellent job stability.
There is always a need for appliance repair technicians to perform their duties in both residential and commercial settings.
People and businesses always need various appliances and to have them in good working order.
The work of appliance repair technicians cannot be outsourced or sent somewhere else.
6. Work for Yourself
Job stability is enjoyed by appliance repair technicians, whether they work for a company or are self-employed.
Many appliance repair technicians enjoy the freedom of being their own boss.
Set your hours, build your clientele, and gain a reputation as an experienced, highly qualified, and reliable appliance repair technician when you choose to be a self-employed professional.
7. College Degree Not Required
Aspiring appliance repair technicians are likely to breathe a sigh of relief when they learn that they do not need to have a college degree.
Becoming an appliance repair technician requires a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Appliance repair technicians need to complete a vocational training program.
The program needs to include training that helps students gain the skills to repair technologically advanced modern appliances.
Gain additional career opportunities and earn a better salary if you earn a certification, such as the National Appliance Service Technician Certification (NASTeC).
Cons of Being an Appliance Repair Technician
Although there are many pros to choosing the career, there are also cons to being an appliance repair technician.
1. Weekend or Emergency Calls
The job of appliance repair technicians often requires that they work weekends or respond to emergency calls.
Appliances do not cooperate with your golf game, the kids’ school events, or your desire to sleep in on the weekend.
Consider whether you want to make calls outside normal business hours or on weekends before choosing this career.
2. Heavy Lifting
Moving appliances from confined spaces and heavy lifting are part of the duties of appliance repair technicians.
The job of moving or lifting heavy appliances may result in strains, sprains, or physical exertion over time.
3. Paying for Tools and Equipment
Many employers pay for the equipment or materials that employees need to perform their job duties.
Appliance repair technicians often must pay for their tools and equipment.
Appliance repair technicians who are new may experience financial difficulty until they get a few paychecks.
It is also important to remember that tools sometimes get lost or need to be replaced, which requires more than just the initial expense of buying tools and equipment.
4. Salary Varies by State
Where appliance repair technicians work affects their salary.
The site salary.com indicates that the average salary for appliance repair technicians in the U.S. is $65,170, as of June 1, 2025.
Although those who have experience and certifications earn more money, where they live also affects the salary of appliance repair technicians.
Work in Alabama and earn an average salary of $59,872, or $61,397 in Nebraska.
Appliance repair technicians in some states earn more than the national average.
Earn an average of $66,493 in Colorado or $71,883 in California.
5. Risk of Injury
Appliance repair technicians face a risk of injury, even when they are careful in performing their duties.
They may get shocked, burned, or experience other injuries.
They may also get hurt by broken or jagged edges or suffer exposure to hazardous materials.
6. Expenses and Traffic
Working outside the traditional office may seem like fun and a relief from demanding bosses.
It also has the downside of paying your expenses for things like gas and wear and tear on your work vehicle.
Appliances do not just break down on sunny days or when there is light traffic.
Appliance repair technicians may have to respond to calls during rush hour or other times when there is heavy traffic or inclement weather.
All expenses for these calls are paid for by appliance repair technicians.
7. Need for Continuing Education and Training
The fact that getting started as an appliance repair technician only requires a high school education provides immediate earnings potential.
It may only require a high school diploma, but staying in the field usually requires continuing education and training.
People who want to work on refrigerators or air conditioners and some other appliances need to have specialized certifications or licensure.
Appliance technology has evolved, and so has the role of appliance repair technicians.
It is important to gain the specialized knowledge and skills to work on “smart” appliances and on appliances with other technologically advanced features.
Pros and Cons of Being an Appliance Repair Technician – Summary Table
| Pros of Being an Appliance Repair Technician | Cons of Being an Appliance Repair Technician |
|---|---|
| 1. Varied Job Duties | 1. Weekend or Emergency Calls |
| 2. Appliance Repair Technicians Work with Their Hands | 2. Heavy Lifting |
| 3. Meeting a Lot of People | 3. Paying for Tools and Equipment |
| 4. Not a Desk Job | 4. Salary Varies by State |
| 5. Job Stability | 5. Risk of Injury |
| 6. Work for Yourself | 6. Expenses and Traffic |
| 7. College Degree Not Required | 7. Need for Continuing Education and Training |
Should You Become an Appliance Repair Technician?
Appliance repair technicians enjoy working outside an office setting.
They work with their hands and with various tools.
They can work for a company or set their own hours if they are self-employed appliance repair technicians.
Getting a sense of satisfaction is common after appliance repair technicians install or repair appliances.
The job does have cons that people need to consider before choosing this career.
Irregular work hours, the costs of getting started, and the risk of injury are some cons.
The need to stay up to date on the latest technology related to appliance repair, and the need for ongoing training and continuing education, may not appeal to some people.
Working as an appliance repair technician is a rewarding career for many people.
Choosing a career path is a personal decision.
