Appliance Repair Technician
Repair the appliances that run daily life. Appliance Repair Techs service washers, dryers, refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, and commercial kitchen equipment. Manufacturer-authorized service work pays a premium.
Appliance Repair Technician goes by many names
On KinTrades, all of these job titles route to the Appliance Repair Technician trade — so search any of them and you'll find matching work.
Day to day on the job
Appliance Repair Techs run service routes — 6-10 calls per day in residential, 3-6 in commercial. Diagnose the problem, replace the failed component, test the appliance, document the work. The trade pays well for the diagnostic skill and customer-facing soft skills.
Specializations diverge by appliance class. Residential Appliance Techs work washers, dryers, refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers. Commercial Kitchen Techs work restaurant equipment — premium pay. Refrigerator/Sealed System Techs need EPA 608 for refrigerant work.
Most appliance techs work for service contractors, manufacturer-authorized service centers, or as owner-operators. Strong owner-operator path: many techs run two-person businesses serving local customers and warranty work for manufacturers (GE, Whirlpool, Samsung, LG).
How you move up as an Appliance Repair Tech
Most appliance techs come up through manufacturer training (Whirlpool, GE, Samsung, LG, Bosch) or direct hire at service contractors. PSA (Professional Service Association) credentials provide industry-standard certification. BLS OES 49-9031, May 2025.
Apprentice — what this rung looks like
What Appliance Repair Technicians earn in VA, DC, MD & NC
Pay data: BLS OEWS · May 2025 · VA · DC · MD · NC. Expanding nationally.
Is Appliance Repair Technician a growing trade?
Core craft + supporting skills
Core skills (orange) are required for the Appliance Repair Technician trade; supporting skills (gray) round out a well-rounded journeyworker.
Paths into the Appliance Repair Technician trade
Direct hire at service contractor
Most appliance techs come in as helpers at service contractors or manufacturer-authorized service centers. EPA 608 testing fees usually covered by employer in first 90 days.
Whirlpool / GE / Samsung Tech School
Manufacturer-sponsored training programs run 4-12 weeks and place graduates into authorized service. Whirlpool, GE Appliances, Samsung, LG, Bosch all have programs.
Community College Appliance Repair Programs
Some CCs offer dedicated appliance repair certificates. FastForward VA covers tuition for VA students.
Certifications that help
EPA 608 Universal (mandatory for sealed-system work), NASTeC, CFESA for commercial kitchen, manufacturer factory training (Whirlpool, GE, Samsung, LG, Bosch, Sub-Zero).
Common pathways into Appliance Repair Technician work
KinTrades welcomes Appliance Repair Technician workers from every walk of life. Whether you're a veteran transitioning out of service, a student planning your career, or someone returning to work — there's a clear path in.
Veterans
Air Force 3E1X1 HVAC/Refrigeration and Army 91J Quartermaster & Chemical Equipment Repairer cover refrigeration components — direct overlap with sealed-system appliance work.
EPA 608 testing and manufacturer training are GI Bill-eligible.
Veterans on KinTradesHigh School Students
EPA 608 requires age 18+ — HS seniors can earn it before graduation.
Direct hire as service helper requires no prior credentials.
Manufacturer programs (Whirlpool, GE) recruit at high schools and pay tech-school tuition.
Students on KinTradesSecond Chance
Appliance repair work involves entering customer homes — most service contractors run formal background checks before sending techs into homes. Manufacturer-authorized service centers run the strictest screening.
Independent appliance service shops are often less restrictive at entry level.
Commercial kitchen work generally has lighter screening since the work is on commercial sites.
Second-chance hiringCertifications, apprenticeships & licensing for Appliance Repair Technicians
Certifications that move you up
- EPA Section 608 Technician Certification (EPA 608) Required
If Appliance Repair Technician interests you, also look at
Common questions about becoming an Appliance Repair Technician
What does an Appliance Repair Technician do?
Appliance Repair Techs run service routes — 6-10 calls per day in residential, 3-6 in commercial. Diagnose the problem, replace the failed component, test the appliance, document the work. The trade pays well for the diagnostic skill and customer-facing soft skills.
What does an Appliance Repair Technician make in Virginia, DC, Maryland, and North Carolina?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2025, Appliance Repair Technicians earn an annual median of $60K in Virginia (range $37K–$94K), $51K in DC ($36K–$81K), $58K in Maryland ($43K–$88K), and $47K in North Carolina ($29K–$67K).
How do you become an Appliance Repair Technician?
Direct hire at service contractor: Most appliance techs come in as helpers at service contractors or manufacturer-authorized service centers. EPA 608 testing fees usually covered by employer in first 90 days.
How long is Appliance Repair Technician apprenticeship in Virginia, DC, Maryland, or North Carolina?
1-2 years to running solo on residential calls. Most appliance techs come up through manufacturer training (Whirlpool, GE, Samsung, LG, Bosch) or direct hire at service contractors. PSA (Professional Service Association) credentials provide industry-standard certification.
Is Appliance Repair Technician a growing career?
Yes — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projections have Appliance Repair Technician employment set to grow 2.6% between 2024 and 2034. The BLS projects about 3,100 openings per year nationally, most from workers retiring or leaving the trade.
Is Appliance Repair Technician a good career path for someone with a record?
Appliance repair work involves entering customer homes — most service contractors run formal background checks before sending techs into homes. Manufacturer-authorized service centers run the strictest screening. Independent appliance service shops are often less restrictive at entry level. Commercial kitchen work generally has lighter screening since the work is on commercial sites.