Coin and Vending Machine Repairers

Career summary

#No comparable wois occ in this amt of detail, mentioned in 3189 equipment repairers.

# review 3/25/19 lh

Coin and vending machine repairers make sure coin-operated machines operate properly. These machines include:

• Food and soda vending machines
• Video games
• Slot machines
• Pinball machines

Many coin and vending repairers also service machines. They collect coins and restock supplies including coins used for change. They make sure the machine is working correctly and make adjustments as necessary. They may need to clean parts such as the condensers in refrigerator units. They make sure all buttons and levers work correctly.

If a machine breaks down, repairers inspect it for obvious problems, such as jammed coins. They use hand-held computers to help locate problems. They often fix problems by replacing a part such as a circuit board or electronic component.

If the problem is more complex, repairers sometimes need to refer to manuals and wiring diagrams. They look for defective parts. If a problem is serious, repairers take the machine into the shop for repairs. In the shop, they may use power and hand tools. They sometimes use voltmeters to test electronic components.

To install a machine, repairers make the required water and electrical connections. They also make sure that all connections comply with local building codes. They make sure food vending machines comply with local public health standards.

Servicers keep daily records of the amount of each product they stock in a machine. They also record the amount of money collected from each machine. Repairers file reports, write repair cost estimates, order parts, and keep maintenance and repair records.

Related careers

This career is part of the Manufacturing cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Appliance Installers and Repairers
• Bicycle Repairers
• Computer, ATM, and Office Machine Repairers
• Locksmiths
• Motorcycle Mechanics
• Route Salespeople
• Small Engine Mechanics
• Watch Repairers

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to coin and vending machine repairers.

• Fill machines with products, money, or other supplies.
• Keep records of merchandise distributed and money collected.
• Collect coins and restock products.
• Keep machines clean and attractive. May paint exterior with brush or spray gun.
• Install machines, making sure water and electrical connections comply with codes.
• Maintain machines by cleaning and oiling parts and making minor adjustments.
• Inspect machines for problems when breakdowns occur.
• Refer to manuals and wiring diagrams. Use testing devices such as electrical circuit testers.
• Test electronic machines with diagnostic computers.
• Take machines apart and rebuild them.
• Repair machines and replace defective parts, using power or hand tools. May have to order replacement parts.
• Keep records of maintenance and repair.

Common work activities

Coin and vending machine repairers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Get information needed to do the job
• Document and record information
• Handle and move objects
• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Process information
• Perform for or work with the public
• Evaluate information against standards

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, coin and vending machine repairers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a very medium level of contact with others. They work mostly with machines and tools but also interact with machine owners and the public.
• Communicate with others mostly by face-to-face talks, e-mail, and telephone.
• Sometimes are placed in conflict situations where they must deal with unpleasant or impatient people.

Physical work conditions

• Often work indoors, but may occasionally work outdoors. Work sites may not always have heating or air conditioning.
• Travel to and from work sites in a truck or van.
• May be exposed to loud sounds and distracting noises.
• May be exposed to cold or hot temperatures when working outdoors.
• Sometimes have to work in very bright or very dim lighting.
• May work physically close to others.
• May be exposed to contaminants.

Work performance

• Must be sure that all details are done and their work is exact. Errors could break machines and cause employers to lose money.
• Are able to determine most of their daily tasks and goals, but often take direction from supervisors.
• Often make decisions that affect customers. Because they often work alone, they have to make decisions without input from others.
• Work in a moderately competitive atmosphere where weekly and daily deadlines must be met.
• Repeat the same physical and mental tasks.

Hours/travel

• May work at night and on weekends and holidays to repair coin machines.
• May spend a great deal of time on the road traveling to machines.

Physical demands

Coin and vending machine repairers frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.
• Kneel, stoop, crouch, or crawl.

It is important for coin and vending machine repairers to be able to:

• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for coin and vending machine repairers to be able to:

• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.

Skills and abilities

Coin and vending machine repairers need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand written information.

Reason and problem solve

• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.

Work with things

• Repair machines or systems.
• Maintain equipment on a routine basis. Determine when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
• Determine the causes of technical problems and find solutions for them.
• Operate and control equipment.
• Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.
• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Electrical and Electronics Equipment Installation and Repair

Other programs of study to consider

• Apprenticeship Programs
• Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technology
• Small Engine Repair

Training

To work as a coin and vending machine repairer, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete short-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

No formal education beyond high school is required. However, some coin and vending machine repairers complete a formal training program in electronics. Professional-technical schools and two-year colleges offer these programs. You earn a certificate or associate degree when you complete the program.

On-the-job training

Most coin and vending machine repairers learn their skills on the job from an experienced repairer. In general, you begin as a helper. As you gain experience you work on more complex tasks. Training includes:

• filling machines;
• making repairs; and
• providing customer service.

The length of training varies by employer. It generally lasts about one month.

Washington apprenticeships

Some repairers prepare for this occupation through an apprenticeship in vending machine service.

For further information on apprenticeships in Washington, contact:

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
Apprenticeship Program 
PO Box 44530
Olympia, WA 98504-4530
360.902.5320

#Verified L&I info 5/19/05. Vending Machine Service is noted on the L&I list of occupations that currently have an apprenticeship program or have had one in the past. CJ

#Checked L&I info 3/16/06, cj. And on 3/12/08 & 3/8/10, cj. Not on L&I list as of 2/29/12, 2/27/14 or 3/218/16, 2/19/18 but decided to leave as might still be an option in the future, cj.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements . You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Electronics
• Equipment Maintenance and Repair

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers usually require applicants to demonstrate mechanical ability, either through work experience or education. Employers also hire applicants who have a record of being honest. Honesty is important because repairers may handle thousands of dollars in cash and merchandise. A commercial driver's license and a good driving record are also important.

Employers increasingly prefer applicants who have training in electronics. Some vocational high schools and community colleges offer one- to two-year programs in basic electronics.

Licensing/certification

Many employers require coin and vending machine repairers to have a commercial driver's license (CDL). Requirements for the CDL vary by state.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Most coin and vending machine repairers receive higher pay for overtime. Some union contracts require higher pay for night work and emergency repair jobs on weekends and holidays.

Wages vary in different parts of the country. Generally, states with some form of legalized gaming have the highest wages.

Full-time repairers may receive common benefits such as paid vacation, sick leave, and health insurance. 

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Vending machine companies
• Coin operated game companies

National outlook

Demand for coin and vending machine repairers will show little to no change over the next few years. New vending machines require less maintenance than older machines. Some machines use wireless data transmitters to signal when restocking or repairs are needed. This allows servicers and repairers to visit machines less often and requires fewer workers.

Repairers with experience, or a background in electronics, will have the best job prospects.

Other resources

National Automatic Merchandising Association 
20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 3500
Chicago, IL 60606
312.346.0370

The International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians 
P. O. Box 378
Hillsboro, TX 76645
800.946.0201

Washington Business Week 
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545

References

Career cluster

• Manufacturing

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers (49-9091.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

DOT occupations

• Coin-machine-service Repairer (639.281-014) 
• Fare-register Repairer (729.384-014) 
• Parking-meter Servicer (710.384-026) 
• Pin-game-machine Inspector (729.381-014) 
• Register Repairer (710.681-018) 
• Ticket-dispenser Changer (349.680-010) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Conventional/Investigative

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled