Appliance Installers and Repairers

Career summary

#4/9/19

Most appliance installers and repairers specialize in large appliances such as washers, dryers, stoves, and refrigerators.

Appliance installers move the appliance into its proper place. Sometimes they need to do simple carpentry when installing built-in appliances. For example, they may drill or saw holes in floors or walls to make room for hoses or vents. They also may need to level washing machines and refrigerators.

Installers connect pipes from the appliance to the existing plumbing. When connecting an appliance that runs on natural gas they connect the appliance to gas lines and test for leaks. They measure the flow of gas and water to the appliance and make adjustments if necessary.

Appliance repairers fix appliances that are not working properly. They read work orders or talk to customers about the problem. They examine and run appliances to identify problems such as unusual noises, excessive vibration, fluid leaks, or loose parts. They may also use computerized testing devices to help diagnose problems.

Repairers make adjustments and replace belts, motors, heating elements, switches, and gears. They also tighten, align, and lubricate parts. They may replace circuit boards or other electronic components. Repairers refer to service manuals and wiring diagrams to locate problems.

Appliance installers and repairers often interact with customers. They answer questions, respond to complaints, and give information on the care of appliances. They provide repair estimates, prepare bills, and collect payments. Repairers also keep a log of the maintenance and repairs they make.

Related careers

This career is part of the Manufacturing cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Automotive Electronics Installers
• Bicycle Repairers
• Building Maintenance Workers
• Coin and Vending Machine Repairers
• Computer, ATM, and Office Machine Repairers
• Electric Motor Repairers
• Heating and Cooling System Mechanics
• Home Electronic Repairers
• Industrial Electronics Repairers
• Locksmiths
• Motorboat Mechanics
• Motorcycle Mechanics
• Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers
• Small Engine Mechanics

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to appliance installers and repairers.

• Perform minor carpentry, such as modifying kitchen cabinets to create space for the appliance to be installed.
• Cut and drill holes in floors and walls to install appliance.
• Use hand and power tools. Use testing devices such as electrical circuit testers.
• Install machines. Make sure water and electrical connections meet codes.
• Level washing machines and connect hoses to water pipes.
• Level refrigerators, adjust doors, and connect water lines to water pipes for ice makers.
• Observe and test operation of appliances and make adjustments if necessary.
• Light and adjust pilot lights on gas stoves. Examines valves and burners for gas leakage and specified flame.
• Measure, cut, and thread pipes. Connect them to feeder lines and the appliance.
• Test and inspect pipelines and equipment to locate leaks.
• Communicate with customers and inspect appliances to determine the problem.
• Estimate repair cost, calculate bill, and collect payment.
• Refer to manuals and wiring diagrams.
• Take appliances apart. Test parts and replace those that do not work. Reassemble appliances.
• Record nature of maintenance or repair in log.
• Advise customers about use and care of appliance.
• Attend training programs and read repair manuals to keep skills and knowledge current.

Common work activities

Appliance installers and repairers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Get information needed to do the job
• Perform for or work with the public
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Handle and move objects
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Process information
• Document and record information
• Analyze data or information
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Teach others
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Repair and maintain electronic equipment
• Schedule work and activities
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, appliance installers and repairers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a high level of social contact. Installers and repairers speak with customers often, usually by telephone or face-to-face.
• Sometimes work as part of team, especially for large installations.

Physical work conditions

• Work indoors except when hooking up outdoor vents for appliances.
• Sometimes work in cramped places and get into awkward positions.
• Are sometimes exposed to explosive fumes when installing or repairing gas appliances.
• Are sometimes exposed to situations that may produce cuts or burns. Safety procedures greatly reduce the chance and degree of injury.
• Sometimes wear gloves and other safety attire.
• May work physically near other workers.

Work performance

• Must be sure that all details of the job are done according to local building codes. Errors could endanger the safety of homeowners.
• Regularly make decisions that impact customers or their own company's reputation. They often make these decisions independently.
• Usually set their own daily priorities.

Hours/travel

• Usually work a standard 40-hour week.
• May be ""on-call"" in case of emergencies.

Physical demands

Appliance installers and repairers frequently:

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

It is important for appliance installers and repairers to be able to:

• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Understand the speech of another person.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for appliance installers and repairers to be able to:

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• See objects in very low light.
• While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.
• Determine from which direction a sound came.

Skills and abilities

Appliance installers and repairers need to:

Communicate

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand spoken information.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Understand written information.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with people

• Look for ways to help people.

Work with things

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

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.

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

• Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
• Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Technology

Training

To work as an appliance installer and repairer, you typically need to:

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

Education after high school

Some appliance installers and repairers complete a formal training program in appliance repair or electronics. Professional-technical schools or two-year colleges offer these programs. They grant a certificate or associate degree. In these programs you learn to read schematic drawings, analyze problems, and follow safety procedures. You also learn to determine whether to replace or repair parts.

On-the-job training

Most installers and repairers learn their skills through on-the-job training. This usually lasts six months to one year. An experienced worker teaches you the skills needed for the job. You begin as a helper and do basic tasks. As you gain experience you work on more complex tasks. Training covers:

• using equipment and tools;
• making repairs; and
• providing customer service.

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:

• Appliance Repair
• Computer Fundamentals
• Equipment Maintenance and Repair

Many appliance installers and repairers are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:

• Accounting
• Entrepreneurship
• Introduction to Business

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 generally require that appliance installers and repairers have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. A pre-employment drug screening test and background check also may be required. Some employers prefer to hire workers who do not have any experience so that they can provide the training. Other employers prefer to hire workers who have completed formal training programs. Employers look for workers who are courteous and have excellent customer service and communication skills.

Applicants should have a driver's license and a good driving record. They should be able to keep the service vehicle maintained and well-organized.

#Took over national content and added drug/background requirements (by some employers) and some other skills needed per online job ads reviewed 2/6/18 cj.

Tips

Vocational or high school training in electronics, mathematics, and physics may provide a helpful background for entering the field. Human relations education and experience is valuable. More training will be needed to keep up with electronic systems used in appliances.

Costs to workers

Workers are required to supply their own hand tools. They may be required to join a union and pay an initiation fee and quarterly dues.

Licensing/certification

To protect consumers, some states require appliance repairers to be licensed. Requirements vary by state. In most states, however, licensing is optional.

In all states, mechanics who purchase or work with refrigerants must be certified. In this case, certification indicates that mechanics know how to handle refrigerants properly. To become certified to purchase and handle refrigerants, mechanics must pass a written exam. Exams are administered by organizations approved by the EPA, such as trade schools, unions, and employer associations. There is no formal training required for certification. For additional information about certification, contact Environmental Protection Agency .
 

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.

• Home Appliance Repairers 

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

Wages

Wages vary by employer, area of the country, and type of appliance. The worker's level of skill, training, and responsibility also affect wages. Some installers and repairers receive a commission in addition to their wages. The commission is based on the number of installations and repairs they make per day.

Appliance installers and repairers who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. Appliance installers and repairers who are self-employed must provide their own 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

About 24% of appliance installers and repairers are self-employed.

Major employers:

• Appliance stores
• Appliance repair shops
• Gas companies

National outlook

Job growth is expected to show little to no change for appliance installers and repairers. One reason is that new appliances take longer before needing to be repaired than those built 20 years ago. In addition, some consumers prefer to buy new appliances instead of repairing their old ones. However, as consumers invest in more expensive appliances they should return to having them repaired. Many appliances are also becoming more complex. Homeowners may find they must call a repairer instead of fixing it themselves.

Job openings will occur as current installers and repairers leave this occupation.

Other resources

Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers 
1111 - 19th Street NW, Suite 402
Washington, DC 20036
202.872.5955

National Appliance Service Technician Certification 
3000-A Landers Street
Fort Worth, TX 76107
817.921.9101

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

United Servicers Association 
3501 N. Southport Avenue, Suite 199
Chicago, IL 60657
800.683.2558

Washington Business Week 
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545

References

Career cluster

• Manufacturing

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Home Appliance Repairers (49-9031.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Gas-appliance Servicer (637.261-018) 
• Household-appliance Installer (827.661-010) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Conventional/Investigative

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled