any are concerned that they might be laid off from their job. Very few industries have not been affected by the recent downturn of the economy. If you are in need of a new job, consider switching careers and becoming a home appliance repairer. This type of work is steady as home appliances will always need to be fixed. The chances of being let go in this industry are much smaller than in many others. Job security is almost a given. Some repairman work in a retail location, but most will involve travel to the customer’s home or office.
Many appliance repair jobs require or strongly prefer candidates with a certificate in appliance repair or a related field. Check out the program below which offer free information:
Appliance Repair by Penn Foster Career School
Job Responsibilities
Most jobs take place on-site rather than at a central location. Here you will install and repair appliances. If necessary, the appliances will be connected to gas and water and it will be your responsibility to check for leaks. If a repair is needed, your responsibility will be to diagnosis the problem and determine which repairs are needed. You may also be asked to inspect a unit to ensure it is working properly or you may be asked to do routine maintenance.
With any job you perform, it will be your responsibility to explain to the customer how to operate and maintain the appliance for optimal performance. No two jobs will be exactly the same which many prefer. Good customer skills and a driver’s license will most likely be requirements as you will be entering someone’s home or business. They must be comfortable with you in your role as a home appliance repairer.
Most home appliance repairmen work a 40 hour week. The normal hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Some jobs will require that you be on call for emergencies, but that will not be a daily thing. Also, your work load may change depending on the season. During the summer, portable air conditioning unit calls may take up the bulk of your day while in the winter it may be other appliances.
Training and Education Requirements
Entry level positions in this field require little, if any, training. Most companies do require that you have a high school diploma, at a minimum. Often you will be paired with an experienced repairman and learn through your work. Some companies do offer formal training. This may include both home study and shop classes. This will depend on which company you are employed by.
Technical schools and community colleges also offer programs in this field. These may take anywhere from one to two years to complete. Coursework will include such topics as basic electronics. This is due to the technology found on many products. If you compete this type of coursework, it will help to reduce the amount of on-the-job training required.
Home appliance repairers may also be required to complete continuing education courses. Manufacturers often offer seminars in the latest advancements and your company may make these mandatory. If you wish to be authorized for warranty work, training sessions will be part of your certification. Also, those who wish to work with refrigerants must be certified. This is mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Salary and Wages
As of May 2008, the median hourly wage for an appliance repairman was $16.30 per hour. Some make just under $10 an hour while others can clear approximately $50,000 a year. You wages will vary depending on a number of factors, This includes your skill level, what types of equipment you repair and also your geographical location. Some companies also offer commission based on the number of jobs you complete in one day. When choosing a company to work for, you may wish to find one that offers benefits such as health insurance, vacation pay and sick leave among others. Many will now provide a company car so, if that is of importance to you, be sure to ask if a vehicle is provided.*
*According to the BLS, http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Certifications
If you wish to obtain certification in the appliance repair field, two choices are currently offered. Many choose to go with the National Appliance Service Technician Certification program. This will require that you pass a comprehensive exam which covers diagnostics, repair and maintenance practices. Other prefer the Professional Service Association certification. With this program, you will again be tested on a variety of areas. Once completed, you can earn the Master Certified Appliance Professional designation. This certification must be updated annually. Whether you choose to earn one or both is mostly a matter of personal preference and employer requirements.
Professional Associations
A professional associations that you may wish to join as an appliance repairman is the Professional Service Association. Here you will be able to complete training while also receiving monthly updates from the PSA. Member tools are provided for those who join and an annual convention is held. This is a great way to stay up to date with news and changes within the industry. An application must be filled out before joining and dues must be paid. Joining is a matter of personal preference in most cases so you will need to determine if this is right for you.
