Home Appliance Repairers Salary Guide 2025: $50,990 Median, How to Start, Job Growth
Home appliance repairers earn a median $50,990 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The typical range runs from $36,190 at the 10th percentile to $80,660 at the 90th, with a mean salary of $56,040 — roughly $25 an hour. About 32,150 people work in this occupation nationwide.
How much Home Appliance Repairers earn
Pay scales with experience and location. Entry-level repairers earn around $36,190, while top earners pull in $80,660. The median sits at $50,990, meaning half earn more, half less. The average annual wage is $56,040, which works out to about $25 per hour.
Pay by state
Where you work heavily influences your paycheck. The highest-paying state is Massachusetts, with an average annual wage of $70,750. New York comes second at $65,190, followed by Alaska ($63,950), Connecticut ($62,380), and Minnesota ($61,360). On the lower end, repairers in New Mexico earn $37,440 on average, Mississippi $35,890, and West Virginia $35,720.
How to become a Home Appliance Repairer
Most repairers learn on the job, but formal training can speed things up. Many attend a technical school or community college for a certificate or associate degree in appliance repair or electronics. Some employers prefer applicants who have completed such programs. After training, new hires typically shadow an experienced technician for several months of on-the-job learning.
Steps to enter the occupation:
- Complete high school or GED
- Enroll in a vocational program (often 6 months to 2 years) or find an employer willing to train
- Gain hands-on experience through an internship or apprenticeship
- Consider optional certification from trade associations, which can boost job prospects
- Keep up with evolving appliance technology — manufacturers often offer product-specific training
Job outlook
Employment for home appliance repairers is projected to grow 2.6% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. That translates to roughly 3,100 openings per year, mostly to replace workers who retire or leave the field. Demand is steady because people and businesses rely on dishwashers, refrigerators, ovens, and other machines that will inevitably break. But the job depends partly on whether consumers choose to repair or replace — a dynamic that can shift with appliance prices and repair costs.
Frequently asked questions
Do home appliance repairers need a license?
It depends on the state and local jurisdiction. Many areas require an electrical or contractor's license for certain repairs. Check with your state's licensing board. Some employers also require EPA certification for handling refrigerants.
Can you make six figures as a home appliance repairer?
Unlikely — the top 10% earn about $80,660. To reach $100,000+, you'd typically need to own a successful repair business, specialize in high-end appliances, or work overtime in a very high-paying area.
How long does it take to become a home appliance repairer?
If you attend a technical program, it takes about 6 months to 2 years. On-the-job training can last 3-6 months before working independently. So expect 1-2 years total to become fully competent.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Home Appliance Repairers data.