Trades & Construction

How to become an Appliance Repair Technician

From no experience: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there

3–9 months

Typical pay

$42k–$65k

Starting from

No experience

Pay is an estimate of typical US entry-level pay for this role and varies by state, employer and shift. The timeline assumes you are starting from no experience and includes any licence or programme legally required, not just course length.

The route

1. 1

   1–3 months

   Learn basic electrical diagnosis

   Multimeter work and reading a wiring diagram. Everything else is disassembly.

   Course that covers thisJourneyman Electrician Exam Practice TestUdemy · around $19.99 →
2. 2

   2–4 weeks

   Get the EPA refrigerant certification

   Legally required to work on any sealed refrigeration system.

   ◆ EPA Section 608

   Course that covers thisEPA 608 Universal Type Practice ExamsUdemy · around $24.99 →
3. 3

   3–6 months

   Start with a service company

   Manufacturer-authorised shops train on their own brands and supply the van.

4. 4

   1–3 years

   Go independent

   This is one of the trades where a solo operator with a good reputation earns most.

5. ✓

   Destination

   Appliance Repair Technician

   Browse jobs now →

Course links are Udemy affiliate links. We earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.