Appliance Repair Technicians Salary Guide in the U.S. (2025)
If you’re considering a career as an appliance repair technician or looking to hire one for your business, understanding appliance repair technician salary trends helps you make informed decisions.
Appliance repair is a skilled trade with consistent demand, with almost 80,000 people choosing it as a career in the United States.
In this guide, we’ll break down the average appliance repair technician’s salary, regional differences, and factors influencing earnings in 2025.
Table of Contents
What Does An Appliance Repair Technician Do?
To start, let’s clarify what an appliance repair technician’s job actually is. These are the people who step in to fix your home appliances. For example when your oven isn’t heating up or your HVAC unit refuses to cool.
They’re skilled in diagnosing, fixing, and maintaining all kinds of appliances, from traditional ovens to more modernised smart devices. Their expertise keeps households and businesses running smoothly, solving problems that can’t wait.
The responsibilities of an appliance repair technician include:
- Diagnosing appliance issues using specialized tools and equipment.
- Performing repairs or replacing defective components.
- Advising customers on proper appliance care to prevent future breakdowns.
- Staying updated on new technologies, especially as smart appliances become more common.
Appliance repair technicians work in diverse environments, including homes, commercial kitchens, and retail settings, making their role dynamic and in high demand.
Appliance Repair Technicians Salaries: How Much Do They Make?
The average salary for appliance repair technicians in the U.S. varies based on experience, location, and the type of appliances they service.
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national average salary for appliance repair technicians is approximately $42,000 to $52,000 annually.
Entry-level technicians typically earn around $30,000 to $35,000 per year, while experienced technicians can earn upwards of $60,000 to $75,000, especially if they specialize in high-demand areas like HVAC systems or smart appliances.
Factors that influence salaries include:
- Experience Level: Technicians with certifications and years of hands-on experience tend to command higher wages.
- Specialization: Repairing niche or high-tech appliances often allows technicians to charge premium rates.
- Employment Type: Technicians employed by repair companies may earn less per hour compared to those running their own businesses, but it’s important to mention they often benefit from other perks like guaranteed steady work and health care insurance.
Appliance Repair Technicians Salary by Specialization
When it comes to salaries, appliance repair technicians can earn a comfortable income with plenty of room for growth. The average pay across the U.S. falls between $42,000 and $52,000 annually, according to recent data from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics.
Entry-level technicians usually start around $30,000 to $35,000 per year, while experienced professionals with certifications or niche expertise can make upwards of $60,000 to $75,000. Specialising in areas like HVAC systems or smart appliances can significantly increase earning potential.
- Experience Level: The more experience you have, the more you can charge. Technicians with years of hands-on experience or advanced certifications often earn top-tier salaries.
- Specialisation: Tackling niche or complex repairs, such as smart home systems or commercial appliances, allows you to command premium rates.
- Employment Type: Working for an appliance repair company might mean steadier hours and benefits, but self-employed technicians have the freedom to set higher rates and take on more lucrative jobs.
Regional Salary Differences
Where you choose to work can have a big impact on how much you earn as an appliance repair technician. Some areas offer higher wages to match their cost of living, while other locations possess a greater demand for skilled trades.
Here’s what salaries look like in a few regions across the U.S.:
California
California is a top-paying state for appliance repair technicians, with salaries typically ranging between $50,000 and $65,000 annually.
Cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco drive these figures up due to their high demand for skilled professionals and elevated living costs. For technicians specialising in advanced repairs or commercial work, earnings can go even higher.
Virginia
In Virginia, salaries for appliance repair technicians range from $40,000 to $55,000 annually. Areas like Richmond and Virginia Beach see consistent demand, especially for HVAC-related appliance repairs.
Technicians with certifications and good customer service skills can secure higher wages in these competitive markets.
Texas
Houston, Texas, stands out as a hub for appliance repair opportunities. Technicians here earn between $45,000 and $60,000 per year.
The city’s rapidly growing population, coupled with its warm climate, creates a steady need for appliance and HVAC repair services. Specialising in refrigeration or smart appliance systems can boost earning potential in this region.
While these examples highlight a few states, opportunities exist nationwide for appliance repair technicians willing to adapt their skills to meet local needs. Researching your area’s market trends and customer demands gives you the best chance of choosing the right niche for you.
What Influences Appliance Repair Technician Salaries?
1. Certifications and Training
Technicians with certifications like the EPA’s Section 608 or the PSA’s Certified Appliance Professional (CAP) designation often earn higher salaries. Employers and customers value these credentials as they indicate expertise and reliability.
2. Geographic Location
As shown above, salaries can vary widely depending on the state and city. Urban areas with higher costs of living and more significant demand for repairs tend to pay more.
3. Industry Demand
Specializing in high-demand areas such as HVAC repairs or smart appliance servicing can significantly boost earning potential. As smart home technology grows, so does the need for skilled technicians who can repair these devices.
4. Self-Employment vs. Employment
Self-employed technicians often have the flexibility to set their rates, which can lead to higher income. However, you will also bear the cost of tools, transportation, and marketing.
5. Reputation and Customer Service
Building a strong reputation through excellent service and positive reviews can lead to repeat business and referrals, especially for self-employed technicians.
How Can I Maximize My Earning Potential?
Like most trade jobs, there are a number of avenues appliance technicians can go down to maximize their income:
- Invest in Training: Take time to earn additional certifications to stand out from competitors. For example, the EPA’s Section 608 Certification allows you to handle refrigerants, which are essential for HVAC and refrigeration repairs.
- Diversify Your Skills: Learn to repair a wide range of appliances, including newer smart home devices. Offering specialized services can attract higher-paying customers.
- Utilize Professional Tools: Organize your business with tools like our Software for Appliance Repair businesses. Features like online payments and time tracking help your operations run smoothly.
- Expand Your Reach: Use online platforms to market your services and reach a broader audience. Tools like our Client Portal can make it easier for you to keep track of clients, allowing you the organization to book and manage more repairs.
Career Growth Opportunities for Appliance Repair Technicians
Maximizing your salary or income potential often goes hand in hand with creating opportunities for career growth. By focusing on the right skills, tools, and strategies, you can open doors to higher earnings.
- Find Your Niche: Specializing in high-demand areas like smart home devices, commercial refrigeration, or HVAC systems can set you apart. Not only do these areas come with less competition, but they often command higher rates.
- Go Independent: Many technicians dream of running their own businesses, and for good reason. Being your own boss means setting your rates, building a loyal client base, and potentially hiring a team to scale your services.
- Mentor and Teach: If you’re experienced, why not explore opportunities to share your expertise? Training apprentices or offering workshops can be incredibly rewarding, not to mention a great way to supplement your income.
- Step into Leadership: For those who prefer working within a company, there’s always room to grow. From team lead roles to management positions, experienced technicians are often tapped to oversee operations and mentor newer employees.
Is Becoming an Appliance Repair Technician Worth It?
The research shows that appliance repair remains a promising and high-paying career choice in 2025.
With competitive salaries, consistent demand, and opportunities for growth, it’s an excellent option for those with a knack for troubleshooting and solving problems, while earning a steady income while doing so.
Whether you’re just starting or looking to expand your business, tools like our Mobile App, Invoice Fly, can help you stay organized and efficient.
Invest in your skills, stay updated on industry trends, and leverage the right tools to maximize your potential.
