Occupation Details
Home Appliance Repairers
Repair, adjust, or install all types of electric or gas household appliances, such as refrigerators, washers, dryers, and ovens.
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Interests
Realistic
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Investigative
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Conventional
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Work Values
Working Conditions
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Support
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Independence
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$30,720.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$43,520.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$51,840.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
1,800
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
2,020
+22 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
205
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.1%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
Some Training - Certificate or hands-on training
Experience Requirements
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
Education Requirements
These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Training Details
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include orderlies, counter and rental clerks, customer service representatives, security guards, upholsterers, tellers, and dental laboratory technicians.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
State License and Certifications Requirements are not currently associated with this occupation.
Apprenticeship
Contact your regional representative to learn more about apprenticeships available in your area by visiting Apprenticeship Contacts.
Skills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Repairing
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Equipment Maintenance
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Troubleshooting
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Quality Control Analysis
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Administrative
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Concern for Others
Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Independence
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Self-Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- Appliance dollies
- Bearing removers
- Carbon monoxide detectors
- Charging hoses
- Combustible gas detectors
- Condenser brushes
- Cordless drills
- Digital multimeters
- Digital vacuum gauges
- Dual temperature heat guns
- Flat cold chisels
- Folding hand trucks
- Folding utility knives
- Hex key sets
- Hose clamp pliers
- Laptop computers
- Leak detectors
- Mechanic's stethoscopes
- Mini tubing cutters
- Multipurpose screwdrivers
- Multipurpose spanners
- Portable point of sale terminals
- Precision needle files
- Ratchets
- Refrigerant recovery units
- Sealed burner wrenches
- Smart phones
- Snap-ring pliers
- Socket extensions
- Socket wrench sets
Technology
- Intac International Wintac
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
- RazorSync
- Route mapping software
- ServiceMax
- Web browser software
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- measure and mark reference points or cutting lines on workpieces
- use electronic calibration devices
- solder electrical or electronic connections or components
- use electrical or electronic test devices or equipment
- use hand or power tools
- use pipe fitting equipment
- use precision measuring devices in mechanical repair work
- use precision tools in electronics repair
- use pressure gauges
- use voltmeter, ammeter, or ohmmeter
- use soldering equipment
- maintain inventory of supplies
- adhere to safety procedures
- perform safety inspections in industrial, manufacturing or repair setting
- estimate time or cost for installation, repair, or construction projects
- determine installation, service, or repair needed
- calibrate or adjust electronic equipment or instruments to specification
- install household appliances
- install or replace meters, regulators, or related measuring or control devices
- install/connect electrical equipment to power circuit
- replace electronic components
- install electronic equipment, components, or systems
- repair or replace electrical wiring, circuits, fixtures, or equipment
- test electrical/electronic wiring, equipment, systems or fixtures
- analyze operation of malfunctioning electrical or electronic equipment
- test electronic or electrical circuit connections
- instruct customers in product installation, use, or repair
- observe or listen to machinery or equipment operation to detect malfunctions
- maintain daily logs or records
- verify levelness or verticality, using level or plumb bob
- conduct performance testing
- pressure test piping system or equipment for leaks
- adjust or set mechanical controls or components
- diagnose mechanical problems in machinery or equipment
- repair or adjust measuring or control devices
- test mechanical products or equipment
- maintain or repair industrial or related equipment/machinery
- conduct tests to locate mechanical system malfunction
- repair or replace malfunctioning or worn mechanical components
- lubricate machinery, equipment, or parts
- position, align, or level machines, equipment, or structures
- clean equipment or machinery
- inspect machinery or equipment to determine adjustments or repairs needed
- distinguish colors
- understand service or repair manuals
- understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
- apply cleaning solvents
- move or fit heavy objects
- cut, bend, or thread pipe for gas, air, hydraulic, or water lines
- assemble and install pipe sections, fittings, or plumbing fixtures
- fabricate, assemble, or disassemble manufactured products by hand
- use basic carpentry techniques
- use basic plumbing techniques
- use interpersonal communication techniques
- use oral or written communication techniques
- use knowledge of metric system
- read blueprints
- read specifications
- read schematics
- read technical drawings
- obtain information from clients, customers, or patients
- read work order, instructions, formulas, or processing charts
- answer customer or public inquiries
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- Bill customers for repair work, and collect payment.
- Observe and examine appliances during operation to detect specific malfunctions such as loose parts or leaking fluid.
- Talk to customers or refer to work orders to establish the nature of appliance malfunctions.
- Refer to schematic drawings, product manuals, and troubleshooting guides to diagnose and repair problems.
- Trace electrical circuits, following diagrams, and conduct tests with circuit testers and other equipment to locate shorts and grounds.
- Replace worn and defective parts such as switches, bearings, transmissions, belts, gears, circuit boards, or defective wiring.
- Conserve, recover, and recycle refrigerants used in cooling systems.
- Provide repair cost estimates, and recommend whether appliance repair or replacement is a better choice.
- Disassemble appliances so that problems can be diagnosed and repairs can be made.
- Service and repair domestic electrical or gas appliances, such as clothes washers, refrigerators, stoves, and dryers.
- Respond to emergency calls for problems such as gas leaks.
- Reassemble units after repairs are made, making adjustments and cleaning and lubricating parts as needed.
- Record maintenance and repair work performed on appliances.
- Test and examine gas pipelines and equipment to locate leaks and faulty connections, and to determine the pressure and flow of gas.
- Light and adjust pilot lights on gas stoves, and examine valves and burners for gas leakage and specified flame.
- Instruct customers regarding operation and care of appliances, and provide information such as emergency service numbers.
- Maintain stocks of parts used in on-site installation, maintenance, and repair of appliances.
- Contact supervisors or offices to receive repair assignments.
- Level refrigerators, adjust doors, and connect water lines to water pipes for ice makers and water dispensers, using hand tools.
- Observe and test operation of appliances following installation, and make any initial installation adjustments that are necessary.
- Install gas pipes and water lines to connect appliances to existing gas lines or plumbing.
- Set appliance thermostats, and check to ensure that they are functioning properly.
- Install appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, and stoves.
- Level washing machines and connect hoses to water pipes, using hand tools.
- Take measurements to determine if appliances will fit in installation locations, performing minor carpentry work when necessary to ensure proper installation.
- Clean and reinstall parts.
- Clean, lubricate, and touch up minor defects on newly installed or repaired appliances.
- Measure, cut, and thread pipe, and connect it to feeder lines and equipment or appliances, using rules and hand tools.
- Assemble new or reconditioned appliances.
- Disassemble and reinstall existing kitchen cabinets, or assemble and install prefabricated kitchen cabinets and trim in conjunction with appliance installation.
- Hang steel supports from beams or joists to hold hoses, vents, and gas pipes in place.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
Electrical and electronics installers and repairers
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
Learn MoreHome appliance repairers
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
Learn More