How to Become an Appliance Repair Technician in Iowa

Encountering a sudden malfunction in one of your frequently used appliances can undoubtedly turn a day sour.

This scenario becomes even more critical in commercial settings, such as hotels, where a malfunction can quickly escalate into a genuine issue.

Fortunately, reaching out to an appliance repair technician often serves as a lifesaver in most instances.

If you want to be the professional people turn to in such situations, you’ve landed in the right place!

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Let’s have a look at what it means to become an appliance repair technician in Iowa.

Appliance Repair Technician Job Description and Responsibilities in Iowa

There are some duties and tasks you will have to complete as part of the job.

These are:

• Rectifying damaged appliances
• Sustaining the functionality of operational ones
• Installing and/or adjusting appliances
• Utilizing the appropriate tools for each job
• Providing an estimated cost for the work
• Ensuring the availability of correct spare parts
• Maintaining a comprehensive data log for bills, work details, and inventory

Appliance repair technicians work at the client’s location or sometimes, in a repair shop.

Appliance Repair Technician Training in Iowa

Securing a high school diploma or its equivalent marks an initial prerequisite for this profession.

Given the diverse array of appliances in use, finding a comprehensive training program covering all types proves challenging.

To kickstart your quest for a suitable training course, consider commencing your exploration at a vocational school.

Two primary programs worth exploring are those geared toward becoming an electrician or plumber.

Following the acquisition of credentials in either of these areas, you can delve into specialized classes focused on repairing appliances utilizing electricity or gas.

Examples such as becoming an HVAC technician or a steamfitter can significantly contribute to enhancing your proficiency in this profession.

Now, let’s uncover the educational institutions offering training for future appliance repair technicians in the distinctive setting of Iowa.

Let’s explore the available options!

Fred’s Appliance Academy 

This academy offers classes on campus and online.

Here are the main subjects you’ll learn about:

• Microwaves
• Refrigerators
• Washers
• Dryers
• Dishwashers
• Ranges

Not everyone knows that certain appliances use either gas or electricity.

Many repair techs specialize in one appliance, regardless of its fuel type.

These are the fees if you want to learn online:

• $1,365 for the entire suite
• Between $200 and $570 for a single appliance type

For the in-person courses, the tuition is:

• $5,200 Diagnostic and Repair Foundations – with a duration of 3 weeks
• $2,000 Diagnostic and Repair Foundations – Refrigerators – with a duration of 1 week

This fee covers 2 meals during the weekdays.

Dyer Appliance Academy

This online school offers several courses that will help you start your career.

The appliance repair technician program only lasts for 2 weeks, and will take you through the following topics:

• Basic Electricity
• Dishwashers
• Lokring/R600
• Reading Schematics
• Gas Fundamentals
• Microwaves
• Customer Service Skills
• Multimeter Usage
• Service Mode Diagnostics
• Basic Refrigeration
• Sealed Systems Diagnostics/Repair
• Washers
• Electric & Gas Dryers

Obtaining the Appliance Repair Technician License in Iowa

Securing an appliance repair license in Indiana is a straightforward process with specific criteria that must be met.

Be 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED.

Enroll in a registered apprentice program under the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship.

Apply for an apprentice license from the Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board (PMSB), fulfilling all stipulated requirements and remitting the requisite fee.

Now, you must obtain the apprentice license.

The apprenticeship lasts for 4 years and you’ll work under the guidance of a licensed journeyperson or master.

Next, apply for, participate in, and successfully pass the examination for a Journey Level license.

Apply for the post-examination Journey Level license, meeting all criteria and submitting the required fee.

If you pass the test, you’ll get the journey license.

Accumulate two years of experience as a licensed journeyperson, working under the supervision of a licensed master.

Apply for, undergo, and pass the examination for a Master Level license.

Apply for the post-examination Master Level license, adhering to all prerequisites and paying the necessary fee. Obtain the master license.

Continuously work for a licensed contractor

If aspiring to own a business and become a contractor, secure both licensure with the board and registration with the Iowa Division of Labor.

Apply for a Contractor license, and make sure you fulfilling all conditions.

These include:

• A surety bond
• Public liability insurance
• Unemployment insurance
• Workers’ compensation insurance
• Payment of fees
• Being able to lift 35 lbs

Appliance Repair Technician Salary in Iowa

It’s important to highlight that the mean yearly salary for an appliance repair technician in the United States hovers around $49,214.

When considering the job market in Iowa, the projected annual earnings are estimated to be approximately  $48,367.

For an intricate breakdown of salary particulars, please consult the comprehensive table offered below.

Regional Salary in Iowa

Appliance Repair Technician Schools by State