How to Become an Appliance Repair Technician in Washington

As an appliance repair technician, you will get to fix appliances and make people’s days better.

If you feel this is the right career path for you, all you need to do is take the necessary steps.

Have a look at the next article to learn more about the requirements for appliance repair technicians in Washington.

Appliance Repair Technician Job Description and Responsibilities in Washington

As the job title suggests, the appliance repair technician specializes in the repair and installation of a diverse range of household devices.

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These machines include:

• Refrigerators
• Washers
• Dryers
• Systems related to home heating and cooling

This type of job, however, also has some other duties that are not easily apparent:

• Keeping inventory
• Keeping track of bills and invoices
• Ensuring the right tools are used and in working condition
• Estimating the cost for the work done
• Ensuring clients understand the problem

Not all days will be the same, and a good technician must be ready for any unusual situation that may arise.

Appliance Repair Technician Training in Washington

Becoming an appliance technician in Washington involves navigating through compliance with specific laws and fulfilling certain prerequisites.

One of these is receiving training from an accredited school.

There are some things you should be looking for when searching for the right school:

• Approval by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries
• Available Resources
• Affordability

Aspiring appliance technicians typically pursue a minimum of an associate’s degree in applied science or technology.

Moreover, the journey to becoming a certified appliance technician often involves meeting the requirements set by most states.

You should also consider obtaining certification from entities like the National Appliance Technicians Association (NATA).

This certification not only validates the technician’s expertise but also ensures a standardized level of proficiency in appliance repair.

Choosing a training program that aligns with these criteria is important in obtaining an appliance repair license in Washington.

Renton Technical College

This comprehensive program provides hands-on technical training focusing on the repair and troubleshooting of major appliances.

The practical approach replicates real-world conditions encountered by technicians in the field.

There is an emphasis on electrical, mechanical, and refrigeration theory through a mix of classroom experiences and practical applications.

The program covers all facets of the industry, like:

• Parts procurement
• Work order/parts development
• Effective communications

To attain an Associate of Applied Science Degree, students must fulfill all requirements for the advanced certificate program and complete an additional 20 credits of General Education.

The General Education curriculum is outlined below, and transfer credits from other institutions are subject to validation of transcripts and coursework.

Some of the topics you will learn will teach you how to:

• Adhere to industry safety standards for installing and operating major appliance products.
• Select and utilize appropriate instruments, tools, and equipment effectively.
• Access service and parts information using technology.
• Demonstrate leadership, motivation, and problem-solving skills in diverse and complex work situations.
• Communicate effectively in written and verbal forms with customers, co-workers, and supervisors.
• Diagnose and repair malfunctions in major appliances, as well as residential and commercial refrigeration products.

Obtaining the Appliance Repair Technician License in Washington

Having successfully concluded your training, you are closer to becoming a licensed appliance repair technician in Washington.

The application process entails submitting an online application form, accompanied by essential documents like proof of identity, and registration fees.

You will also need to take a background check and pass a licensing exam.

Your application will undergo a review by the Washington Department of Licensing, and upon approval, you attain a license that grants you legal authorization to carry out appliance repair work.

Once you get your license, you should know it is valid for 2 years.

After the period passes, you will need to renew your appliance technician license if you want to keep practicing.

To do that, you will have to take some extra education hours.

It is also recommended to keep up with the industry updates by attending various seminars available in your area.

Appliance Repair Technician Salary in Washington

In Washington, the median salary for an Appliance Repair Technician stands at $53,000 per year.

However, the compensation range typically spans from $42,660 to $64,296.

The following table shows the cities where the income level is higher, compared to the rest of the state.

Regional Salary in Washington

Appliance Repair Technician Schools by State