How to become an appliance servicer or repairer
Official title: Appliance servicers and repairers
Also called: Stove repairer, Appliance servicer, Gas stove repairer, Dishwasher repairer, Power tool repairer, Refrigerator repairer, Refrigerator servicer, Electric tool repairer, Gas appliance repairer, Gas appliance servicer, Gas fireplace servicer, Electric dryer repairer
Appliance servicers and repairers service and repair domestic and commercial appliances. They are employed by repair shops, appliance service companies and repair departments of retail and wholesale establishments, or they may be self-employed. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
Main tasks
- Small electrical appliance servicers and repairers
- Repair small electrical appliances, such as lawn and garden equipment and power tools
- Consult customer or refer to work order to establish nature of the appliance malfunction
- Observe operation of appliance and conduct voltage, resistance and other tests using electrical test equipment
- Refer to schematic drawings or product manuals and replace or repair parts or components using hand tools and soldering equipment
- Prepare estimates and written accounts of work performed
- Major appliance repairers/technicians
- Repair major electrical or gas appliances, such as domestic and commercial dishwashing equipment, stoves, laundry equipment and refrigerators in customer's home, in customer's place of business or in repair shop
How to become one
Completion of secondary school and training courses or a vocational program is usually required. Small appliance repairers usually require some specialized college or high school courses or several months of on-the-job training. Major appliance repairers/technicians require some secondary school education and completion of a college program in appliance repair or Completion of a three- or four-year apprenticeship program in appliance repair. Appliance service technician, or appliance serviceperson, trade certification is compulsory in Alberta and available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Ontario, British Columbia, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. A provincial gas fitter licence, or gas appliance technician certificate, may be required for gas appliance service technicians. Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified appliance service technicians upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
Ways in
- Apprenticeship: Red Seal trade. Major appliance repairers/technicians require some secondary school education and completion of a college program in appliance repair or Completion of a three- or four-year apprenticeship program in appliance repair. Red Seal endorsement is available. Apprenticeships are run by each province and territory.
- Licence or registration: A provincial gas fitter licence, or gas appliance technician certificate, may be required for gas appliance service technicians.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $54,854 a year The middle half earn $47,288 to $67,509.
- About 3,900 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 4,100 are projected by 2033. (+5.1%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
Related jobs
- Oil and solid fuel heating mechanics
- Electrical mechanics
- Motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle and other related mechanics
- Other small engine and small equipment repairers
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Questions people ask
How do I become an appliance servicer or repairer?
Completion of secondary school and training courses or a vocational program is usually required. Small appliance repairers usually require some specialized college or high school courses or several months of on-the-job training. Major appliance repairers/technicians require some secondary school education and completion of a college program in appliance repair or Completion of a three- or four-year apprenticeship program in appliance repair. Appliance service technician, or appliance serviceperson, trade certification is compulsory in Alberta and available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Ontario, British Columbia, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. A provincial gas fitter licence, or gas appliance technician certificate, may be required for gas appliance service technicians. Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified appliance service technicians upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
How much does an appliance servicer or repairer earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $54,854 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $47,288 to $67,509.
Is an appliance servicer or repairer a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 5% by 2033, from about 3,900 to about 4,100 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become an appliance servicer or repairer?
Usually not. Only 9% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Red Seal trade.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03