Home Appliance Repairers

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

• Bill customers for repair work, and collect payment.87
• Observe and examine appliances during operation to detect specific malfunctions such as loose parts or leaking fluid.86
• Talk to customers or refer to work orders to establish the nature of appliance malfunctions.86
• Refer to schematic drawings, product manuals, and troubleshooting guides to diagnose and repair problems.85
• Trace electrical circuits, following diagrams, and conduct tests with circuit testers and other equipment to locate shorts and grounds.85
• Replace worn and defective parts such as switches, bearings, transmissions, belts, gears, circuit boards, or defective wiring.85
• Conserve, recover, and recycle refrigerants used in cooling systems.84
• Provide repair cost estimates, and recommend whether appliance repair or replacement is a better choice.83
• Disassemble appliances so that problems can be diagnosed and repairs can be made.83
• Respond to emergency calls for problems such as gas leaks.82
• Service and repair domestic electrical or gas appliances, such as clothes washers, refrigerators, stoves, and dryers.82
• Reassemble units after repairs are made, making adjustments and cleaning and lubricating parts as needed.81

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

• Repairing72

  Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

• Critical Thinking69

  Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

• Equipment Maintenance66

  Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

• Troubleshooting66

  Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

• Operations Monitoring63

  Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

• Quality Control Analysis63

  Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

• Speaking63

  Talking to others to convey information effectively.

• Active Listening60

  Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

• Complex Problem Solving53

  Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

• Reading Comprehension53

  Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

• Equipment Selection50

  Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.

• Installation50

  Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

• Customer and Personal Service77

  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.

• Mechanical75

  Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

• English Language61

  Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

• Administration and Management60

  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.

• Administrative60

  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 Electronics59

  Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

• Sales and Marketing55

  Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.

• Engineering and Technology50

  Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

• Mathematics48

  Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

• Education and Training42

  Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

• Economics and Accounting37

  Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.

• Personnel and Human Resources36

  Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

• Arm-Hand Steadiness72

  The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

• Finger Dexterity69

  The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

• Manual Dexterity69

  The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

• Near Vision69

  The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

• Oral Expression69

  The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

• Problem Sensitivity69

  The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

• Oral Comprehension66

  The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

• Extent Flexibility56

  The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.

• Information Ordering56

  The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

• Visualization56

  The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

• Deductive Reasoning53

  The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

• Written Comprehension53

  The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment78

  Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

• Getting Information77

  Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public77

  Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge77

  Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

• Handling and Moving Objects76

  Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

• Making Decisions and Solving Problems75

  Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

• Performing General Physical Activities70

  Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.

• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events69

  Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment65

  Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

• Communicating with People Outside the Organization64

  Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials62

  Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work60

  Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

• Dependability82

  A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

• Attention to Detail77

  A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.

• Cautiousness69

  A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.

• Integrity58

  A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

• Perseverance54

  A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.

• Self-Control40

  A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.

• Achievement Orientation38

  A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.

• Stress Tolerance37

  A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.

• Adaptability36

  A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.

• Cooperation36

  A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.

• Sincerity36

  A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.

• Initiative33

  A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

• Realistic100

  Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

• Conventional64

  Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

• Investigative22

  Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

• Social11

  Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

• Enterprising6

  Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

• Artistic3

  Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

• Telephone Conversations

  • Every day97%

• Contact With Others

  • Constant contact with others87%

• Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

  • Every day89%

• Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

  • Extremely important77%
  • Very important19%

• Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

  • Continually or almost continually78%
  • About half the time19%

• Freedom to Make Decisions

  • A lot of freedom70%
  • Some freedom21%

• Frequency of Decision Making

  • Every day77%

• Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

  • Extremely important41%
  • Very important47%

• In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

  • Every day78%
  • Never13%

• Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

  • A lot of freedom49%
  • Some freedom23%
  • Limited freedom23%

• Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

  • Every day32%
  • Once a week or more but not every day53%

• Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

  • Every day59%
  • Once a week or more but not every day13%
  • Once a year or more but not every month11%

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Post-secondary certificate
• Less than high school diploma

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

• Spreadsheet software

  Microsoft Excel

• Data base user interface and query software

  dESCO ESC, Parts database software, RazorSync, ServiceMax

• Electronic mail software

  Microsoft Outlook

• Office suite software

  Microsoft Office software

• Operating system software

  Microsoft Windows

• Word processing software

  Microsoft Word

• Route navigation software

  Route mapping software

• Internet browser software

  Web browser software

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

• Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers
• Vacuum and Sewing Dealers Trade Association

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

• Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
• Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
• Industrial and Refractory Machinery Mechanics
• Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment
• Control and Valve Installers and Repairers
• Small Engine Mechanics
• Electrical and electronics repairers, transportation equipment, and industrial and utility
• Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
• Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
• Electrical and electronics repairers, transportation equipment, and industrial and utility
• Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers
• Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
• Electrical and electronics repairers, transportation equipment, and industrial and utility
• Electrical, Electronics, and Electromechanical Assemblers
• Boilermakers
• Maintenance Workers, Machinery
• Mechanical Engineers
• Broadcast and sound engineering technicians and radio operators, and media and communication equipment workers, all other
• Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders
• Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

• Collect payments for goods or services.
• Observe equipment in operation to detect potential problems.
• Confer with customers or users to assess problems.
• Read work orders or descriptions of problems to determine repairs or modifications needed.
• Read technical information needed to perform maintenance or repairs.
• Replace worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts.
• Test electrical circuits or components for proper functioning.
• Dispose of hazardous materials.
• Advise others on issues related to repairs, installation, or equipment design.
• Disassemble equipment for maintenance or repair.
• Estimate costs for labor or materials.
• Repair worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts.

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

• Air Conditioning Installer Window
• Customer Service Representative
• Electric Tool Repairer
• Electrical Appliance Repairer
• Electrical Appliance Services
• Gas Appliance Servicer
• Propane Service Technician