Highest Paying Trades Jobs No One’s Talking About (2025 – 2026)
If you’re searching for a high-paying trade job with incredible potential, appliance repair should be on your radar. While it may not be as glamorous as some tech or finance careers, working as an appliance repair technician offers stable, rewarding work and substantial earning potential. As the demand for skilled tradespeople grows, appliance repair is emerging as one of the highest-paying fields in the industry. In this article, we’ll break down how this trade can lead to impressive income in four levels of career progression. Plus, we’ll answer seven essential questions to help you understand why appliance repair might just be your ticket to a lucrative career.
Why is Appliance Repair So Profitable?
The appliance repair industry is in a unique position. As technology advances, household appliances are becoming more complex, integrating with smart systems and requiring skilled maintenance and repairs. Yet, despite the increasing need for qualified repair technicians, there’s a shortage of people entering the trade. This supply-and-demand gap creates a unique opportunity for skilled appliance repair technicians to command higher fees and negotiate better salaries.
Let’s explore how, at each level, a career in appliance repair can translate to a high-paying and satisfying job.
1. Private Company Employee: Appliance Repair Technician
When starting out as an appliance repair technician, many individuals begin as employees in private companies. Working under the wing of an established company can be a great way to learn the ropes, gain hands-on experience, and establish a foundation in the industry. As an experienced (senior) tech for a private company, you can expect to earn between $70,000 and $90,000 annually.
Many new technicians prefer to start as employees because of the stability, steady paycheck, and benefits packages that come with working for a reputable business. Plus, private companies often provide on-the-job training, allowing employees to expand their skills without additional costs.
2. Union Employee: Appliance Repair Technician
For those who choose the union route, the income and benefits can be even more attractive. Union appliance repair technicians earn competitive wages, often with stronger benefits, retirement options, and job security. Unionized positions typically come with an experienced (senior) technician salary ranging from $85,000 to over $100,000 annually.
Union membership often provides access to additional training and advancement opportunities, which can help you further develop your skills. With union backing, you’ll be in a position to negotiate better pay and improve job stability, making this a highly attractive path in appliance repair.
3. Self-Employed: Appliance Repair Technician
After gaining enough experience, many appliance repair technicians decide to go solo, offering their services directly to clients as self-employed professionals. This shift to self-employment opens the door to much higher earning potential, as you set your own rates and have full control over your schedule. For those who are established and highly skilled, self-employed appliance repair techs can earn $150,000 to $175,000 or more annually.
Being self-employed also means you can build relationships with repeat clients and position yourself as a go-to expert in your community. The flexibility of self-employment, combined with the ability to command higher fees, makes this one of the most rewarding career paths in appliance repair.
4. Business Owner with Employees: Appliance Repair Business Owner
If you’re ready to take appliance repair to the next level, consider building your own appliance repair business. As a business owner with a team of technicians, you’re no longer limited to your own labor hours; instead, you can leverage your team’s efforts to scale the business. With four or more technicians under your management, a successful appliance repair business can generate annual revenues of $550,000 to over $1 million.
Running a business requires additional skills, such as marketing, management, and customer relations, but the potential for income is exponentially higher. With a well-established brand and strong client relationships, appliance repair business owners can achieve high-end revenues and establish a thriving, long-lasting business.
FAQs About Appliance Repair Training and Career Paths
1. What training is required to become an appliance repair technician?
Becoming an appliance repair technician generally requires vocational training, which can be completed in about 6-12 months. Many techs begin with a certification program or apprenticeship that covers the basics of appliance mechanics, diagnostics, and repair techniques. Some larger companies also offer in-house training, and union members have access to additional programs. These training paths provide a fast and cost-effective way to enter a high-paying trade.
2. Is certification necessary for appliance repair?
While certification is not always mandatory, it is highly recommended. Certification, such as from the Professional Service Association (PSA) or National Appliance Service Technician Certification (NASTeC), can enhance credibility and make it easier to find clients or secure higher-paying jobs. Certified techs are often in higher demand because clients and employers recognize their proven knowledge and expertise.
3. How long does it take to become an experienced technician?
It typically takes around 1 to 2 years of consistent work to reach the level of an experienced (senior) technician. During this time, you’ll encounter a wide range of appliances and repairs, developing the knowledge and troubleshooting skills that come with experience. Many techs find themselves ready to transition into self-employment or a union role once they reach this level.
4. What are the potential income benefits of self-employment in appliance repair?
Self-employed appliance repair technicians can earn significantly more than their salaried counterparts. Established, highly skilled self-employed techs can bring in $150,000 to $175,000 or more each year. Without the overhead of a larger company and the ability to set your own rates, self-employed techs can maximize their earnings while enjoying a flexible schedule.
5. What does it take to Start an Appliance Repair Business?
Starting an appliance repair business requires a combination of technical skills, a client base, and basic business knowledge. Most appliance repair business owners begin by working solo, eventually hiring additional technicians as demand grows. Initial startup costs can be relatively low, especially if you already own essential tools. However, you’ll need to invest in marketing, transportation, and possibly a workspace as your business expands.
6. What are the challenges of running an appliance repair business?
Running a business comes with unique challenges, including managing clients, handling finances, and hiring reliable employees. As a business owner, you’ll also need to stay updated on the latest appliance technology, which is increasingly sophisticated. However, the potential for high earnings, especially with a team, makes these challenges worthwhile for many in the field.
7. Is Appliance Repair a Recession-Proof Career?
Yes, appliance repair is considered a recession-resistant career. Regardless of the economy, people need functioning appliances, and repairs are often more economical than replacements, especially in tough financial times. As such, appliance repair techs can typically expect steady demand for their services.
End Results: What Can You Expect from a Career in Appliance Repair?
Appliance repair is one of the few trades that offers substantial income potential at every level, from employee to business owner. Here’s a summary of what you can expect at each stage of your career:
Private Company Employee: Steady income, benefits, and a foundation of experience, with an annual salary range of $70,000 to $90,000.
Union Employee: Higher wages, excellent benefits, and job security, with earnings reaching $85,000 to over $100,000 annually.
Self-Employed Technician: Flexibility, independence, and higher income potential, with experienced techs earning $150,000 to $175,000 or more.
Business Owner with Employees: Scalable income and the ability to grow your brand and client base, leading to annual revenues of $550,000 to $1 million or more.
