Appliance Repair Technician in Washington: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Repair and maintenance
Washington employs 800 appliance repair technicians, with a statewide median of $58,110 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Washington licensing picture, and where to train.
What Appliance repair technicians Earn in Washington (May 2025)
- Washington median pay
- $58,110 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $43,250
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $63,470
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $68,230
- Employed in Washington
- 800
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $44,390 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for appliance repair technicians in major Washington markets:
- Seattle–Tacoma
- $61,870 (530 employed)
- Spokane
- $54,320 (100 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Washington
Prices in Washington run about 7% above the national average (cost-of-living index 107.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $58,110 median is worth closer to $54,308 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Washington (2024–2034)
Washington is projected to grow appliance repair technicians employment +0.8%, slower than the +2.7% projected nationally. The state expects about 50 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Washington License and Certification Requirements
None required — manufacturer certifications and EPA 608 for refrigerants — regulated by the No Washington state license required for appliance repair technicians.
- Washington does not require a state license for appliance repair. The entry path is completing a manufacturer training program, an appliance repair vocational program (some community colleges offer courses), or on-the-job training with an appliance service company.
- EPA 608 Type I or Type II certification is required federally if you work with refrigerants (refrigerators, air conditioners, dehumidifiers). Manufacturer-specific certifications (Samsung, LG, GE, Whirlpool) are highly valued.
- Apply to appliance service companies, home warranty companies, or major appliance retailers. Many experienced technicians operate independently, particularly in the Seattle and Tacoma markets.
Official requirements: No Washington state license required for appliance repair technicians →
Training in Washington
Washington's large base of owner-occupied housing and high appliance ownership rates support steady appliance repair demand. Home warranty companies (American Home Shield, First American) are a significant source of dispatch work. NARDA and NASATech offer technician training resources.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Washington include:
- Bates Technical College — Certificate / Associate
- Edmonds College — Certificate
- North Seattle College — Certificate / Associate
- Northwest Indian College — Certificate
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who like fixing things, want a shorter training path, and are interested in eventual self-employment.
Think twice if: Driving to many in-home appointments, lifting heavy appliances, and modest entry wages sound like a poor fit.
Why it's resilient: In-home appliance repair requires physical access, diagnostic judgment, and local customer trust that cannot be done remotely.
First Steps
Look for appliance repair certificate programs or entry-level helper positions at appliance service companies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do appliance repair technicians make in Washington?
The median wage for appliance repair technicians in Washington is $58,110 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $43,250, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $68,230. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Appliance Repair Technician in Washington?
None required — manufacturer certifications and EPA 608 for refrigerants, overseen by the No Washington state license required for appliance repair technicians. Washington does not require a state license for appliance repair. The entry path is completing a manufacturer training program, an appliance repair vocational program (some community colleges offer courses), or on-the-job training with an appliance service company.
Is being an Appliance Repair Technician a good career in Washington?
In-home appliance repair requires physical access, diagnostic judgment, and local customer trust that cannot be done remotely.
Which Washington metros pay appliance repair technicians the most?
Among Washington metro areas, Seattle–Tacoma leads at $61,870, followed by Spokane ($54,320). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become an Appliance Repair Technician in Washington?
Real Washington options include Bates Technical College, Edmonds College, North Seattle College. Most appliance repair technicians start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Appliance Repair Technician a growing career in Washington?
Washington projects appliance repair technicians employment to change +0.8% from 2024 to 2034, with about 50 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Washington statewide and metro estimates for SOC 49-9031. Licensing summary compiled from the No Washington state license required for appliance repair technicians (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Washington wages · Washington licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.