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Commercial Appliance Service Technicians, Equipment and Appliance Service Tradesperson, Home Appliance Repairer, Appliance Mechanic
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in operating electrical test equipment to conduct voltage, resistance and other tests, and in operating soldering equipment and hand tools to replace and repair parts
Interest in compiling information to prepare reports of work done
Interest in speaking with customers to establish nature of appliance malfunction and to provide cost estimates for repairs
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Interest in operating test equipment such as meters and gauges to measure resistance, current, voltage and pressure, and to operate hand tools and soldering and brazing equipment
Interest in speaking to customers during service calls to establish nature of appliance malfunction; and in planning service routes and preparing written accounts of work performed
Interest in compiling information to diagnose faults by checking controls, condensers, timer sequences, fans and other components
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
In Alberta, there are 2 branches of this trade:
Duties vary from one position to another but, in general, appliance service technicians:
Appliance service technicians generally work alone with little supervision. Those who repair portable appliances work indoors at a workbench in a shop. Technicians who repair large appliances usually have to drive a truck with an inventory of parts and tools.
Appliance service technicians typically work a 40-hour week but overtime is a real possibility in an emergency or at busy times of the year. Some work Saturdays and evenings to serve customers and the hours of work can vary considerably for those who are self-employed.
The physical demands of the work vary. Installing and servicing large appliances may require lifting and moving appliances, weighing over 25 kg. It may also involve considerable amount of standing, stooping, kneeling and reaching. Benchwork is not as physically demanding.
There is some risk physical injury due to electrical shocks, cuts, burns or muscle strain.
Appliance service technicians need:
They should enjoy working independently, meeting and helping people, solving problems and working with their hands.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2011 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 44 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Oct 27, 2021 and Oct 02, 2022.
Review these skills to learn:
| Replace faulty components | 21 |
|---|---|
| Diagnose faults, using testing devices | 21 |
| Conduct voltage, resistance and other tests using electrical test equipment | 20 |
| Equipment and Machinery Experience: Large household appliances | 20 |
| Advise customers on work performed and condition of equipment | 19 |
| Repair electrical appliances and components | 19 |
| Personal Suitability: Organized | 19 |
| Refer to schematic drawings or product manuals to repair parts | 18 |
| Personal Suitability: Team player | 17 |
| Use shop equipment and specialized diagnostic and programming apparatus to repair, adjust and reprogram appliances | 15 |
To work in Alberta, an appliance service technician or commercial appliance service technician must be ONE of the following:
To register with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, apprentices must find a suitable employer who is willing to hire and train them. They must also meet ONE of the following:
Terms of apprenticeship are different for each branch of this trade:
High school students can earn credits toward apprenticeship training and a high school diploma at the same time through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). Applicants who have related training or work experience may be eligible for admission, credit, or certification. Credits may reduce the period of apprenticeship.
Apprentices in the appliance service technician branch of the trade may take the interprovincial exam in the final period of their apprenticeship training to earn a Red Seal (certification recognized in most parts of Canada).
Classroom instruction is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. For more information, see the Apprenticeship Training Catalogue.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Appliance service technicians install, service and repair household and commercial appliances such as ranges, ovens, clothes washers, dryers, freezers, refrigerators, air conditioners, microwave ovens, dishwashers, waste disposers and waste compactors. For more information, see the Designated Trades Profile on Alberta’s Tradesecrets website.
Under Alberta’s Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act [pdf], you must have a certificate that is recognized by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training or be a registered apprentice to install, service or repair household or commercial appliances in Alberta.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Appliance Service Technician.
Certified tradespeople who want to build their business skills may obtain an Achievement in Business Competencies (Blue Seal) Certificate from Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Appliance service technicians work for:
With experience and knowledge of how to run a small business, appliance service technicians may start their own appliance service or sales and service outlets. They also may find employment as factory service representatives who supervise repair depots for manufacturing firms. In large organizations and with experience, technicians may become specialists or advance to supervisory role such as foreman or service manager.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 7332: Appliance servicers and repairers occupational group, 76.3% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 7332: Appliance servicers and repairers occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 3.3% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 20 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Journeyperson appliance service technicians wage rates vary, but generally range from $25 to $45 an hour plus benefits (2019 estimates). Apprentices earn at least 55% of the journeyperson wage rate in their place of employment in the first year, 70% in the second and 85% in the third. According to the Alberta Provincial Apprenticeship Committee for this trade, journeypersons who are self-employed or work on a commission basis may earn more depending on their skill and initiative.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $18.00 | $33.00 | $22.79 | $22.00 |
| Overall | $21.00 | $51.30 | $33.07 | $27.50 |
| Top | $26.30 | $55.20 | $35.96 | $32.00 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $69,237 |
|---|---|
| Wholesale Trade | $50,577 |
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website: tradesecrets.alberta.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2020. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
