Mobile appliance repair technician
Fix washers, dryers, fridges and ovens at customers' homes from your own van.
- $3k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
5,595 US businesses with employees in this field, +3.4% in a year
NAICS 811412 “Appliance repair and maintenance”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
You drive to homes and rental properties, diagnose faults in major appliances and repair them on the spot with parts you carry or order.
Your first three steps
- Pick a few appliance types to focus on and take a training course or find a repair mentor or apprenticeship
- Set up a van with a tool kit, a test meter and a small stock of common parts, and open an account with a parts supplier
- Create a simple Google Business Profile and contact local landlords and property managers for repeat work
Who pays
Homeowners, landlords, property managers and small businesses such as Airbnb hosts.
How it makes money
A diagnostic or service call fee plus labor and parts markup on each repair. Repeat work from landlords and property managers adds steady jobs.
Skills that help
- Mechanical and basic electrical troubleshooting
- Reading wiring diagrams and service manuals
- Clear communication and honest quotes
Watch out for
- Check whether your state or city requires a business license or any appliance repair or electrical registration
- Gas appliances may need extra qualifications or a licensed gas fitter in some areas, so check with your state licensing board
- Refrigerant handling requires EPA Section 608 certification, so check what applies to fridges and freezers
- General liability insurance and commercial vehicle cover; workers' compensation once you hire
- Heavy lifting and live electrical work carry injury risks, so follow safety practices
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: mobile appliance repair technician
Researched with live web search for United States: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a mobile appliance repair business?
Startup costs are typically estimated around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your vehicle, tools and parts stock. Check insurance costs too, including general liability and commercial vehicle cover.
How much can a mobile appliance repair technician earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on how many jobs you take and local demand. Expect to work at least around 20 hours a week.
Do I need a license or certification to repair appliances?
Check whether your state or city requires a business license or appliance repair or electrical registration. Gas appliances may need extra qualifications, and refrigerant handling requires EPA Section 608 certification, so check what applies to fridges and freezers.
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