Mobile microwave repair

Visit homes and small businesses to diagnose and fix built-in, over-the-range and countertop microwaves.

Startup cost$1.5k to $6k
Monthly revenue$1.5k to $7k
Time needed10+ h/week
First incomeWeeks
  • $1.5k-6k
  • Side hustle
  • 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

An on-site repair service for microwave ovens. You find the fault, replace parts such as door switches, magnetrons, diodes, fuses and control boards, and test the unit for safe operation. Built-in and over-the-range models are the sweet spot, because customers can't easily carry them to a shop.

Your first three steps

  1. Take an appliance repair course or find a local repair shop where you can apprentice, and practice on used microwaves
  2. Set up an LLC if you want one, get an EIN, check your city or county for a business license, and buy general liability insurance
  3. Build a basic parts and tool kit, list your service on Google Business Profile and local directories, and ask property managers and restaurants for trial jobs
Who pays

Homeowners, landlords and property managers, plus restaurants, offices, break rooms and convenience stores with commercial microwaves.

How it makes money

A diagnostic or service-call fee, plus labor and a markup on parts. Repeat work from property managers and food businesses can fill the gaps between one-off household jobs.

Skills that help
  • Electrical troubleshooting with a multimeter
  • Comfort following safety procedures around high-voltage parts
  • Clear, honest communication about repair vs. replace
  • Basic bookkeeping and scheduling
Watch out for
  • Microwaves hold dangerous high-voltage charge even when unplugged. Learn proper discharge procedures before opening one.
  • Check whether your state or city requires an appliance repair registration or license
  • General liability insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire
  • Many cheap countertop models cost more to repair than replace, so be upfront with customers about it
  • Check any manufacturer warranty or authorized-service rules before taking on warranty work

Deep research report · US

Everything you need to start: mobile microwave repair

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
Ready in about 2 minutes · one-off payment, tax included

See a full sample report

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start a mobile microwave repair business?

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on your tools, test equipment, parts stock, vehicle setup and insurance. These are estimates, so price your own tools and parts before you commit.

How much can a mobile microwave repair business earn?

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on how many calls you take, your repair prices and your mix of home and business customers. The idea assumes at least 10 hours a week. These are estimates, and revenue is not profit.

What rules and safety points should I check before repairing microwaves?

Microwaves hold dangerous high-voltage charge even when unplugged, so learn proper discharge procedures first. Check whether your state or city requires an appliance repair registration or license. Also check general liability insurance, workers' compensation once you hire, and any manufacturer warranty or authorized-service rules.

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