Weekend washer and dryer repair

Repair washers and dryers in evenings and weekends for neighbors and landlords while keeping your day job.

Startup cost$500 to $2.5k
Monthly revenue$400 to $2k
Time needed6+ h/week
First incomeWeeks
  • $500-2.5k
  • 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

A small-scale version focused on the most common, simple fixes such as belts, drain pumps, door switches and heating elements, booked around your other job.

Your first three steps

  1. Practice on your own or secondhand machines and follow repair tutorials and manufacturer service guides
  2. Buy a basic toolkit and a few common parts, then set a clear callout fee and hourly rate
  3. Post on local community groups and neighborhood apps and ask landlords to try you on one job
Who pays

Neighbors, local homeowners, and landlords with a few rental units who want a quick, fair-priced fix.

How it makes money

A flat callout fee plus parts and labor, with jobs booked in the evenings and on weekends.

Skills that help
  • Comfortable with hand tools
  • Patience to troubleshoot
  • Reliable scheduling and communication
Watch out for
  • Check your state and city rules on repair licensing and whether a local business license is needed
  • General liability insurance, even for small jobs
  • Check your day-job contract for any limits on outside work
  • Gas dryers and electrical faults can be dangerous, so decline work you are not trained for
  • Be clear about availability so you do not leave customers without a washer for long

Deep research report · US

Everything you need to start: weekend washer and dryer 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 washer and dryer repair side hustle?

Startup costs are typically around $500 to $2,500, depending on the tools you already own and the repairs you plan to offer. These are estimates only. Focusing on common, simple fixes can keep your early spending lower.

How much can I earn repairing washers and dryers part time?

Monthly revenue is typically around $400 to $2,000, depending on how many hours you can offer and how many jobs you book. This is revenue, not profit. Be clear about your availability so customers aren't left without a washer for long.

What rules should I check before repairing appliances on the side?

Check your state and city rules on repair licensing and whether you need a local business license. Also check your day-job contract for limits on outside work, arrange general liability insurance, and decline gas or electrical work you aren't trained for.

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