Posted by Orin Trask
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Based on industry data from New Zealand and Australia, this tool estimates potential hourly wages for appliance technicians based on your experience level and certifications. Remember: actual pay varies by region, company size, and client demand.
Note: These figures represent typical rates based on industry data from New Zealand and Australia. Actual wages may vary based on location, company, and client demand.
When someone says appliance in a job context, they’re not talking about your fridge or washing machine. They’re talking about the person who fixes them. In the appliance service world, appliance is shorthand for appliance technician-the person who shows up at your door with tools, diagnostic gear, and a knack for knowing why your oven won’t heat or your dishwasher won’t drain.
This isn’t just casual talk-it’s industry language. In New Zealand, where I’ve worked in appliance service for over 15 years, you’ll hear it in every call center, every repair log, and every technician’s radio. It’s efficient. It’s clear. And it cuts through the noise.
It’s not just fixing machines. It’s restoring function, safety, and peace of mind.
Notice how they don’t say "repair technician"? That’s because in this industry, "appliance" is the standard term. It’s understood. It’s efficient. And if you’re applying for these jobs, you need to speak the language.
Not knowing the term isn’t just awkward-it can cost time, money, and trust. A customer who hears "We sent an appliance" might think you’re sending a machine. That’s a bad first impression. And in service work, trust is everything.
| Trade | Common Shorthand | What It Really Means |
|---|---|---|
| Appliance Repair | Appliance | Technician who fixes household machines |
| Plumbing | Plumber | Technician who fixes pipes, drains, water systems |
| Electrical | Electrician | Technician who handles wiring, panels, circuits |
| HVAC | Heating Tech | Technician who services furnaces, air conditioners |
| IT Support | Tech | Person who fixes computers or networks |
Each trade has its own term. But in appliance repair, "appliance" is unique. It’s not the tool, not the machine-it’s the person. That’s the nuance.
It also means they’re prepared. Appliance technicians carry diagnostic tools, replacement parts, and safety gear. They’ve been trained on specific brands. They know how to handle gas leaks, electrical hazards, and water damage. This isn’t DIY territory. It’s skilled labor.
And in a world where so many services feel impersonal, the fact that an appliance shows up-on time, with the right tools, ready to fix your day-is worth something.
Most technicians start as apprentices. You’ll work under someone for 6-12 months before going solo. Pay starts around $22/hour. After two years, you’re pulling $35-$45/hour. Some run their own businesses and make six figures.
Companies are hiring techs who can read app logs, reset Bluetooth pairing, and update firmware. If you’re starting out today, learning how to use the manufacturer’s diagnostic apps is as important as knowing how to test a heating element.
And with climate goals pushing people to repair instead of replace, the demand for skilled appliances is only growing. In 2025, New Zealand’s Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment reported a 34% increase in appliance repair requests over the last three years. That’s not a trend. It’s a shift.
It’s not glamorous. But it’s necessary. And in a world that’s always moving on to the next thing, the appliance? They’re the ones who keep the old things working.
Yes, in the appliance service industry, "appliance" is slang for "appliance repair technician." It’s shorthand used by dispatchers, companies, and techs themselves. When someone says, "Send the appliance," they mean the person who fixes your fridge, oven, or washer-not the machine itself.
You don’t need a license for electric-only appliances like washing machines or dishwashers. But if you’re working on gas appliances-ovens, cooktops, boilers-you must be licensed under New Zealand’s Gas Safe Register. Most employers require at least a basic appliance repair certificate, and brand-specific certifications (like LG or Fisher & Paykel) make you more hireable.
Yes. Many companies hire entry-level assistants or trainees. You’ll start by shadowing experienced techs, handling parts, and doing basic diagnostics. Most offer paid on-the-job training. After 6-12 months, you’ll be working solo. The key is reliability, curiosity, and a willingness to learn.
Because people are choosing to repair instead of replace. With rising costs of new appliances and environmental pressure to reduce waste, repair is more popular than ever. In New Zealand, appliance repair requests rose 34% from 2022 to 2025. Skilled techs are in short supply, so companies are offering higher pay and better benefits to attract them.
Start with a multimeter, screwdriver set, pliers, vacuum probe, flashlight, and a diagnostic app for common brands (Fisher & Paykel, Samsung, LG). Most employers provide vans and specialized tools. You’ll build your own kit over time as you specialize in certain types of appliances.
Absolutely. Unlike many trades that are being automated, appliance repair requires human judgment, adaptability, and problem-solving. With smart appliances and repair-first policies, demand is growing. Many techs become business owners, work for themselves, or move into training roles. It’s stable, hands-on, and always needed.