Commercial
Appliance Repair Technician Program in Minnesota
Minnesota Trade Careers offers an appliance repair technician program built around practical, hands-on training. Home appliance repairers in Minnesota earn a median wage of $29.14 per hour, according to Minnesota DEED. Nationally, the field may grow 8 percent from 2024 to 2034, per BLS projections.
Clear offer
The appliance repair technician program at Minnesota Trade Careers runs five to nine weeks. It is built for working adults who need a structured, efficient path into the trade.
Instruction is delivered online, with scheduled hands-on lab sessions held at our Minnesota facility. You work through diagnostic theory and repair procedures on your own schedule, then apply those skills on real equipment during lab days.
- Industry-recognized certifications upon successful completion
- Online coursework covering electrical theory, refrigeration basics, and appliance diagnostics
- Hands-on lab sessions using residential and light-commercial appliances
- Training on gas and electric ranges, dishwashers, washers, dryers, and refrigerators
- Small class sizes that allow direct access to instructors
- Instruction led by working technicians with field experience in Minnesota
Instructors bring direct field experience. They teach diagnostic workflows used in actual service calls, not just textbook procedures. That practical focus is intentional.
By the end of the program, students will have completed hands-on assessments and will hold certifications that Minnesota employers recognize. Financial assistance options may be available on a case-by-case basis for eligible students. Contact our admissions team to discuss your situation.
Why this program
Many Minnesota adults considering a trade career face the same problem: traditional in-person programs require fixed schedules, long commutes, and months away from work or family. This appliance repair technician program is built around how working adults actually learn.
Curriculum is delivered online, so you set the pace. Hands-on skill assessments can be completed without relocating or taking extended leave. That matters in a state where rural communities and long winters make daily campus attendance impractical for many people.
- Self-paced online format fits around existing work and family commitments
- No daily campus commute required — relevant across Greater Minnesota and the Twin Cities metro
- Focused curriculum covers both major appliance systems and diagnostic fundamentals
- Prepares students for entry-level roles servicing residential and light commercial equipment
- Minnesota DEED data shows appliance repairers in MN earn a median of $29.14/hr, above the statewide all-occupation median of $26.22/hr
- Nationwide, BLS projects 8 percent occupational growth from 2024 to 2034, with roughly 34,500 annual openings projected over that period
Financing options, including potential workforce funding, may be available on a case-by-case basis. WIOA eligibility and employer tuition assistance depend on individual circumstances and cannot be guaranteed.
Certifications included
The appliance repair technician program prepares students for three industry-recognized credentials. Each is embedded in the curriculum so you are ready to test before you leave.
| Credential | Issuing body | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| EPA Section 608 | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | Required by federal law for any technician who handles refrigerants. Covers safe recovery, recycling, and reclamation of refrigerants found in household appliances. |
| OSHA 10 | Occupational Safety and Health Administration | Ten-hour general industry safety card. Demonstrates baseline hazard recognition and safe work practices to Minnesota employers. |
| NATE Ready-to-Work | North American Technician Excellence | Entry-level credential that verifies foundational HVACR knowledge. Signals job-readiness to service companies and can support advancement toward full NATE certification. |
Exam fees included
Voucher costs for all three credentials are bundled into program tuition. Students sit for exams on a schedule set by MNTC. Eligibility to test is confirmed on a case-by-case basis.
Who this is for
This appliance repair technician program is built for adults who want a practical, hands-on trade without a four-year degree. It fits people who are ready to work with their hands, solve mechanical problems, and build a stable career in Minnesota.
- Adults 25 and older looking to enter a skilled trade
- Career changers leaving retail, manufacturing, or service work
- Minnesota residents who want to work close to home
- People exploring workforce funding options, which may be available on a case-by-case basis
- Those who prefer structured, short-term training over a multi-year program
- Anyone comfortable working independently and managing a service schedule
No prior trade experience is required. If you can follow technical instructions, work carefully with tools, and communicate clearly with customers, this program may be a good fit.
Funding options
Training costs can be a barrier. Several funding paths may help reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket expenses for eligible Minnesota students.
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is a federally funded program administered through Minnesota's workforce centers. Eligible students may receive funding that covers tuition and related fees. Approval is determined on a case-by-case basis by your local workforce center, and MNTC cannot guarantee WIOA funding for any applicant.
Minnesota-specific grants and scholarships may also be available through state agencies, labor organizations, and nonprofit workforce partners. Availability and award amounts vary by funding cycle and individual eligibility.
For students who do not qualify for grant-based aid, MNTC offers payment plans that spread tuition across the program term. Details are outlined on the funding hub page.
Check your eligibility
Contact your nearest Minnesota WorkForce Center before enrolling. A career counselor can review your WIOA eligibility and identify additional funding sources that may apply to your situation.
Explore all funding options
The MNTC funding hub lists current grants, WIOA guidance, and payment plan terms in one place.
How enrollment works
- 1
Submit an inquiry
Fill out the short interest form on this page or call our Minnesota campus directly. An admissions advisor will follow up within one business day to answer your questions about the appliance repair technician program.
- 2
Attend an information session
You will be invited to a brief program overview, held in person or by phone. This session covers curriculum, schedule options, and what to expect on day one. There is no obligation to enroll.
- 3
Complete your application
Submit the enrollment application along with a valid government-issued ID and your highest level of education documentation. No prior trade experience is required to apply.
- 4
Review funding options
An advisor will walk you through tuition payment plans, employer sponsorship, and third-party funding sources. Eligibility for workforce funding programs is determined on a case-by-case basis and cannot be guaranteed.
- 5
Confirm your start date
Once your application is accepted and financial arrangements are in place, you will receive a confirmation with your cohort start date, supply list, and orientation details. Classes are offered on a rolling schedule throughout the year.
Common questions
**How long is the program?** The appliance repair technician program is designed to be completed in a matter of weeks, not years. Contact admissions for the current schedule.
**What does the program cost?** Tuition varies. Speak with an advisor about current pricing and whether financial aid may apply to your situation.
**Is financial assistance available?** Some students may qualify for workforce funding on a case-by-case basis. WIOA eligibility is determined by your local workforce center, not MNTC.
**What format is the training?** Instruction combines hands-on lab work with classroom instruction at our Minnesota facility.
**Will I earn a certification?** The program prepares students to pursue industry-recognized credentials. Specific certifications available are covered during enrollment.
**Do I need prior experience?** No prior appliance repair experience is required to enroll.
**Does MNTC help with job placement?** MNTC provides career resources and connections. Employment outcomes vary and cannot be guaranteed.
Take the next step
Start your appliance repair technician program application
Minnesota's appliance repair field offers steady work and a median hourly wage of $29.14, above the national median. If you are ready to build a hands-on trade career in MN, apply now or speak with an advisor to learn whether this program fits your schedule and goals.
Frequently asked questions
What does the appliance repair technician program at MNTC cover?
▾
The program covers diagnosis, repair, and maintenance of residential and commercial appliances, with training grounded in real-world Minnesota service environments. Coursework addresses electrical systems, refrigeration components, and manufacturer-specific equipment. Graduates leave with hands-on skills applicable to immediate field work.
What do appliance repair technicians earn in Minnesota?
▾
According to Minnesota DEED OES data, the median hourly wage for appliance repair technicians in Minnesota is $29.14 as of 2025, which is above the nationwide OES comparison median of $24.13 per hour. That Minnesota median also exceeds the statewide all-occupations median of $26.22 per hour reported by DEED for Q1 2025.
How strong is job demand for appliance repair technicians?
▾
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 8 percent growth in this occupation nationally from 2024 to 2034, with approximately 34,500 annual openings projected over that period. Minnesota currently employs around 620 home appliance repairers, according to BLS May 2023 data.
Is financial assistance available for the appliance repair technician program?
▾
Funding options such as WIOA workforce grants may be available to eligible students on a case-by-case basis. MNTC staff can help you identify which programs you may qualify for, though approval is never guaranteed.
Does completing the program guarantee employment in Minnesota?
▾
No program can guarantee employment, and MNTC does not make that claim. What the program can do is prepare you with the technical skills and credentials that Minnesota employers in the appliance service industry look for when hiring.
How does Minnesota compare to the rest of the country for appliance repair technician wages?
▾
Minnesota's median hourly wage of $29.14 for this occupation, per 2025 DEED OES data, is higher than the nationwide OES comparison median of $24.13 per hour. The U.S. median annual wage was $50,640 as of May 2023, according to BLS, suggesting Minnesota technicians may earn above the national average.