• Appliance repair technicians work to keep appliances in working order for customers.Alex Wilson/Digital Vision/Getty Images
  
  When people think of appliances, they almost automatically think about Sears. Sears was founded as a company in Chicago in 1886 and eventually grew to become one of the nation's leading retailers in the areas of home appliances, tools and products for the home. Sears also plays an important role in the home appliance repair industry. As a retail chain with stores in most urban markets, Sears regularly hires appliance repair technicians.
  
  

The Job

• Sears appliance repair technicians work by appointment, traveling to the homes of customers who have requested that Sears send them out for a service call. A variety of job options are open for repair technicians. Sears typically has technicians devoted to working on one major type of appliance. For instance, washer and dryer technicians will work exclusively on washers and dryers, while stove technicians may only work on stoves. Technicians may also be called upon to sell additional products or services related to the repairs they complete in customers' homes. For instance, Sears offers service plans that allow customers to avoid costly repairs by extending their current warranty. Technicians working on newer appliances may suggest these types of products.
  
  

Qualifications

• Most of the job listings for Sears appliance repair technicians call for at least two years of experience in appliance repair. No college degree is required to work in one of these positions, but a high school diploma or GED is required. Sears technicians serve as the face of their company while in the homes of customers, so they need to have excellent customer service skills also. Technicians work as part of a team of technicians and must be able to collaborate with peers when necessary. Sears emphasizes a commitment to being sensitive to customer time restraints; technicians must arrive at appointments on time and complete work in a timely manner. They must also have the aptitude to complete ongoing training as necessary to update their knowledge of newer products.
  
  

Compensation

• Sears appliance repair technicians are provided with tools, a service van, a cell phone and even a laptop computer to aid them in their work. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that the median hourly wage for appliance repair technicians nationwide was $16.30 in May of 2008. The top 10 percent made more than $25.92 per hour. Payscale.com notes that Sears appliance repair technicians made an average rate of pay of $15.81 to $22.64 per hour, as of October 2010. Sears technicians compare favorably with national averages in this field.