Vending Machine Repairer
A vending machine repairer, also known as a vending machine technician, is responsible for maintaining and repairing various types of vending machines, including those that dispense snacks, beverages, and coffee. This role involves not only technical skills in mechanics and electronics but also customer service abilities, as repairers often interact with clients and manage cash collections. Typically, they work in diverse environments such as schools, office buildings, hospitals, and shopping malls, spending a significant amount of time traveling to different locations to service machines.
The job requires a high school diploma, although specialized training in mechanics and electrical systems can enhance employment opportunities. Many repairers learn their skills through community colleges or vocational programs that cover essential topics such as electrical safety and troubleshooting techniques. Vending machine repairers must possess strong problem-solving skills and be adept at using various tools, from handheld devices to larger equipment during more extensive repairs.
Despite the practical nature of the work, the occupation faces a projected decline in employment outlook, reflecting shifts in consumer behavior and technology. Overall, this profession appeals to individuals who enjoy hands-on work, travel, and the challenge of diagnosing and fixing mechanical issues efficiently.
Vending Machine Repairer
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Manufacturing
Interests: Electrical repair, machine maintenance, mechanics, electronics
Earnings (Yearly Median): $44,980 annual $21.63 hourly
Employment & Outlook: -2% (Decline)
Overview
Sphere of Work. Vending machine repairers, also known as vending machine technicians, operators, or route drivers, perform a broad range of maintenance and repairs on various vending machines, including soda, coffee, and snack machines. Technicians also often stock the vending machine, collect the money from inside, and change labels as necessary. Knowledge of mechanics and electronics is required. Vending machine repairers determine if a machine needs to be removed for major repairs or replaced. Many repairers will transport the machines themselves.
Work Environment. Vending machine repairers work in a wide range of environments, commonly indoors. They work anywhere vending machines are found, including office buildings, hospitals, arcades, laundromats, schools, shopping malls, and more. They also spend a lot of time on the road, driving to the various places where their company’s vending machines are located. Major repairs are done at the vending company’s location, where a repair workshop is typically found. Vending machines are often also stored in these locations.
Occupation Interest. Being a vending machine repairer means having to drive to various locations and work on various machines frequently. This profession attracts individuals who have a background in machinery, electronics, and mechanical repair. Vending machine repairers are great problem solvers who can assess and repair a malfunction in a short period. They should enjoy traveling and working with their hands.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Vending machine repairers have a scheduled route that they follow. Commonly, vending machine companies assign repairers to a specific region where they are in charge of restocking, collecting money, and performing preventive maintenance and repairs. When a repairer arrives at a location, they examine the machine to ensure everything works correctly. This includes the mechanical and electrical components.
When checking drink-dispensing machines, such as coffee machines, repairers ensure the electrical, heating, and refrigeration components are working correctly. They go over the components that create the different coffee drinks and make sure they are mixing the drinks properly. For snack-dispensing machines, repairers ensure the keypad or touchscreen and motorized dispensers are working correctly and accurately. Workers must clean and lubricate inner components and clean the outside of the machine. They must also confirm that all local health and sanitation regulations are being met.
If a repair needs to be made, the worker will assess if they can take care of it on-site or if the machine needs to be taken to the vending company’s repair shop for more extensive repair work. Repairers use various handheld tools to inspect and fix vending machines on-site. Some workers also stock the vending machines and ensure the items are labeled correctly. Repairers must fill out relevant paperwork concerning repair costs, inventory, and money collected.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Vending machine repairers work wherever vending machines are found. This includes commercial buildings, schools, hospitals, and shopping malls. They also work in vending machine repair shops, commonly located at their company’s headquarters. A lot of time is spent in vehicles traveling to different locations.
Human Environment. Vending machine repair requires strong communication skills. Workers communicate with clients, other repairers, and their superiors to ensure that work is done correctly. While on a job, a repairer usually works alone but is in frequent contact with company headquarters.
Technological Environment. Repairers use various handheld tools, including circuit testers, wrenches, multimeters, and pliers. At the repair shop, they can use heavier tools, such as drills, saws, and grinders. Electronic components such as circuit boards and magnetic card readers are also handled.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. Most employers require a vending machine repairer to have a high school diploma or the equivalent, although some do not. Regardless of education, a repairer should have a strong background in mechanics. Some high schools may offer courses in subjects beneficial for potential repairers, such as mechanics, machine repair, refrigeration, and electricity.
Postsecondary. Most vending companies do not require an applicant to have a college degree. However, there are numerous courses and programs offered by community, vocational, and technical colleges that can help an individual gain the knowledge and skills needed for vending machine repair. Contemporary vending machine technology uses numerous electrical components, such as scrolling messages, multilevel pricing, and inventory tracking. To repair these diverse components, a worker must have strong electrical repair knowledge. Some community colleges offer beneficial programs, such as associate of applied science degrees in electrical construction.
There are more than fifty electrician-training schools in the United States and more than three hundred public institutions that can teach an individual the skills needed to become a vending machine repairer. These schools typically offer one- to two-year programs that cover the fundamentals of electrical repair, including electrical schematics, electrical safety, and tools, through formal classroom instruction and hands-on practice. Once an individual completes a program, he or she is certified to become an apprentice electrician. Vending companies are more likely to employ someone who has completed such a program, and some employers even look to these electrician training schools for potential hires.
Related Occupations
− Electronic Equipment Repairer
Bibliography
“Data for Occupations Not Covered in Detail: Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers.” Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 24 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/about/data-for-occupations-not-covered-in-detail.htm#Installation,%20maintenance,%20and%20repair%20occupations. Accessed 27 Aug. 2024.
“Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023: 49-9091 Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers.” Occupational Employment Statistics. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 3 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes499091.htm. Accessed 27 Aug. 2024.