Career landscape
The commercial kitchen equipment repair industry
Commercial kitchen equipment repair is one of the most in-demand skilled trades in the country. This page provides industry salary data and career path information sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
$52K
BLS national median salary for food equipment mechanics
$75K+
Typical Atlanta senior technician salary
6%
BLS projected job growth through 2032 — faster than average
~4,200
Annual job openings projected nationally (BLS)
BLS + Atlanta market data
Industry salary ranges
Salary data sourced from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (SOC 49-9012) and Atlanta metro market surveys. Actual earnings vary by employer, experience, and specialization. Metro Star Mechanical does not guarantee employment or specific earnings.
| Career level | Salary range |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level Technician | $38,000 – $48,000 |
| Mid-Level Technician | $48,000 – $65,000 |
| Senior Technician | $65,000 – $80,000 |
| Independent Contractor | $75,000 – $100,000+ |
| Service Business Owner | $90,000 – $150,000+ |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (SOC 49-9012), Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA MSA. Independent contractor and business owner figures reflect self-reported industry data. These figures represent industry benchmarks, not guaranteed outcomes for program participants.
Three common paths
Career paths in this trade
Service company technician
Field technicians at established commercial kitchen equipment service companies. Steady salary, company vehicle, benefits, and on-the-job advancement.
Independent contractor
Build your own client base — restaurants, hotels, schools, hospitals. Set your own rates and schedule. Most contractors start part-time while employed.
Service business owner
Scale beyond solo contracting. Hire technicians, take on commercial contracts, and build a recurring-revenue service business.
Who hires in this trade
Types of employers in this industry
Commercial kitchen equipment technicians are employed by service companies, restaurant groups, hospitality chains, healthcare facilities, and school districts across the Southeast. Metro Star Mechanical does not guarantee placement with any employer.
Commercial service companies
- Hobart Service
- Welbilt Service
- Manitowoc Ice Service
- Regional service contractors
Restaurant & hospitality groups
- Multi-unit restaurant operators
- Hotel chains
- Casino food & beverage
- Stadium & arena concessions
Institutional food service
- Hospital & healthcare systems
- K–12 school districts
- University dining services
- Corporate cafeterias
Self-employment
- Independent repair contractors
- Mobile service businesses
- Preventive maintenance contracts
- Emergency repair specialists
Bureau of Labor Statistics
The data behind the demand
The Bureau of Labor Statistics classifies commercial kitchen equipment repair under SOC 49-9012 (Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment Repairers). The national median wage is $52,000, with the top 10% earning over $80,000. Atlanta-area wages track 8–12% above the national median due to the city's outsized restaurant and hospitality industry. These figures represent industry benchmarks and do not constitute a guarantee of employment or earnings.
Atlanta advantage: The Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell MSA has one of the highest concentrations of food service establishments in the Southeast, driving local wages 8–12% above the national BLS median.
49-9012
SOC code for food service equipment mechanics
$52,000
National median annual wage (BLS 2023)
6%
Projected growth 2022–2032 (faster than average)
~4,200
Annual job openings projected nationally
Graduate stories
Hear from our graduates
"The hands-on training gave me the skills and confidence to pursue work in this trade. The program covered everything I needed to get started."
Marcus T.
Program Participant
Developed skills in commercial kitchen equipment repair"I had zero mechanical background. The program gave me a strong foundation in diagnostics and repair across nine equipment types."
Darnell W.
Program Participant
Completed the full 12-week curriculum"The hands-on training meant I could walk into my first job and actually fix things on day one. No other program does that."
Keisha M.
Program Participant
Built entry-level repair and diagnostic skillsCommon questions
Career outcomes FAQs
What salary can commercial kitchen equipment technicians earn?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (SOC 49-9012), the national median annual wage is $52,000. In Atlanta, entry-level technicians typically start at $38,000–$48,000. These are industry benchmarks — Metro Star does not guarantee employment or specific earnings.
How much can I realistically earn starting out?
Entry-level technicians in Atlanta typically start at $38,000–$48,000 based on BLS and market data. With two to five years of experience, $48,000–$65,000 is common. These are industry benchmarks — actual earnings depend on employer, experience, and market conditions.
What kinds of companies hire in this trade?
Commercial kitchen equipment service companies, multi-unit restaurant groups, hotel chains, hospital systems, school districts, and university dining services all employ technicians in this field. Many technicians also work independently. Metro Star does not guarantee placement with any employer.
What is the job outlook for this trade?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6% growth through 2032 for this occupation, faster than the national average. These are industry projections — Metro Star does not guarantee employment outcomes.
Learn more about the program
This program is designed to develop entry-level skills in commercial kitchen equipment repair. Classes and enrollment will not begin until all required regulatory approvals are obtained.