Vending Machine Mechanic

Your Fit

Income

$47K

Preparation

Some

Growth

-1.7%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Vending Machine Mechanic?

Vending Machine Mechanics specialize in the installation, repair, and maintenance of vending machines, ensuring they operate correctly and efficiently. They handle a range of machines, from traditional snack and beverage dispensers to more complex ones like ticket or retail item vending machines.

Sample job titles:

Field Service Technician, Service Technician, Slot Technician, Vending Technician

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Vending Machine Mechanic.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Vending Machine Mechanic earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$31K per year	$39K per year	$47K per year	$56K per year	$65K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $2.15K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Vending Machine Mechanic do?

Work environment

These mechanics typically work in a variety of locations where vending machines are placed, such as schools, offices, malls, and transport stations. The job involves traveling to different sites and can require working odd hours for emergency repairs or installations.

Quick task list

Installs new vending machines and sets them up for use.
Conducts regular maintenance and cleans machines.
Troubleshoots and repairs mechanical or electronic malfunctions.
Refills products and changes pricing as needed.
Keeps service records and inventory of parts.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Beverage and Snack Vending Maintenance: Focusing on common snack and drink machines.
Specialized Vending Machines: Specializing in unique or complex machines like ticket or electronic item dispensers.
Smart Vending Technology: Working with internet-connected and technologically advanced vending machines.

Description

Vending Machine Mechanics play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of vending machines, which are an essential part of many public and private spaces. Their job requires a mix of mechanical and electronic skills, as modern vending machines are increasingly sophisticated with digital payment systems and electronic displays. Mechanics must be adept at understanding both the mechanical dispensing mechanisms and the electronic components that control these machines.

A typical day might involve traveling to various locations to perform routine maintenance, troubleshoot issues, or install new machines. Mechanics need to be proficient in using tools for repair work and must have a good understanding of electrical circuits and mechanical systems. They also need to keep up with technological advancements in vending machines, especially as these devices become more integrated with digital and smart technologies.

Customer service skills are also important, as mechanics often interact directly with clients who own or manage the vending machines. They must be able to clearly explain issues, provide maintenance tips, and ensure customer satisfaction with the services provided.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Solving technical problems and ensuring machines run efficiently.
The variety of work locations and tasks.
Seeing immediate results of repair and maintenance work.

You might make a good Vending Machine Mechanic if you are...

Interested in both mechanical and electronic systems.
Good at problem-solving and hands-on tasks.
Comfortable working independently and traveling to different locations.
Skilled in customer service and communication.
Keen to work with evolving technology in a practical setting.

Pros:

Opportunity to work independently and in various locations as vending machines are widespread.
Steady demand for maintenance and repair services.
Potential for flexible working hours, depending on the needs of the service route.
Varied work, dealing with different types of machines and mechanical problems.

Cons:

Physical demands, including lifting heavy parts and standing for long periods.
Need to be on call for emergencies, potentially leading to irregular working hours.
The job can be repetitive, focusing primarily on similar types of repairs.
Continuing education is needed to keep up with technological advancements in vending machines.

How to become a Vending Machine Mechanic

Typical education

A high school diploma or equivalent is generally sufficient, with most skills learned on the job. Some mechanics may pursue vocational training or specialized courses in electronics or machinery maintenance.

High school preparation

Courses:

Basic electrical and mechanical courses to understand the fundamentals of machine repair.
Shop or vocational classes for hands-on experience with tools and machinery.
Mathematics, especially algebra and geometry, for calculating measurements and angles.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining robotics or electronics clubs to gain experience in working with machinery and circuitry.
Part-time jobs or internships in mechanical repair shops or with vending machine companies.
Volunteering for community projects that involve equipment installation or maintenance.

Preparation after high school

Technical or vocational school programs in fields like electromechanical maintenance or industrial mechanics.
Apprenticeships or on-the-job training programs specifically related to vending machine repair.
Short courses or certifications in electronics, refrigeration systems, or computer programming for more advanced vending machines.
Building a strong foundation in customer service and business operations if considering self-employment.

More resources

National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) - Offers industry information and networking opportunities in the vending machine sector.
Vocational Information Center - Provides resources and links to vocational and technical education sites, including machine repair.
Trade-Schools.net - Lists trade schools and programs for aspiring vending machine mechanics.
International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET) - Offers certification and training resources for electronics technicians.

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