Appliances · SOC 49-9031
Microwave Repair cost
Microwave repair — that’s the everyday name. On Fairange it’s a published hours band (1.0/1.5/2.5) plus a materials band, run through BLS OEWS May 2025 wages for Home Appliance Repairers (SOC 49-9031).
Appliance work splits cleanly into repair (parts + diagnostic) versus replace (unit price dominates). For Microwave Repair we use mid hours of 1.5 and materials around $95, then apply the same 2.0× / 2.25× / 2.5× labor markup schedule as every other Fairange job.
Last updated from data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · PPI construction materials 2026-09
typical countertop or OTR repair (magnetron, diode, door switch, control) — not full chassis replace. National OEWS mean wage used on this page: $26.94/hr (SOC 49-9031).
How the national mid is built
Before you enter a ZIP we use the U.S. OEWS mean wage for Home Appliance Repairers (SOC 49-9031): $26.94/hr (BLS OEWS May 2025). Mid estimate ≈ 1.5 hours × $26.94 × 2.25× markup + materials mid $95 (with a small regional materials factor). Low uses p10 wages × 2.0×; high uses p90 × 2.5×. National planning band: $75 – $186 – $422.
Full algebra: methodology. Markup schedule is Fairange’s published assumption, not a BLS figure.
Materials band
Published materials low / mid / high: $40 / $95 / $180 (typical countertop or OTR repair (magnetron, diode, door switch, control) — not full chassis replace). Baselines are Fairange editorial figures tied to public retail when we have a SKU basket; full source notes live in DATA_SOURCES and the methodology page. We dampen materials with a regional factor (about 0.88–1.18) so wages — not a fake local parts market — do most of the geography.
What usually moves the number
- Countertop vs over-the-range access
- Part availability for older models
- Whether the cavity or door is damaged
- After-hours service call
What’s in the planning band
Delivery/install or diagnostic labor in the hours band, plus the unit or parts band above.
Ask about before you sign
- Countertop vs over-the-range access
- Part availability for older models
- Whether the cavity or door is damaged
- After-hours service call
Run this job on your ZIP Appliances trade hub
Also: calculator · methodology · city guides · metro ranking report · all job guides · DATA_SOURCES.
Microwave Repair FAQ
How much does microwave repair cost?
National mid planning estimate is about $186 before you enter a ZIP — labor from BLS OEWS May 2025 Home Appliance Repairers (SOC 49-9031, national mean $26.94/hr) × published hours, plus materials. Local OEWS wages move the band once you type a ZIP.
What hours, materials, and markup do you assume?
Hours 1.0 / 1.5 / 2.5. Materials band $40 / $95 / $180 (typical countertop or OTR repair (magnetron, diode, door switch, control) — not full chassis replace), documented in DATA_SOURCES / methodology — not lead-gen marketplace price tables. Labor markup 2.0× / 2.25× / 2.5× (Fairange methodology).
Is this a bid?
No. It’s an educational planning range. Collect at least three written scopes from licensed pros and compare exclusions — permits, haul-away, patching, and code upgrades.
Any rebates or tax credits?
Repairs are not rebate-eligible. If the quote approaches half the cost of a new unit, compare with replacement (rule of thumb — not a hard rule).
Where does this job cost the most?
See our metro ranking built on the same job assumptions: /reports/appliance-repair-labor-by-metro/ (OEWS local wages, same hours/materials/markup).
Want actual bids?
Leave a few details if you’d like local pros to follow up. We’ll only share what you submit after you check the box below.