How much does a vending machine tech make?
Answer: A typical vending machine tech in the United States makes $47,450 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 26,000 people work in this job. About the same as the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Vending machine tech pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $34,320 | $47,450 | $66,370 | about 26,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $60,010 | about 1,000 |
| New Jersey | $59,770 | about 550 |
| Washington | $58,750 | about 580 |
| Arizona | $56,450 | about 990 |
| California | $51,870 | about 3,000 |
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., pay can differ with experience, useful mechanical or electronics skills, and relevant credentials. The employer’s industry and location matter too: BLS data show differences across industries and areas.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a vending machine tech do?
Install, service, adjust, or repair coin, vending, or amusement machines including video games, juke boxes, pinball machines, or slot machines.
What's a typical day like?
They visit vending or arcade machines, refill supplies, check for jammed bills or stuck items, and replace faulty parts. Then they test the machine, clean or oil it, and record repairs or order parts.
How to get this job
In the U.S., most people finish high school or earn a GED, then learn through short-term on-the-job training; an apprenticeship is another route. Many start after high school, often in their late teens, and mechanical or electrical know-how helps.
High school plus some training (preparation level 2 of 5)
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.
Did you know?
Some U.S. vending techs troubleshoot wireless connections, touchscreens, and payment software—not just jammed snacks or broken motors.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.onetonline.org/link/details/49-9091.00
- www.mynextmove.org/profile/summary/49-9091.00
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes499091.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.vendingtimes.com/articles/beyond-route-drivers-the-growing-need-for-vending-
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY