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What is a refrigeration operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
The average refrigeration operator salary is $50,937. The most common degree is a high school diploma degree with an heating and air conditioning major. It usually takes 2-4 years of experience to become a refrigeration operator. Refrigeration operators with a Certified Industrial Refrigeration Operator (CIRO) certification earn more money. Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 5% and produce 20,200 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreRefrigeration OperatorUS Average
Salary
4.0

Avg. Salary $50,937

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
8.1

Growth rate 5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
7.9
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.74%

Asian 2.68%

Black or African American 8.50%

Hispanic or Latino 20.10%

Unknown 4.19%

White 63.79%

Gender

female 1.66%

male 98.34%

Age - 39
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 39
Stress level
8.1

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.3

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
2.9

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Refrigeration operator career paths

Key steps to become a refrigeration operator

  1. Explore refrigeration operator education requirements

    Most common refrigeration operator degrees

    High School Diploma

    36.7 %

    Associate

    34.7 %

    Certificate

    10.2 %
  2. Start to develop specific refrigeration operator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Ammonia20.55%
    Freon11.10%
    PSM10.66%
    HVAC7.75%
    Condensers6.48%
  3. Complete relevant refrigeration operator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New refrigeration operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a refrigeration operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real refrigeration operator resumes.
  4. Research refrigeration operator duties and responsibilities

    • Assist with and, on occasion, manage installation and modification of building HVAC/R systems.
    • Repair pumps, PLC controllers, piping and plumbing.
    • Work on PLC controls, VFD drives.
    • Service roof top HVAC units.
  5. Prepare your refrigeration operator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your refrigeration operator resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a refrigeration operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable refrigeration operator resume templates

    Build a professional refrigeration operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your refrigeration operator resume.
    Refrigeration Operator Resume
    Refrigeration Operator Resume
    Refrigeration Operator Resume
    Refrigeration Operator Resume
    Refrigeration Operator Resume
    Refrigeration Operator Resume
    Refrigeration Operator Resume
    Refrigeration Operator Resume
    Refrigeration Operator Resume
  6. Apply for refrigeration operator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a refrigeration operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first refrigeration operator job

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Average refrigeration operator salary

The average refrigeration operator salary in the United States is $50,937 per year or $24 per hour. Refrigeration operator salaries range between $36,000 and $71,000 per year.

Average refrigeration operator salary
$50,937 Yearly
$24.49 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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