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Refrigeration operator education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
Usually, refrigeration operators don't need a college education. The most common degree for refrigeration operators is high school diploma with 37% graduates, with only 35% refrigeration operator graduates earning associate degree. Refrigeration operators who decided to graduate from college often finish Friends University at Garden City Community College or Columbia Southern University. Some good skills to have in this position include ammonia, freon and psm.

Popular refrigeration operator certifications include Certified Industrial Refrigeration Operator (CIRO), Certified Assistant Refrigeration Operator (CARO), or EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA). To improve refrigeration operator qualification and skills, we prepared some online courses to help in refrigeration operator education paths.

What education do you need to become a refrigeration operator?

What degree do you need to be a refrigeration operator?

The most common degree for refrigeration operators is high school diploma, with 37% of refrigeration operators earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are associate degree degree at 35% and associate degree degree at 8%.
  • High School Diploma, 37%
  • Associate, 35%
  • Bachelor's, 8%
  • Diploma, 6%
  • Other Degrees, 14%

What should I major in to become a refrigeration operator?

You should major in heating and air conditioning to become a refrigeration operator. 40% of refrigeration operators major in heating and air conditioning. Other common majors for a refrigeration operator include industrial technology and business.

Best majors for refrigeration operators

20 best online courses for refrigeration operators

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1. Refrigeration & Air conditioning - Design and calculation

udemy
4.4
(285)

Refrigeration and HVAC fundamentals, design and calculation for commercial and industrial application...

2. Basic Refrigeration and Troubleshooting

udemy
4.4
(435)

Learn about the refrigeration cycle and apply what you have learned to troubleshoot any refrigeration system...

3. Rotating Equipment Masterclass: Pumps & Compressors

udemy
4.6
(305)

A compelete understanding of pumps & compressors used in process industries for a successful operation of your facility...

4. HVAC Fundamentals and BMS Controls

udemy
4.3
(1,126)

Build your knowledge systematically, from the working principles of HVAC to optimizing a chiller plant operation...

5. Operating Systems Final Part (4): File Systems & Threads

udemy
4.6
(518)

Learn the concepts of Operating Systems from scratch as Operating System forms the core of Computer Science...

6. Operating Systems Part 3: Synchronization and Deadlock

udemy
4.4
(684)

Learn the concepts of Operating Systems from scratch as Operating System forms the core of Computer Science...

7. Centrifugal compressors: Principles, Operation and design

udemy
4.8
(389)

A complete understanding of construction details and functioning of centrifugal compressors for successful operations...

8. Operating Systems from scratch - Part 2

udemy
4.7
(1,078)

Learn memory management in operating systems as operating system forms the core of computer science...

9. Centrifugal pumps: Principles , Operation and Design

udemy
4.3
(1,091)

A complete understanding of construction details and functioning of centrifugal pumps for successful plant operation...

10. OSHA Safety Pro: Deadly Concrete Dust. Crystalline Silica.

udemy
4.4
(478)

OSHA's General, Construction, and Maritime Industries Hazard Prevention and Safety Standard...

11. OSHA Workplace Safety (General Industry 6 Hr Class)

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4.5
(2,583)

Learn the requirements and standards associated with OSHA and workplace safety. Safety best practices for the workplace...

12. OSHA Safety Pro: Personal Protective Equipment

udemy
4.5
(1,881)

Impress management or get that job with you your ability to display life and dollar saving work place safety practices...

13. HVAC Psychrometry, Air Handling System and Duct Selection

udemy
4.5
(517)

Build your knowledge systematically, from building cooling load estimation, to sizing and selection of AHU and ductings...

14. Electrical Control & Protection Systems

udemy
4.6
(1,763)

This course introduces electrical control & protection systems which are a critical part of any electrical substation...

15. Operating Systems from scratch - Part 1

udemy
4.5
(4,324)

Learn the concepts of Operating Systems from scratch as Operating System forms the core of Computer Science...

16. Electrical Power Equipment

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4.6
(939)

Learn how electrical equipments operate and how they fit together into a network...

17. High Voltage Electric Vehicle Safety

udemy
4.4
(302)

Electric Vehicle Safety Battery Pack Fire Safety Electric Shock Safety Accidental Safety High Voltage Components...

18. OSHA Safety Pro: Trenching Excavation & Soil Mechanics

udemy
4.3
(727)

A quick yet detailed certification in OSHA safety with a focus on Trenching, Excavation, & Soil Mechanics...

19. Railway Systems Engineering (Equivalent to Micro MSc )

udemy
4.3
(377)

A Journey in the World of Railway Systems Operation Rolling Stock Traction System Engineering Infrastructure...

20. Electrical Control & Protection Systems part 2

udemy
4.7
(718)

This course introduces electrical control & protection systems which are a critical part of any electrical substation...

Average refrigeration operator salary by education level

Refrigeration operators with a Bachelor's degree earn more than those without, at $52,874 annually. With a Associate degree, refrigeration operators earn a median annual income of $52,625 compared to $49,223 for refrigeration operators with an High School Diploma degree.
Refrigeration operator education levelRefrigeration operator salary
High School Diploma or Less$49,223
Bachelor's Degree$52,874
Some College/ Associate Degree$52,625

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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