Refrigeration operator vs boiler operator

The differences between refrigeration operators and boiler operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a refrigeration operator, becoming a boiler operator takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a refrigeration operator has an average salary of $50,937, which is higher than the $49,782 average annual salary of a boiler operator.

The top three skills for a refrigeration operator include ammonia, freon and PSM. The most important skills for a boiler operator are preventive maintenance, air compressors, and boiler room.

Refrigeration operator vs boiler operator overview

	Refrigeration Operator	Boiler Operator
Yearly salary	$50,937	$49,782
Hourly rate	$24.49	$23.93
Growth rate	5%	4%
Number of jobs	26,855	32,715
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 37%	High School Diploma, 36%
Average age	40	50
Years of experience	4	2

Refrigeration operator vs boiler operator salary

Refrigeration operators and boiler operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Refrigeration Operator	Boiler Operator
Average salary	$50,937	$49,782
Salary range	Between $36,000 And $71,000	Between $35,000 And $70,000
Highest paying City	-	Ithaca, NY
Highest paying state	-	New York
Best paying company	-	Southeastern Med
Best paying industry	-	Manufacturing

Differences between refrigeration operator and boiler operator education

There are a few differences between a refrigeration operator and a boiler operator in terms of educational background:

	Refrigeration Operator	Boiler Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 37%	High School Diploma, 36%
Most common major	Heating And Air Conditioning	Engineering
Most common college	-	-

Refrigeration operator vs boiler operator demographics

Here are the differences between refrigeration operators' and boiler operators' demographics:

	Refrigeration Operator	Boiler Operator
Average age	40	50
Gender ratio	Male, 98.3% Female, 1.7%	Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 8.5% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.1% Asian, 2.7% White, 63.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%	Black or African American, 10.2% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 8.0% White, 59.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	2%	4%

Differences between refrigeration operator and boiler operator duties and responsibilities

Refrigeration operator example 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.
Process management compliant with OSHA, EPA and DEC.
Use of computerize system to schedule repairs, track projects, and monitor and evaluate HVAC system.

Boiler operator example responsibilities.

Manage an internal environmental information system and ensure compliance with EPA and RCRA regulations.
Experience in welding, brazing, soldering etc.
Crane operator and highly experience CDL driver with tanker and hazmat endorsements.
Analyze operating data to make sure the equipment run at optimal levels.
Run, repair or troubleshoot electrical systems, both high and low voltages.
Create and update safety reporting for injuries and lose time including OSHA compliance logs.

Refrigeration operator vs boiler operator skills

Common refrigeration operator skills

Ammonia, 21%
Freon, 11%
PSM, 11%
HVAC, 8%
Condensers, 6%
OSHA, 5%

Common boiler operator skills

Preventive Maintenance, 6%
Air Compressors, 5%
Boiler Room, 5%
Chillers, 5%
HVAC, 4%
Steam Boilers, 4%

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Installation, Maintenance and Repair Industry
Refrigeration Operator
Refrigeration Operator vs Boiler Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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