Find Trade Colleges

Refrigeration Mechanic or Installer

All About Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

Example of Refrigeration Mechanic or Installer Job Install and repair industrial and commercial refrigerating systems.

Life As a Refrigeration Mechanic or Installer

  • Estimate, order, pick up, deliver, and install materials and supplies needed to maintain equipment in good working condition.
  • Insulate shells and cabinets of systems.
  • Fabricate and assemble structural and functional components of refrigeration system, using hand tools, power tools, and welding equipment.
  • Install wiring to connect components to an electric power source.
  • Supervise and instruct assistants.
  • Lay out reference points for installation of structural and functional components, using measuring instruments.

Refrigeration Mechanic or Installer Skills

Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

Troubleshooting: Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Repairing: Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Equipment Maintenance: Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Equipment Selection: Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.

  • HVAC Service Technician (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Service Technician)
  • Appliance Repair Technician
  • Transportation Refrigeration Technician
  • Field Service Technician
  • Ammonia Refrigeration Technician

Job Opportunities for Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 332,900 jobs in the United States for Refrigeration Mechanic or Installer. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 14.7% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 48,800 new jobs for Refrigeration Mechanic or Installer by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 38,700 job openings in this field each year.

undefined

The states with the most job growth for Refrigeration Mechanic or Installer are Utah, Arizona, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in Maine, Vermont, or Alaska. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Do Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Make A Lot Of Money?

Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers make between $29,460 and $76,230 a year.

undefined

Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers who work in District of Columbia, Alaska, or Connecticut, make the highest salaries.

How much do Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers make in different U.S. states?

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $41,020
Alaska $66,290
Arizona $46,040
Arkansas $40,270
California $58,130
Colorado $53,460
Connecticut $64,180
Delaware $51,360
District of Columbia $69,610
Florida $42,630
Georgia $41,940
Hawaii $61,670
Idaho $42,640
Illinois $59,590
Indiana $47,770
Iowa $51,330
Kansas $51,250
Kentucky $42,150
Louisiana $43,640
Maine $50,280
Maryland $58,900
Massachusetts $59,890
Michigan $49,030
Minnesota $52,920
Mississippi $40,890
Missouri $47,710
Montana $48,740
Nebraska $48,580
Nevada $51,590
New Hampshire $51,320
New Jersey $59,630
New Mexico $46,200
New York $59,780
North Carolina $43,190
North Dakota $56,120
Ohio $47,640
Oklahoma $43,810
Oregon $49,940
Pennsylvania $51,870
Rhode Island $52,270
South Carolina $45,240
South Dakota $46,600
Tennessee $43,720
Texas $46,070
Utah $47,950
Vermont $49,980
Virginia $50,210
Washington $58,290
West Virginia $41,110
Wisconsin $52,020
Wyoming $47,320

What Tools & Technology do Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • SAP
  • Database software
  • Building automation software
  • Facility energy management software
  • Johnson Controls Metasys

How to Become a Refrigeration Mechanic or Installer

Learn what Refrigeration Mechanic or Installer education requirements there are.

undefined

How many years of work experience do I need?

undefined

Where Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Work

undefined

The table below shows the approximate number of Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers employed by various industries.

undefined

You May Also Be Interested In…

Those thinking about becoming a Refrigeration Mechanic or Installer might also be interested in the following careers:

Those who work as a Refrigeration Mechanic or Installer sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:

References:

Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Andrew Moua via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

Find Trade Schools Near You

Our free school finder matches students with accredited trade schools across the U.S.