What Do Refrigeration Mechanic or Installer Do?
Position Description Install and repair industrial and commercial refrigerating systems.
Refrigeration Mechanic or Installer Responsibilities
- Insulate shells and cabinets of systems.
- Keep records of repairs and replacements made and causes of malfunctions.
- Install wiring to connect components to an electric power source.
- Schedule work with customers and initiate work orders, house requisitions, and orders from stock.
- Supervise and instruct assistants.
- Observe and test system operation, using gauges and instruments.
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Things a Refrigeration Mechanic or Installer Should Know How to Do
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.
Types of Refrigeration Mechanic or Installer
- Refrigeration Operator
- Appliance Repair Technician
- HVAC Service Technician (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Service Technician)
- Refrigeration Engineer
- Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning / Refrigeration Technician (HVAC / R Technician)
Are There 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.

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.
Salary for a Refrigeration Mechanic or Installer
Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers make between $29,460 and $76,230 a year.

Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers who work in District of Columbia, Alaska, or Connecticut, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers 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 do I Become a Refrigeration Mechanic or Installer?
Are there Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers education requirements?

How Long Does it Take to Become a Refrigeration Mechanic or Installer?

Where do Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Work?

Below are examples of industries where Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers work:

Related Careers
Those interested in being a Refrigeration Mechanic or Installer may also be interested in:
- Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers
- Signal and Track Switch Repairers
- Gaming Surveillance Officers and Gaming Investigators
Are you already one of the many Refrigeration Mechanic or Installer in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Andrew Moua via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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