All About Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
Occupation Description Install and repair industrial and commercial refrigerating systems.
Refrigeration Mechanic or Installer Responsibilities
- Insulate shells and cabinets of systems.
- Test lines, components, and connections for leaks.
- Install wiring to connect components to an electric power source.
- Supervise and instruct assistants.
- Observe and test system operation, using gauges and instruments.
- Braze or solder parts to repair defective joints and leaks.
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Skills Needed to be a Refrigeration Mechanic or Installer
These are the skills Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers say are the most useful in their careers:
Repairing: Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Troubleshooting: Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
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.
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Types of Refrigeration Mechanic or Installer
- HVAC/R Service Technician (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning/Refrigeration Service Technician)
- Commercial Service Technician
- Ammonia Refrigeration Technician
- Repair Servicer
- Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning Mechanic (HVAC Mechanic)
Are There Job Opportunities for Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers?
In the United States, there were 332,900 jobs for Refrigeration Mechanic or Installer in 2016. 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
The salary for Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers ranges between about $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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers may use on a daily basis:
- 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
What kind of Refrigeration Mechanic or Installer requirements are there?

What work experience do I need to become a Refrigeration Mechanic or Installer?

Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Sector

Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers work in the following industries:

Similar Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Refrigeration Mechanic or Installer might also be interested in the following careers:
- Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers
- Signal and Track Switch Repairers
- Gaming Surveillance Officers and Gaming Investigators
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.
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