Life As a Refrigeration Mechanic or Installer
Job Description: Install and repair industrial and commercial refrigerating systems.
Refrigeration Mechanic or Installer Responsibilities
- Perform mechanical overhauls and refrigerant reclaiming.
- Supervise and instruct assistants.
- Mount compressor, condenser, and other components in specified locations on frames, using hand tools and acetylene welding equipment.
- Estimate, order, pick up, deliver, and install materials and supplies needed to maintain equipment in good working condition.
- Drill holes and install mounting brackets and hangers into floor and walls of building.
- Schedule work with customers and initiate work orders, house requisitions, and orders from stock.
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What a Refrigeration Mechanic or Installer Should Know
When polled, Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Technician
- Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning / Refrigeration Technician (HVAC / R Technician)
- Refrigeration Engineer
- Service Technician (Service Tech)
- Bulk Coolers Installer
Is There Going to be Demand 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. The BLS estimates 38,700 yearly job openings in this field.
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.
How Much Does a Refrigeration Mechanic or Installer Make?
The average yearly salary of a Refrigeration Mechanic or Installer ranges between $29,460 and $76,230.
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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
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
Are there Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers education requirements?
How Long Does it Take to Become a Refrigeration Mechanic or Installer?
Where Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Are Employed
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
You May Also Be Interested In…
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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