What Does it Take to Be a Refrigeration Mechanic or Installer?
Job Description: Install and repair industrial and commercial refrigerating systems.
What Do Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Do On a Daily Basis?
- Install wiring to connect components to an electric power source.
- Insulate shells and cabinets of systems.
- Mount compressor, condenser, and other components in specified locations on frames, using hand tools and acetylene welding equipment.
- Supervise and instruct assistants.
- Lift and align components into position, using hoist or block and tackle.
- Schedule work with customers and initiate work orders, house requisitions, and orders from stock.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as 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.
Other Refrigeration Mechanic or Installer Job Titles
- Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning Technician (HVAC Technician)
- HVAC Mechanic (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Mechanic)
- HVAC/R Service Technician (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning/Refrigeration Service Technician)
- Technician
- HVAC Service Technician (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Service Technician)
Is There Job Demand 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.
Average Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Salary
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 do I Become a Refrigeration Mechanic or Installer?
Education needed to be a Refrigeration Mechanic or Installer:
How many years of work experience do I need?
Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Sector
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
Other Jobs You May 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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