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Refrigeration Mechanic or Installer

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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.

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.

  • 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.

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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.

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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?

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

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Where Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Are Employed

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The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

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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.

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