Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders
Operate or tend equipment such as cooling and freezing units, refrigerators, batch freezers, and freezing tunnels, to cool or freeze products, food, blood plasma, and chemicals.
SOC: 51-9193.00
Common Job Titles
Freezer Operator
Freezer Person
Refrigeration Operator
Refrigeration Technician
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
Hands-onOperate cooling and freezing equipment including batch freezers, blast tunnel freezers, and spiral freezers in food production and chemical processing facilities, maintaining precise temperature controls.
Proficient
KnowledgeEvaluate equipment performance data and process parameters using digital gauges, manometers, and monitoring systems to ensure compliance with production standards.
Proficient
KnowledgeApply food production and mechanical knowledge to optimize freezing processes while balancing production efficiency with product quality requirements.
Proficient
Hands-onDemonstrate mastery of process monitoring across cooling, freezing, and refrigeration operations by continuously observing equipment indicators, temperature readings, and material flow in industrial settings.
Proficient
MindsetIntegrate safety protocols and public health standards into daily operations when handling refrigerants, chemicals, and food products in compliance with regulatory requirements.
Proficient
Hands-onPerform routine maintenance on refrigeration compressors, evaporators, and condensers following established preventive maintenance schedules and safety protocols.
Developing
KnowledgeDiagnose mechanical and operational malfunctions in cooling systems using troubleshooting procedures and diagnostic tools such as refrigerant leak detectors and digital ammeters.
Developing
KnowledgeAssess product quality characteristics including temperature, consistency, and compliance with specifications using handheld refractometers, pH testers, and visual inspection techniques.
Developing
Hands-onExecute documentation procedures for production records, equipment logs, and quality control data using Microsoft Office software and digital recording systems to maintain regulatory compliance.
Developing
MindsetEngage in team communication and coordination activities with supervisors and co-workers to address equipment issues, production schedules, and shift handovers.
Developing
KnowledgeInterpret technical manuals, safety data sheets, and equipment specifications to ensure proper operation of refrigeration systems and adherence to manufacturer guidelines.
Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
6,590
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $33,710. 25th percentile: U.S. $36,150. 50th percentile: U.S. $40,160. 75th percentile: U.S. $49,150. 90th percentile: U.S. $62,760. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$33,710
10% of workers earn the following or more
$62,760
Workers on average earn
$44,290
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Production and Processing3.9/5
Mechanical3.4/5
English Language3.4/5
Food Production3.3/5
Administration and Management3.3/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
