Median Annual Wage: $44,630
Education: Post-secondary certificate (56%); Some college, no degree (22%); Associate's degree (12%)
Projected Growth: Faster than average (15% to 21%)
Related Job Titles: Service Technician; Refrigeration Mechanic; Refrigeration Technician; Refrigeration Operator; Transportation Refrigeration Technician; Ammonia Refrigeration Technician; Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning Service Technician (HVAC Service Technician); Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning Technician (HVAC Technician); Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning / Refrigeration Technician (HVAC / R Technician); HVAC/R Service Technician (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning/Refrigeration Service Technician)
Source: O*NET OnLine information for Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers.
More Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Careers
- Adjust valves according to specifications and charge system with proper type of refrigerant by pumping the specified gas or fluid into the system.
- Observe and test system operation, using gauges and instruments.
- Test lines, components, and connections for leaks.
- Braze or solder parts to repair defective joints and leaks.
- Adjust or replace worn or defective mechanisms and parts and reassemble repaired systems.
- Dismantle malfunctioning systems and test components, using electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic testing equipment.
- Perform mechanical overhauls and refrigerant reclaiming.
- Install expansion and control valves, using acetylene torches and wrenches.
- Keep records of repairs and replacements made and causes of malfunctions.
- Mount compressor, condenser, and other components in specified locations on frames, using hand tools and acetylene welding equipment.
- Install wiring to connect components to an electric power source.
- Estimate, order, pick up, deliver, and install materials and supplies needed to maintain equipment in good working condition.
- Supervise and instruct assistants.
- Schedule work with customers and initiate work orders, house requisitions, and orders from stock.
- Cut, bend, thread, and connect pipe to functional components and water, power, or refrigeration system.
- Read blueprints to determine location, size, capacity, and type of components needed to build refrigeration system.
- Lay out reference points for installation of structural and functional components, using measuring instruments.
- Lift and align components into position, using hoist or block and tackle.
- Fabricate and assemble structural and functional components of refrigeration system, using hand tools, power tools, and welding equipment.
- Drill holes and install mounting brackets and hangers into floor and walls of building.
- Insulate shells and cabinets of systems.
Source: O*NET OnLine information for Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers.
- Repairing - Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
- Equipment Maintenance - Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
- Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
- Troubleshooting - Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
- Installation - Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
- Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
- Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
- Equipment Selection - Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
- Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Source: O*NET OnLine information for Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers.
