Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
High school diploma or equivalent
None
Moderate-term on-the-job training
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
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Cooling and freezing equipment operators and tenders work in a specialized production role focused on operating and tending equipment. With national employment of 7,000 workers, this is a relatively focused occupation, but it still offers 1,000 annual openings, indicating a steady flow of opportunities for new and experienced workers. The national median annual salary is $40,160, with some states and metro areas offering higher pay. A high school diploma or equivalent is the typical education requirement, which can make this path accessible to people who want to enter the workforce without a lengthy degree program. Success in this career is supported by mechanical skills, physical strength and stamina, and strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities. Workers may also benefit from science, mathematics, and critical and analytical thinking skills. For those exploring related paths, similar occupations include petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers; wellhead pumpers; and several other machine operator roles.
The national median annual salary for cooling and freezing equipment operators and tenders is $40,160, but pay can vary by location. Among the top states by opportunity score, median salaries range from $35,370 in Virginia to $50,870 in Washington. New York and Colorado show median salaries of $45,460 and $46,160, while California offers $42,100. At the metro level, some areas show notably higher pay. The Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metro reports a median salary of $65,320, and the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro reports $65,850. The New York-Newark-Jersey City metro shows a median of $51,460, while Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim has $40,580. These figures indicate that earnings can be significantly higher in certain metro areas compared with the national median, so job seekers may want to compare local pay when evaluating offers and relocation options.
Cooling and freezing equipment operators and tenders have national employment of 7,000, with projected employment growth of 7.2%. This projected growth, paired with 1,000 annual openings, suggests that positions will continue to become available over time through both new job creation and turnover. The consistent 7.2% growth rate listed for top states and metro areas indicates that this occupation is expected to expand at a similar pace in a variety of regions rather than being concentrated in just one area. For people considering this field, the combination of a defined national employment base, measurable projected growth, and regular annual openings provides a structured picture of opportunity. Individuals who build strong mechanical, problem-solving, and physical skills may find a range of roles to pursue, and those open to relocation can consider states and metro areas where opportunity scores are higher.
Location can make a meaningful difference for cooling and freezing equipment operators and tenders, both in pay and in overall opportunity. Among states, California and New York have the highest opportunity scores, at 67.38 and 65.78, with median salaries of $42,100 and $45,460 and employment of 310 and 160, respectively. Colorado, Washington, and Virginia also appear as top states, with opportunity scores from 54.96 to 56.97 and median salaries ranging from $35,370 in Virginia to $50,870 in Washington. At the metro level, differences become even clearer. The New York-Newark-Jersey City metro stands out with an opportunity score of 77.27 and a median salary of $51,460. Chicago-Naperville-Elgin and Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington show median salaries above $65,000, with opportunity scores just above 55. In contrast, Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim and Washington-Arlington-Alexandria have lower median salaries but still solid opportunity scores above 60.
Cooling and freezing equipment operators and tenders typically enter the field with a high school diploma or equivalent. This education level makes the occupation accessible to individuals who are ready to move into the workforce without pursuing a multi-year college degree. Even with this relatively modest formal education requirement, a broad set of skills is important. Mechanical ability and fine motor skills are central, along with physical strength and stamina to handle the demands of the work environment. Science and mathematics skills also contribute to understanding and managing equipment and processes. Strong problem solving and decision making, supported by critical and analytical thinking, help workers respond effectively to issues as they arise. Leadership and project management skills can be valuable for coordinating tasks or overseeing parts of operations, while writing and reading skills support clear communication and accurate understanding of instructions and documentation. Together, these skills create a well-rounded profile for success in this career.
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