Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders
Cooling and freezing equipment operators and tenders run machines that freeze or chill products including food, chemicals, and blood plasma. They work in food processing plants, warehouses, pharmaceutical facilities, and manufacturing plants. The job involves monitoring equipment, adjusting temperatures, loading and unloading materials, and performing routine maintenance.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against cooling and freezing equipment operators and tenders and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves monitoring cooling and freezing equipment to ensure proper temperatures are maintained. Operators load products into freezers, batch freezers, or freezing tunnels and adjust settings as needed. They check gauges and readouts, document temperatures and production, clean equipment, and report any malfunctions. Some work involves standing for extended periods and handling cold conditions.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCI. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You do well in this work if you're practical and detail-oriented, preferring hands-on tasks with clear procedures over creative problem-solving. You follow established systems and rules, stay organized, and take satisfaction in equipment running smoothly and production staying on schedule.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold no formal education requirement.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nebraska | $47,440 | $68,170 | $69,910 | 60 |
| Iowa | $42,510 | $62,520 | $82,790 | 290 |
| Indiana | $40,630 | $55,730 | $82,190 | 50 |
| Missouri | $41,430 | $53,940 | $59,490 | 200 |
| New Jersey | $46,300 | $51,460 | $59,580 | 100 |
| Washington | $49,550 | $50,870 | $52,730 | 60 |
| Illinois | $49,200 | $49,200 | $65,350 | 60 |
| Idaho | $48,350 | $48,360 | $62,080 | 90 |
| Ohio | $43,850 | $48,160 | $55,500 | 240 |
| Wisconsin | $45,480 | $47,060 | $56,940 | 100 |
| Minnesota | $46,350 | $46,910 | $49,840 | 100 |
| Massachusetts | $35,480 | $46,800 | $47,860 | — |
All 34 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Assistant Refrigeration Operator (CARO) — Refrigerating Engineers & Technicians Association
- Certified Industrial Refrigeration Operator (CIRO) — Refrigerating Engineers & Technicians Association
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against cooling and freezing equipment operators and tenders and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 51-9193.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.