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.
Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders
SOC: 51-9193 O*NET: 51-9193.00
Median Salary
$40,160
per year
Job Growth
🚀 7.2%
Much Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
0.8
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2
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.
What does a Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$33,710
10th percentile
Early Career
$36,150
25th percentile
Median
$40,160
50th percentile
Experienced
$49,150
75th percentile
Top Earners
$62,760
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$33,710
25th
$36,150
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$40,160
Mean: $44,290
75th
$49,150
90th
$62,760
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $29,050 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $36,150 and $49,150
- •Salary spread is 32.4% around the median, showing moderate variation
- •Total national employment: 6,590 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:7,100
Top Industries
Manufacturing84.1%
Food Manufacturing75.1%
Animal Slaughtering and Processing37.5%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+7.2%
Annual Openings:800
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)7,100
Current
2034 (Projected)7,600
+7.2%
+500
Employment Change
+7.2%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 34 locations
California
550 jobs$40,5900.72x
Georgia
460 jobs$43,7202.20x
Mississippi
400 jobs$37,0307.97x
North Carolina
390 jobs$37,6601.84x
Missouri
340 jobs$47,7802.76x
Texas
330 jobs$34,9700.56x
Arkansas
320 jobs$36,3805.74x
Iowa
250 jobs$48,8803.67x
Michigan
210 jobs$54,3601.12x
Ohio
200 jobs$42,4700.84x
Oregon
180 jobs$38,7702.19x
New York
170 jobs$44,4900.42x
Alabama
170 jobs$37,2201.91x
Kansas
140 jobs$51,6402.24x
Virginia
140 jobs$38,4600.82x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Operations Monitoring
100%
#2
Operation and Control
94%
#3
Critical Thinking
86%
#4
Complex Problem Solving
80%
#5
Monitoring
74%
#6
Speaking
66%
#7
Quality Control Analysis
60%
#8
Repairing
54%
#9
Judgment and Decision Making
46%
#10
Troubleshooting
40%
Skills Overview
Operations Monitoring
advanced5.0
100%
Operation and Control
advanced4.7
94%
Critical Thinking
intermediate4.3
86%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced4.0
80%
Monitoring
intermediate3.7
74%
Speaking
intermediate3.3
66%
Quality Control Analysis
intermediate3.0
60%
Repairing
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Operations Monitoring
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Operation and Control
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance80%
abilities
4.0/5.0
Monitoring
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Quality Control Analysis
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Repairing
basicImportance54%
abilities
2.7/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
basicImportance46%
abilities
2.3/5.0
Troubleshooting
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas82%
5 shared skills
Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic82%
5 shared skills
Motorcycle Mechanics82%
5 shared skills
Sailors and Marine Oilers82%
5 shared skills
Wellhead Pumpers82%
5 shared skills
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic73%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Learn on the Job:
- →Quality Control Analysis
- →Speaking
- →Repairing
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Operations Monitoring
- ✓Operation and Control
- ✓Critical Thinking
- ✓Complex Problem Solving
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Operation and Control
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Complex Problem Solving
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders
Technology Intensity
Medium
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires intermediate digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Office productivity softwareIndustry-specific applicationsBasic data entry and managementDigital communication tools
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Microsoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
HIGH
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet high physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
18
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (15)Documentation & Record-Keeping (2)Operations & Execution (1)
1
Adjust machine or freezer speed and air intake to obtain desired consistency and amount of product.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Monitor pressure gauges, ammeters, flowmeters, thermometers, or products, and adjust controls to maintain specified conditions, such as feed rate, product consistency, temperature, air pressure, and machine speed.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping97% perform98%
3
Record temperatures, amounts of materials processed, or test results on report forms.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping94% perform96%
4
Read dials and gauges on panel control boards to ascertain temperatures, alkalinities, and densities of mixtures, and turn valves to obtain specified mixtures.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Correct machinery malfunctions by performing actions such as removing jams, and inform supervisors of malfunctions as necessary.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution88% perform92%
6
Start machinery, such as pumps, feeders, or conveyors, and turn valves to heat, admit, or transfer products, refrigerants, or mixes.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Assemble equipment, and attach pipes, fittings, or valves, using hand tools.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Scrape, dislodge, or break excess frost, ice, or frozen product from equipment to prevent accumulation, using hands and hand tools.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Weigh packages and adjust freezer air valves or switches on filler heads to obtain specified amounts of product in each container.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Stir material with spoons or paddles to mix ingredients or allow even cooling and prevent coagulation.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •39% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value support
RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.27
Self-Control
Very ImportantSelf-Control
Importance Level4.24
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.23
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.20
Leadership
ImportantLeadership
Importance Level3.98
Initiative
ImportantInitiative
Importance Level3.88
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.3
Self-Control
4.2
Dependability
4.2
Integrity
4.2
Leadership
4.0
Initiative
3.9
Adaptability/Flexibility
3.8
Cooperation
3.7
Achievement/Effort
3.6
Stress Tolerance
3.6
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical duration: High school diploma or GED
Preparation Level
Job Zone 2
Some Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:High school diploma or equivalent
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Training:
Training of a few months to a year
💼 Experience Requirement
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience
- • Vocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)
- • Industry certifications helpful
2
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experienceVocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)Industry certifications helpful
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