Refrigeration Technician

Your Fit

Income

$52K

Preparation

Some

Growth

5.1%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Refrigeration Technician?

A Refrigeration Technician specializes in installing, maintaining, and repairing refrigeration systems used in various settings, such as commercial, industrial, and residential environments. They work with systems that include refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, and cooling units.

Sample job titles:

Freezer Operator, Freezer Person, Refrigeration Operator, Refrigeration Technician

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Refrigeration Technician.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Refrigeration Technician earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Refrigeration Technician.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$37K per year	$42K per year	$52K per year	$61K per year	$71K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $14K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Refrigeration Technician do?

Work environment

Refrigeration Technicians typically work in a variety of locations including homes, businesses, factories, and supermarkets. Their work may require travel to different job sites and can involve indoor and outdoor activities, often in cramped or uncomfortable positions.

Quick task list

Installs refrigeration systems and ensures they meet customer specifications.
Performs routine maintenance and inspections.
Diagnoses and repairs faults in refrigeration systems.
Complies with safety and environmental regulations.
Documents service and repair processes.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Commercial Refrigeration: Specializing in refrigeration systems used in commercial settings like supermarkets and restaurants.
Industrial Refrigeration: Working with large-scale refrigeration systems used in industrial and manufacturing processes.
Domestic Refrigeration: Focusing on refrigeration systems in residential homes, such as air conditioners and household refrigerators.
Transport Refrigeration: Specializing in refrigeration systems used in transport vehicles, such as trucks and ships.
HVAC Systems: Extending expertise to Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning systems alongside refrigeration.

Description

A career as a Refrigeration Technician involves a mix of technical knowledge and hands-on skills. Technicians must understand the principles of refrigeration, including how to handle refrigerants and the physics of cooling. They need to be adept at reading blueprints and schematics, as well as using a variety of tools for installation and repair. This career requires continuous learning to stay updated with evolving technologies, environmental regulations, and safety standards.

Technicians often work independently, traveling to different sites to diagnose and fix issues. They must be able to communicate effectively with customers, explaining complex technical issues in understandable terms. Problem-solving is a significant part of the job, as technicians must quickly identify and rectify faults in refrigeration systems to minimize downtime and ensure efficiency.

The job can be physically demanding, often requiring work in tight spaces, lifting heavy equipment, and handling hazardous materials. It also offers the satisfaction of seeing the immediate results of one's work, from installing a new system to fixing a critical issue that restores a system's functionality.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

The technical challenge of diagnosing and solving complex problems.
The variety of work environments and tasks.
The ability to work independently and make significant decisions.

You might make a good Refrigeration Technician if you are...

Technically inclined with a strong interest in mechanics and electronics.
Skilled at problem-solving and enjoy hands-on work.
Comfortable working independently and able to manage your workload.
Good at communicating with customers and explaining technical issues.
Interested in continuous learning and staying updated with industry advancements.

Pros:

Stable Demand: Consistent need for refrigeration in many sectors, including food service, healthcare, and industrial.
Diverse Work Environments: Opportunities to work in various settings, from residential to commercial and industrial.
Technical Skill Development: Continuous learning of new technologies and systems in refrigeration.
Problem-Solving Satisfaction: The fulfillment of diagnosing and fixing complex systems.
Potential for Self-Employment: Opportunities to start your own business or work as a contractor.

Cons:

Physical Demands: The job can be physically taxing, requiring lifting, climbing, and working in confined spaces.
Safety Risks: Working with electrical components and refrigerants requires adherence to safety standards.
On-Call Schedule: Often includes irregular hours or being on-call for emergencies.
Certification Requirements: Necessary to obtain certification for handling refrigerants and other technical aspects.
Weather Conditions: Work can involve exposure to outdoor elements, depending on the job location.

How to become a Refrigeration Technician

Typical education

Most Refrigeration Technicians in Canada complete a college certificate or diploma program in refrigeration, air conditioning, or HVAC technology, typically lasting 6 months to 2 years. This is followed by a provincial apprenticeship, which combines paid on-the-job training with periods of in-school technical instruction. Refrigeration is a regulated skilled trade in many provinces, and technicians are usually required to obtain provincial trade certification, with the option to earn Red Seal endorsement. Certification to handle refrigerants, such as Ozone Depletion Prevention (ODP) certification, is also required.

High school preparation

Courses:

Physics and Chemistry: To understand the principles of thermodynamics and refrigeration cycles.
Shop Class or Vocational Training: Basic mechanical skills and use of tools.
Mathematics: Proficiency in algebra and geometry for calculations.
Technical Education: Introduction to electrical systems and basic electronics.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Join a Robotics Club: Develop mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills.
Seek Part-Time Work or Internships: In HVAC or refrigeration companies for hands-on experience.
Participate in Science Fairs: Projects related to energy, thermodynamics, or mechanics.
Volunteer: In community programs involving equipment repair or maintenance.

Preparation after high school

College or Technical Training: Enroll in a college certificate or diploma program in refrigeration, air conditioning, or HVAC technology.
Apprenticeships: Gain hands-on training under experienced technicians.
Trade Certification (Red Seal): Work toward Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic (RACM) certification, with the option to obtain Red Seal endorsement for interprovincial mobility.
Refrigerant Handling Certification: Obtain Ozone Depletion Prevention (ODP) certification (or equivalent provincial refrigerant-handling certification), which is required in Canada to work with refrigerants.
On-the-Job Training: Apply to entry-level positions in HVAC or refrigeration services for practical experience.
Ongoing Technical Training: Stay current with evolving technologies, environmental regulations, and energy-efficient systems through manufacturer training and continuing education.

More resources

Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) - Offers training programs and resources for HVAC professionals.
Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES) - Provides education and certification for refrigeration and HVAC technicians.
HVAC Excellence - Certification programs for HVAC technicians.
The Refrigeration School - Specialized training programs in refriger ation and HVAC technology.
North American Technician Excellence (NATE) - Certification body for HVACR technicians.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.