Shigoto Zukan
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How to become cooling and freezing equipment operators and tenderseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Manufacturing & Repair Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$41,330
25th–75th pct. $36,380–$49,550
Top pay (est.)
$81,000
Top 10% $62,340
Pay in 5 years
$48,300est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$56,400est.
$48,500–$65,500
Outlook score
57/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
42%
Moderate
Job growth (10 yr)
+5.9%
800 openings / yr

How to become cooling and freezing equipment operators and tenders

Typical education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders

Key skills

Operations Monitoring
3.9
Operation and Control
3.6
Monitoring
3.4
Critical Thinking
3.2
Troubleshooting
3.1
Active Learning
3.1
Quality Control Analysis
3.1
Complex Problem Solving
3.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Food Production
3.8
Mechanical
3.7
Chemistry
3.1
Engineering and Technology
3.0
Education and Training
3.0
English Language
2.9
Design
2.9
Production and Processing
2.9

What the work involves

Handling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesPerforming General Physical ActivitiesMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesDocumenting/Recording InformationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

Important abilities

Perceptual SpeedNear VisionSelective AttentionReaction TimeVisualizationTrunk Strength

Education of workers

High school diploma
7%

Training before entry

Up to 1 month
60%
None / short demo
16%
1–3 months
12%
6–12 months
7%
1–2 years
2%
2–4 years
2%

Related work experience

4–6 years
29%
1–2 years
14%
2–4 years
6%
6–12 months
3%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as cooling and freezing equipment operators and tenders

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.