Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders
O*NET 51-9193.00 · SOC 51-9193
Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tender is a solid career choice. Median pay is $41k a year with +5.9% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 800 openings a year. AI exposure: Elevated.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Set temperature controls on freezing tunnels for food products
- →Monitor refrigerant levels and cooling unit pressure gauges
- →Load products onto conveyor belts entering the freezing chamber
- →Record temperature readings and batch times in production logs
- →Clear ice buildup from cooling coils and drain lines
Education & How to Get In
Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tender roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with most training happening on the job. This makes it one of the more accessible career paths, you can often start working while earning certifications or completing short-term training programs.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites
Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tender involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tender?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tender Roles
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Job Outlook
Employment of Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders is projected to grow 5.9% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·41% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·45% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tender make?
The median Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tender earns $41k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tender jobs?
Our model puts Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tender at 53 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is elevated disruption risk. The main drivers: 41% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 45% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tender a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 5.9% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 800 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tender?
Most Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tender roles need a high school diploma or equivalent, with training happening on the job. A degree is not the usual route in.
How long does it take to become a Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tender?
Typically under a year, usually a high school diploma plus short training. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 2 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tender career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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