As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Refrigeration Technician I in the United States is $56,690 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.
However, a Refrigeration Technician I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Refrigeration Technician I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Refrigeration Technician I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration Technician I | 0-1 years | $56,690 |
| Refrigeration Maintenance Technician II | 1-3 years | $58,574 |
| Refrigeration Maintenance Technician III | 3-5 years | $61,308 |
| Refrigeration Maintenance Technician IV | 5-7 years | $67,532 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Refrigeration Technician Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Refrigeration Technician I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $63,461. While startup companies pay approximate $53,687.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $53,687 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $56,780 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $61,283 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $63,461 |
For Refrigeration Technician I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Refrigeration Technician positions in Biotechnology or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Refrigeration Technician I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $68,028 | $33.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Refrigeration Technician I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Refrigeration Technician I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration Maintenance Technician II | $58,600 | 3% |
| Mechanic Technician, Experienced | $59,000 | 4% |
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Refrigeration Technician I roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
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