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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Refrigeration Technician I in Wisconsin is $55,790 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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Refrigeration Technician I Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $61,790 | $5,149 | $1,188 | $30 |
| Average | $55,790 | $4,649 | $1,073 | $27 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,190 | $4,183 | $965 | $24 |
Tech24 - Oak Creek, WI
Gateway Industrial Power - De Forest, WI
Brothers Desserts - Madison, WI
Gateway Industrial Power - Green Bay, WI
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 | $55,766 |
| Refrigeration Maintenance Technician II | 1-3 years | $57,619 |
| Refrigeration Maintenance Technician III | 3-5 years | $60,309 |
| Refrigeration Maintenance Technician IV | 5-7 years | $66,431 |
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:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
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 $62,454. While startup companies pay approximate $52,834.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $52,834 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $55,879 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $60,310 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $62,454 |
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 | $66,948 | $32.0 | 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $61,790 | $5,149 | $1,188 | $30 |
| Average | $55,790 | $4,649 | $1,073 | $27 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,190 | $4,183 | $965 | $24 |
Promotions 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 | $57,700 | 3% |
| Mechanic Technician, Experienced | $58,100 | 4% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Refrigeration Technician I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Americold
Darien, WI
Americold | Darien, WI
Americold - - Responsibilities: Troubleshoot and repair industrial mechanical and electrical systems. Operate and repair refrigeration systems. Monitor sys... more
3 Days Ago
Americold Logistics, Inc.
Jefferson, WI
Americold Logistics, Inc. | Jefferson, WI
Maintenance Job. Job Identification 60079. Job Category: Maintenance. Locations: 230 Collins Rd, Jefferson, WI, 53549, US (On-site). Job Schedule: Full tim... more
3 Days Ago
Americold Logistics
Darien, WI
Americold Logistics | Darien, WI
Job Title. Be the First to Apply. Job Description. What You'll Do. You will perform refrigeration operations and preventative maintenance throughout the wa... more
4 Days Ago
Americold
Jefferson, WI
Americold | Jefferson, WI
Americold - 230 Collins Road - Responsibilities: Operate and perform repair(s) and adjustment(s) of refrigeration system. Monitor system performance and de... more
5 Days Ago
CoolSys
Eau Claire, WI
CoolSys | Eau Claire, WI
Job Description. Job Description. Overview. WHY COOLSYS. At CoolSys, we offer more than just a job—we provide stability, growth, and industry-leading benef... more
2 Days Ago
Kwik Trip
DeForest, WI
Kwik Trip | DeForest, WI
Kwik Trip - - Responsibilities: Inspect, maintain, and repair industrial ammonia refrigeration systems. Execute system pump downs or isolations to facilita... more
5 Days Ago
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