As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Refrigeration Technician III in the United States is $61,390 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.
However, a Refrigeration Technician III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2026 Compensation Trend
Smart Recruiting
AI Onboarding
A Refrigeration Technician III'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 III'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 Maintenance Technician I | 0-1 years | $56,690 |
| Refrigeration Maintenance Technician II | 1-3 years | $58,574 |
| Refrigeration 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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Refrigeration Technician III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $68,723. While startup companies pay approximate $58,138.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $58,138 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $61,487 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $66,364 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $68,723 |
For Refrigeration Technician III 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 Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Refrigeration Technician positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Refrigeration Technician III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $73,668 | $35.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $73,668 | $35.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $70,598 | $34.0 | 15% |
| Chemicals | $67,529 | $32.0 | 10% |
| Insurance | $67,529 | $32.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Refrigeration Technician III'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 III, 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 IV | $67,600 | 10% |
| Mechanic Technician, Lead | $75,700 | 23% |
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Refrigeration Technician III and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Refrigeration Technician III job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Get a Salary Increase
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search Job Openings
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Adjust Employee Salary
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Price My Industry Jobs
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Refrigeration Technician III roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:
