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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Refrigeration Technician III in Illinois is $62,490 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:
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Refrigeration Technician III Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $66,790 | $5,566 | $1,284 | $32 |
| Average | $62,490 | $5,208 | $1,202 | $30 |
| 25th Percentile | $55,990 | $4,666 | $1,077 | $27 |
Lineage Logistics - Rochelle, IL
J.B. Hunt - Chicago, IL
Tech24 - Bloomington, IL
Gateway Industrial Power - Justice, IL
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 | $57,784 |
| Refrigeration Maintenance Technician II | 1-3 years | $59,704 |
| Refrigeration Technician III | 3-5 years | $62,491 |
| Refrigeration Maintenance Technician IV | 5-7 years | $68,835 |
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:
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 III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $69,954. While startup companies pay approximate $59,179.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $59,179 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $62,589 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $67,553 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $69,954 |
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 | $74,988 | $36.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $74,988 | $36.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $71,864 | $35.0 | 15% |
| Chemicals | $68,739 | $33.0 | 10% |
| Insurance | $68,739 | $33.0 | 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $66,790 | $5,566 | $1,284 | $32 |
| Average | $62,490 | $5,208 | $1,202 | $30 |
| 25th Percentile | $55,990 | $4,666 | $1,077 | $27 |
Promotions 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 | $68,900 | 10% |
| Mechanic Technician, Lead | $77,200 | 24% |
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.
Richs
Crest Hill, IL
Richs | Crest Hill, IL
Refrigeration Technician - 3rd Shift. Location: Crest Hill, IL, US, 60403. Rich's, also known as Rich Products Corporation, is a family-owned food company ... more
3 Days Ago
Richs
Crest Hill, IL
Richs | Crest Hill, IL
Refrigeration Technician - 2nd Shift. Location: Crest Hill, IL, US, 60403 Segment: Maintenance. Rich's, also known as Rich Products Corporation, is a famil... more
4 Days Ago
Huck's Market
Bloomington, IL
Huck's Market | Bloomington, IL
This is so much more than just a job. Come join a company where you have an opportunity to be an owner. We are a 100% Employee-Owned Company.It takes a spe... more
5 Days Ago
ComforTemp
Willowbrook, IL
ComforTemp | Willowbrook, IL
Job Description. Job Description. ComforTemp Heating and Air Conditioning | Willowbrook, ILWe're Comfort's best friend.We proudly serve residential and com... more
1 Day Ago
NEX-Tech
Effingham, IL
NEX-Tech | Effingham, IL
OverviewAre you ready to power up your career with a company that leads the industry and puts its people first. Welcome to Nextech- where talent, technolog... more
5 Days Ago
Dairy Farmers of America
Belvidere, IL
Dairy Farmers of America | Belvidere, IL
Job DescriptionGeneral PurposeProvide daily leadership and guidance to refrigeration maintenance staff and assist the supervisor in directing work activiti... more
5 Days Ago
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