As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Refrigeration Manager in the United States is $81,091 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.
However, a Refrigeration Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Refrigeration Manager'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 Manager'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Refrigeration Manager | $78,736 |
| Intermediate Level Refrigeration Manager | $79,089 |
| Senior Level Refrigeration Manager | $80,855 |
| Specialist Level Refrigeration Manager | $84,714 |
| Expert Level Refrigeration Manager | $86,141 |
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 Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Biotechnology | 25% |
| Pneumatics | 25% |
| Preventive Maintenance | 25% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Biotechnology
|
$102,985 |
27%
|
|
Preventive Maintenance
|
$81,091 |
0%
|
For Refrigeration Manager roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Refrigeration Manager positions in Retail & Wholesale or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Refrigeration Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $101,363 | $49.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $93,254 | $45.0 | 15% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $93,254 | $45.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $89,200 | $43.0 | 10% |
| Internet | $89,200 | $43.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Refrigeration Manager'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 July 01, 2026Salaries for a Refrigeration Manager can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $87,747 in 2023 to around $87,693 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Refrigeration Manager salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $87,747 |
| 2024 | $88,049 |
| 2025 | $87,693 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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