51 Series · SOC 51-9193

Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders Salary

National pay, percentile range, growth outlook, and state-by-state detail from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey (May 2025).

$41,330
Median / year
$62,340
Top 10% earn
+7.2%
Growth '23–'33
6,900
US workers

Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders earn a median of $41,330 per year.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey, the median annual wage is $41,330, based on the most recent survey of employers. Reported pay ranges from $33,430 (10th percentile) to $62,340 (90th percentile) nationally, across roughly 6,900 US workers. Nebraska pays the most ($68,170), since pay varies by state and metro area.

51 Series · Source: BLS OEWS Compare with another job →
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The pay verdict

Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders earn a median of $41,330, putting them among the lower-paid US occupations and higher than 13% of the 825 occupations with a published BLS median. Within Production, it ranks #84 of 105 by median pay. Employment is projected to grow 7.2% by 2033.

$41,330
Median annual wage
Top 87%
of 825 US occupations with published wages
#84 of 105
in Production
1.9×
90th-to-10th pay spread

Highest-paying state: Nebraska at $68,170. Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders (SOC 51-9193) pays a national median of $41,330 per year according to the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey released in May 2025. Full-range compensation stretches from $33,430 at the 10th percentile to $62,340 at the 90th, with a mean of $44,940 indicating a right-skew where top earners pull the average above the midpoint. An estimated 6,900 Americans work in this occupation across 34 reporting states and 31 metro areas.

BLS Employment Projections forecast a +7.2% change in employment from 2024 to 2034, which the agency classifies as faster than average relative to the 5% all-occupations baseline. About 800 openings are projected per year, combining new positions with replacement needs from retirements and occupation-switchers. Typical entry-level preparation is High school diploma or equivalent and moderate-term on-the-job training of on-the-job training. The BLS Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) and Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (SOII) produce a workplace-safety grade of B for this role, with a fatality rate of 3.5 per 100,000 and injury rate of 3.2 per 100.

Geographic variation matters as much as the headline median. Nebraska pays the highest state median at $68,170, which is +65% above the national figure. The top metro is Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area at $82,670 - metro premiums typically reflect higher cost of living, industry concentration, or specialized employer demand. When using this page for negotiation or career planning, pair the national median with the state and metro rows below, remember that BLS wages exclude benefits, bonuses, and overtime, and revisit after each May OEWS release since percentiles shift with cost-of-living cycles and industry demand. See our methodology for exactly how these figures are sourced, computed, and verified.

BLS OEWS May 2025 6,900 jobs Median $41,330/yr

Median Salary

$41,330

per year

Median Hourly

$19.87/hr

per hour

Mean Salary

$44,940

average

Employment

6,900

jobs nationwide

How does this pay compare nationally?

Where Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders pay sits nationally

Median annual wage vs. 825 detailed BLS occupations with a published median

$41,330 Bottom 13% higher than 13% of 825 US occupations

$0–$20,000: 0 US occupations (0%). Below this entry. $20,000–$40,000: 98 US occupations (12%). Below this entry. $40,000–$60,000: 298 US occupations (36%). This entry sits in this band. $60,000–$80,000: 209 US occupations (25%). Above this entry. $80,000–$100,000: 82 US occupations (10%). Above this entry. $100,000–$120,000: 58 US occupations (7%). Above this entry. $120,000–$140,000: 32 US occupations (4%). Above this entry. $140,000–$160,000: 14 US occupations (2%). Above this entry. $160,000–$180,000: 9 US occupations (1%). Above this entry. $180,000–$200,000: 25 US occupations (3%). Above this entry. This job $0 $200,000 every BLS occupation, bucketed by value

Each bar is a $20K-wide band; taller bars hold more US occupations. The dashed line + filled bar mark this entry. Hover or tap any bar for its full count, share, and where it sits relative to this entry.

Source U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS · May 2025

Does this job pay well and grow?

Each dot is a 51-series occupation, placed by projected 2024–2034 growth and median pay. The highlighted dot is Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders; the upper-right quadrant is the sweet spot (high pay + fast growth).

Among 23 51-series occupations with growth data, Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders sits on the faster-growing side at +7.2% growth and $41,330 median pay.

Among 23 51-series occupations with growth data, Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders sits on the faster-growing side at +7.2% growth and $41,330 median pay. Scatter plot of 23 data points. $30000$40000$50000$60000$70000$80000 -15%-10%-5%0%5%10% Projected growth 2024–2034 (%) Median annual wage
Among 23 51-series occupations with growth data, Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders sits on the faster-growing side at +7.2% growth and $41,330 median pay.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS (wages, May 2025) and Employment Projections (2024–2034).

Job Outlook (2024–2034)

Projected Growth

+7.2%

Faster than average

Annual Openings

800

per year (projected)

Typical Education

High school diploma or equivalent

On-the-Job Training

Moderate-term on-the-job training

Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034

Workplace Safety

All safety ratings →
B

Safe

Safety Grade (BLS 2023)

Fatality Rate

3.5/100K

Injury Rate

3.2/100

Danger Index

14.6/100

Source: BLS Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) & Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (SOII), 2023

Career Intelligence

Skills, knowledge, and tasks most important for Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders roles, ranked by importance. Source: O*NET.

Top Skills

Operations Monitoring 3.9
Operation and Control 3.8
Critical Thinking 3.6
Monitoring 3.5
Complex Problem Solving 3.5
Speaking 3.1
Equipment Maintenance 3.1
Troubleshooting 3.1
Repairing 3.1
Quality Control Analysis 3.1

Knowledge Areas

Production and Processing 3.9
Mechanical 3.4
English Language 3.4
Food Production 3.3
Administration and Management 3.3
Mathematics 3.1
Public Safety and Security 3.1
Education and Training 3.0
Design 2.8
Engineering and Technology 2.7

Key Tasks

  • ▸ Record temperatures, amounts of materials processed, or test results on report forms.
  • ▸ Monitor pressure gauges, ammeters, flowmeters, thermometers, or products, and adjust controls to maintain specified conditions, such as feed rate, product consistency, temperature, air pressure, and machine speed.
  • ▸ Read dials and gauges on panel control boards to ascertain temperatures, alkalinities, and densities of mixtures, and turn valves to obtain specified mixtures.
  • ▸ Measure or weigh specified amounts of ingredients or materials, and load them into tanks, vats, hoppers, or other equipment.
  • ▸ Adjust machine or freezer speed and air intake to obtain desired consistency and amount of product.
  • ▸ Start machinery, such as pumps, feeders, or conveyors, and turn valves to heat, admit, or transfer products, refrigerants, or mixes.
  • ▸ Weigh packages and adjust freezer air valves or switches on filler heads to obtain specified amounts of product in each container.
  • ▸ Correct machinery malfunctions by performing actions such as removing jams, and inform supervisors of malfunctions as necessary.
  • ▸ Inspect and flush lines with solutions or steam, and spray equipment with sterilizing solutions.
  • ▸ Load and position wrapping paper, sticks, bags, or cartons into dispensing machines.

Source: O*NET Online, National Center for O*NET Development. Data represents typical importance ratings for this occupation.

Salary Range

Annual Salary Distribution

$33,430$36,380$41,330$49,550$62,340
10th pct25thMedian75th90th pct

Hourly Rate Distribution

$16.07$17.49$19.87$23.82$29.97
10th pct25thMedian75th90th pct

10th Percentile

$33,430

25th Percentile

$36,380

Median

$41,330

75th Percentile

$49,550

90th Percentile

$62,340

Salary by State

Highest Paying States

1. Nebraska $68,170 2. Iowa $62,520 3. Indiana $55,730 4. Missouri $53,940 5. New Jersey $51,460

Lowest Paying States

30. Michigan $31,700 31. Alabama $35,280 32. Virginia $35,370 33. Texas $35,810 34. Tennessee $37,780
View all 34 states →
# State Median Salary vs National
1 Nebraska $68,170 +65% above national
2 Iowa $62,520 +51% above national
3 Indiana $55,730 +35% above national
4 Missouri $53,940 +31% above national
5 New Jersey $51,460 +25% above national
6 Washington $50,870 +23% above national
7 Illinois $49,200 +19% above national
8 Idaho $48,360 +17% above national
9 Ohio $48,160 +17% above national
10 Wisconsin $47,060 +14% above national
11 Minnesota $46,910 +14% above national
12 Massachusetts $46,800 +13% above national
13 Georgia $46,770 +13% above national
14 Colorado $46,160 +12% above national
15 South Dakota $45,520 +10% above national
16 Utah $45,500 +10% above national
17 New York $45,460 +10% above national
18 Florida $45,270 +10% above national
19 California $42,100 +2% above national
20 Connecticut $41,080 1% below national
21 Kentucky $40,840 1% below national
22 Oregon $40,030 3% below national
23 South Carolina $39,640 4% below national
24 Oklahoma $39,630 4% below national
25 Pennsylvania $39,360 5% below national
26 North Carolina $39,030 6% below national
27 Mississippi $38,200 8% below national
28 Arkansas $38,090 8% below national
29 Hawaii $37,990 8% below national
30 Tennessee $37,780 9% below national
31 Texas $35,810 13% below national
32 Virginia $35,370 14% below national
33 Alabama $35,280 15% below national
34 Michigan $31,700 23% below national

Salary by Metro Area

Highest Paying Metros

1. Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area $82,670 2. Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX $65,850 3. Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN $65,320 4. St. Louis, MO-IL $54,450 5. Lancaster, PA $54,330

Lowest Paying Metros

27. West Delta Mississippi nonmetropolitan area $29,200 28. Salem, OR $33,180 29. Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area $33,280 30. Southeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area $34,740 31. Northwestern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area $35,510
View all 31 metro areas →
# Metro Area Median Salary vs National
1 Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area $82,670 +100% above national
2 Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX $65,850 +59% above national
3 Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN $65,320 +58% above national
4 St. Louis, MO-IL $54,450 +32% above national
5 Lancaster, PA $54,330 +31% above national
6 New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ $51,460 +25% above national
7 North Northeastern Ohio nonmetropolitan area (noncontiguous) $50,720 +23% above national
8 Southeast-Central Idaho nonmetropolitan area $48,360 +17% above national
9 West Northwestern Ohio nonmetropolitan area $47,320 +14% above national
10 Gainesville, GA $47,160 +14% above national
11 Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA $46,950 +14% above national
12 Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area $45,540 +10% above national
13 Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area $45,410 +10% above national
14 Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area $42,840 +4% above national
15 West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area $40,840 1% below national
16 Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA $40,580 2% below national
17 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $39,340 5% below national
18 Lower East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area $39,250 5% below national
19 South Georgia nonmetropolitan area $39,180 5% below national
20 Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area $39,030 6% below national
21 Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR $38,090 8% below national
22 Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area $37,180 10% below national
23 South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area $37,040 10% below national
24 Urban Honolulu, HI $36,670 11% below national
25 Rochester, NY $36,600 11% below national
26 Pittsburgh, PA $36,090 13% below national
27 Northwestern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area $35,510 14% below national
28 Southeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area $34,740 16% below national
29 Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area $33,280 19% below national
30 Salem, OR $33,180 20% below national
31 West Delta Mississippi nonmetropolitan area $29,200 29% below national

Similar Occupations in the Same Category

Other roles in SOC major group 51 (production) with comparable pay and career paths.

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Compare Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders side-by-side with another occupation →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders make? ▼
The median annual salary for Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders is $41,330 ($19.87/hour). The salary range spans from $33,430 at the 10th percentile to $62,340 at the 90th percentile.
What state pays Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders the most? ▼
Nebraska pays the highest median salary for Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders at $68,170/year, which is +65% above the national median.
What education do you need to become a Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders? ▼
The typical entry-level education for Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders is High school diploma or equivalent. On-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training.
How dangerous is being a Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders? ▼
Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders has a safety grade of B (Safe) based on BLS data. The fatality rate is 3.5 per 100,000 workers and the injury rate is 3.2 per 100 workers.
Is Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders a good career? ▼
Employment for Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders is projected to grow 7.2% from 2024 to 2034, which is faster than average. About 800 openings are projected each year.
How does Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders pay vary by state? ▼
Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders salaries vary significantly by state. The highest-paying state is Nebraska at $68,170/year, while Tennessee pays the least at $37,780/year. BLS data covers 34 states and territories.
Which metro areas pay the most for Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders? ▼
The highest-paying metro area for Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders is Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area at $82,670/year. BLS reports wage data for 31 metro areas for this occupation, with pay varying based on local demand and cost of living.

What to do with this data

How to use Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders pay figures in a real decision

  • For an experienced offer, anchor on the 75th percentile (about $49,550/year), not the median. The median marks the middle worker; the upper quartile is the realistic target with strong experience. Salary calculator
  • Location moves pay significantly: Nebraska leads at $68,170/year for this role. Weigh state pay against local cost of living before relocating or negotiating remote. Pay by state
  • Compare this occupation against similar roles before you decide, so you are reading the pay band in context rather than in isolation. Compare jobs

These are BLS survey estimates for the occupation, not a salary offer or a prediction for any individual. Your pay depends on experience, employer, exact role, and location.

Data as of May 2025. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 annual release. Employment projections from BLS Employment Projections program, 2024–2034. Data reflects cross-industry estimates for all ownership types.

These are survey estimates for the occupation, not a salary offer or a prediction for any individual. See how to use them.

Every figure on WageDex is rendered directly from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, no number is typed in by an editor. This occupation's figures are computed directly from the BLS OEWS and Employment Projections datasets, nothing is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of May 2025.

This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or career advice. Actual pay for a specific role, employer, or offer may differ from these national/state figures, consult a qualified career counselor, recruiter, or financial advisor before making decisions based on this data.