# Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders

> Operate or tend equipment such as cooling and freezing units, refrigerators, batch freezers, and freezing tunnels, to cool or freeze products, food, blood plasma, and chemicals.
- **Entity Type:** role
- **Schema Version:** role.v1
- **Soc Code:** 51-9193.00
- **Summary:** Operate or tend equipment such as cooling and freezing units, refrigerators, batch freezers, and freezing tunnels, to cool or freeze products, food, blood plasma, and chemicals.

## Aliases

- Freezer Operator
- Freezer Person
- Refrigeration Operator
- Refrigeration Technician
- Certified Refrigeration Operator
- Compressor Operator
- Engine Room Operator
- Ice Cream Maker
- Machine Operator
- Ammonia Refrigeration Worker
- Batch Freezer
- Batch Freezer Operator

## Tasks

| Text | Type | Iwa |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Record temperatures, amounts of materials processed, or test results on report forms. | Core | 4.A.3.b.6.h |
| 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. | Core | 4.A.1.a.2.a |
| Read dials and gauges on panel control boards to ascertain temperatures, alkalinities, and densities of mixtures, and turn valves to obtain specified mixtures. | Core | 4.A.1.a.2.a |
| Measure or weigh specified amounts of ingredients or materials, and load them into tanks, vats, hoppers, or other equipment. | Supplemental | 4.A.1.b.3.a |
| Adjust machine or freezer speed and air intake to obtain desired consistency and amount of product. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.2.i |
| Start machinery, such as pumps, feeders, or conveyors, and turn valves to heat, admit, or transfer products, refrigerants, or mixes. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.i |
| Weigh packages and adjust freezer air valves or switches on filler heads to obtain specified amounts of product in each container. | Supplemental | 4.A.1.b.3.a |
| Correct machinery malfunctions by performing actions such as removing jams, and inform supervisors of malfunctions as necessary. | Core | 4.A.3.b.5.a |
| Inspect and flush lines with solutions or steam, and spray equipment with sterilizing solutions. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.1.c |
| Load and position wrapping paper, sticks, bags, or cartons into dispensing machines. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.1.f |
| Sample and test product characteristics such as specific gravity, acidity, and sugar content, using hydrometers, pH meters, or refractometers. | Supplemental | 4.A.1.b.2.c |
| Start agitators to blend contents, or start beater, scraper, and expeller blades to mix contents with air and prevent sticking. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.3.f |

## Emerging Tasks


## Activities

| Name | Iwa |
| --- | --- |
| Adjust equipment to ensure optimal performance. | 4.A.3.a.2.i |
| Monitor instruments to ensure proper production conditions. | 4.A.1.a.2.a |
| Record operational or production data. | 4.A.3.b.6.h |
| Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning. | 4.A.1.a.2.a |
| Adjust equipment controls to regulate flow of production materials or products. | 4.A.3.a.2.i |
| Clear equipment jams. | 4.A.3.b.5.a |
| Notify others of equipment repair or maintenance needs. | 4.A.4.a.2.g |
| Adjust temperature controls of ovens or other heating equipment. | 4.A.3.a.2.i |
| Operate pumping systems or equipment. | 4.A.3.a.3.b |
| Assemble electromechanical or hydraulic systems. | 4.A.3.a.2.d |
| Install mechanical components in production equipment. | 4.A.3.a.2.at |
| Clean production equipment. | 4.A.3.a.1.c |
| Weigh finished products. | 4.A.1.b.3.a |
| Mix substances to create chemical solutions. | 4.A.3.a.1.a |
| Operate mixing equipment. | 4.A.3.a.3.f |
| Measure ingredients or substances to be used in production processes. | 4.A.1.b.3.a |
| Load materials into production equipment. | 4.A.3.a.1.f |
| Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment. | 4.A.3.a.2.f |
| Position containers to receive materials or workpieces. | 4.A.3.a.2.v |
| Sterilize food cooking or processing equipment. | 4.A.3.a.1.c |
| Test chemical or physical characteristics of materials or products. | 4.A.1.b.2.c |
| Collect samples of materials or products for testing. | 4.A.3.a.2.b |
| Adjust equipment controls to regulate coolant flow. | 4.A.3.a.2.i |

## Capabilities

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Operations Monitoring | transferable_skill | 3.88 |
| Production and Processing | knowledge | 3.85 |
| Operation and Control | transferable_skill | 3.75 |
| Near Vision | ability | 3.75 |
| Critical Thinking | essential_skill | 3.62 |
| Problem Sensitivity | ability | 3.62 |
| Monitoring | essential_skill | 3.5 |
| Complex Problem Solving | transferable_skill | 3.5 |
| Deductive Reasoning | ability | 3.5 |
| Mechanical | knowledge | 3.41 |
| English Language | knowledge | 3.38 |
| Food Production | knowledge | 3.33 |
| Administration and Management | knowledge | 3.29 |
| Perceptual Speed | ability | 3.25 |
| Arm-Hand Steadiness | ability | 3.25 |
| Speaking | essential_skill | 3.12 |
| Equipment Maintenance | transferable_skill | 3.12 |
| Troubleshooting | transferable_skill | 3.12 |
| Repairing | transferable_skill | 3.12 |
| Quality Control Analysis | transferable_skill | 3.12 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | transferable_skill | 3.12 |
| Oral Expression | ability | 3.12 |
| Manual Dexterity | ability | 3.12 |
| Finger Dexterity | ability | 3.12 |
| Control Precision | ability | 3.12 |
| Reaction Time | ability | 3.12 |
| Static Strength | ability | 3.12 |
| Trunk Strength | ability | 3.12 |
| Mathematics | knowledge | 3.08 |
| Public Safety and Security | knowledge | 3.07 |
| Reading Comprehension | essential_skill | 3 |
| Active Listening | essential_skill | 3 |
| Active Learning | essential_skill | 3 |
| Time Management | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Education and Training | knowledge | 3 |
| Oral Comprehension | ability | 3 |
| Written Comprehension | ability | 3 |
| Written Expression | ability | 3 |
| Inductive Reasoning | ability | 3 |
| Information Ordering | ability | 3 |

## Skills

| Name | Type |
| --- | --- |
| Critical Thinking | Common Skill |
| Deductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Complex Problem Solving | Common Skill |
| English Language | Common Skill |
| Finger Dexterity | Common Skill |
| Equipment Maintenance | Specialized Skill |
| Mathematics | Common Skill |
| Time Management | Common Skill |
| Speech Recognition | Specialized Skill |
| Reading Comprehension | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Word | Common Skill |
| Microsoft PowerPoint | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Excel | Common Skill |
| Information Ordering | Specialized Skill |
| Inductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Active Listening | Common Skill |
| Active Learning | Common Skill |
| Writing | Common Skill |
| Visualization | Specialized Skill |
| Social Perceptiveness | Common Skill |
| Instructing | Specialized Skill |
| Equipment Selection | Specialized Skill |
| Depth Perception | Common Skill |
| Chemistry | Specialized Skill |
| Physics | Specialized Skill |
| Learning Strategies | Specialized Skill |
| Systems Analysis | Specialized Skill |
| Negotiation | Common Skill |
| Psychology | Specialized Skill |
| Foreign Language | Common Skill |
| Telecommunications | Specialized Skill |
| Biology | Specialized Skill |
| Installation | Specialized Skill |
| Geography | Specialized Skill |
| Presentation Software | Specialized Skill |

## Tools

| Example | Category | Hot | In Demand |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Microsoft Excel | Spreadsheet software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Office software | Office suite software | yes | no |
| Microsoft PowerPoint | Presentation software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Word | Word processing software | yes | no |
| Google Gmail | Electronic mail software | no | no |

## Work Context

| Name | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets | 4.99 |
| Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams | 4.69 |
| Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable | 4.52 |
| Indoors, Environmentally Controlled | 4.33 |
| Spend Time Standing | 4.32 |
| Health and Safety of Other Workers | 4.16 |
| Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | 4.09 |
| Time Pressure | 4.06 |
| Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures | 4.05 |
| Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | 4.05 |
| Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team | 4.02 |
| Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals | 3.96 |
| Frequency of Decision Making | 3.89 |
| Freedom to Make Decisions | 3.89 |
| Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment | 3.87 |
| Contact With Others | 3.83 |
| Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | 3.82 |
| Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities | 3.74 |
| Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | 3.74 |
| Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers | 3.67 |
| Written Letters and Memos | 3.61 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Equipment | 3.6 |
| Exposed to Contaminants | 3.56 |
| Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection | 3.54 |
| Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled | 3.53 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Conditions | 3.44 |
| Spend Time Walking or Running | 3.41 |
| Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions | 3.21 |
| Level of Competition | 3.2 |
| Degree of Automation | 2.98 |
| Physical Proximity | 2.95 |
| Consequence of Error | 2.91 |
| Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings | 2.85 |
| Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions | 2.83 |
| Exposed to High Places | 2.82 |
| In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment | 2.8 |
| Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions | 2.58 |
| Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions | 2.4 |
| Spend Time Sitting | 2.39 |
| Conflict Situations | 2.27 |

## Preparation

- **Job Zone:** 2
- **Job Zone Name:** Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- **Education:** Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- **Experience:** Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- **Svp Range:** (Below 6.0)

### Education Distribution

| Label | Percentage |
| --- | --- |
| High School Diploma | 7.31 |
| Some College Courses | 0.48 |

## Person Fit

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Realistic | career_interest_type | 6.99 |
| Mechanics/Electronics | specific_interest_area | 4.61 |
| Conventional | career_interest_type | 4.29 |
| Engineering | specific_interest_area | 3.13 |
| Dependability | work_style | 3 |
| Physical/Manual Labor | specific_interest_area | 2.81 |
| Investigative | career_interest_type | 2.32 |
| Attention to Detail | work_style | 2.19 |
| Cautiousness | work_style | 2.17 |
| Transportation/Machine Operation | specific_interest_area | 1.73 |
| Mathematics/Statistics | specific_interest_area | 1.7 |
| Physical Science | specific_interest_area | 1.51 |
| Culinary Art | specific_interest_area | 1.5 |
| Social | career_interest_type | 1.41 |
| Agriculture | specific_interest_area | 1.36 |
| Construction/Woodwork | specific_interest_area | 1.31 |

## Related Roles

| Soc Code | Slug | Title | Tier |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 51-9192.00 | role-51-9192-00 | Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders | Primary-Short |
| 51-9012.00 | role-51-9012-00 | Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | Primary-Short |
| 51-9051.00 | role-51-9051-00 | Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders | Primary-Short |
| 51-4191.00 | role-51-4191-00 | Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | Primary-Short |
| 51-3091.00 | role-51-3091-00 | Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders | Primary-Short |
| 51-3093.00 | role-51-3093-00 | Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders | Primary-Long |
| 51-3092.00 | role-51-3092-00 | Food Batchmakers | Primary-Long |
| 51-4051.00 | role-51-4051-00 | Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders | Primary-Long |
| 51-9041.00 | role-51-9041-00 | Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | Primary-Long |
| 51-8021.00 | role-51-8021-00 | Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators | Primary-Long |
| 51-9111.00 | role-51-9111-00 | Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders | Supplemental |
| 51-9023.00 | role-51-9023-00 | Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | Supplemental |

## Career Clusters

| Cluster | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Advanced Manufacturing | advanced-manufacturing |

## Education Level

- **Category:** High school diploma or equivalent

## Study Programs


## Market

- **Median Wage:** 40160
- **Mean Wage:** 44290
- **Pct10Wage:** 33710
- **Pct25Wage:** 36150
- **Pct75Wage:** 49150
- **Pct90Wage:** 62760
- **Employment:** 6590
- **Area Title:** U.S.

## Industries


### Top

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Median Wage | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector | 5540 | 39780 | 10.16 |
| 48-49 | 48-49 | Transportation and Warehousing | Sector | 430 | 43930 | 1.36 |
| 42 | 42 | Wholesale Trade | Sector | 240 | 45370 | 0.93 |
| 56 | 56 | Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | Sector | 130 | 37950 | 0.34 |
| 561320 | 561320 | Temporary Help Services | National industry | 120 | 37950 | 1.06 |
| 11 | 11 | Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting | Sector | 60 |  |  |
| 71 | 71 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | Sector | 50 | 47340 |  |
| 72 | 72 | Accommodation and Food Services | Sector |  | 38460 |  |

### Concentrated

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector | 5540 | 10.16 |
| 48-49 | 48-49 | Transportation and Warehousing | Sector | 430 | 1.36 |
| 561320 | 561320 | Temporary Help Services | National industry | 120 | 1.06 |
| 42 | 42 | Wholesale Trade | Sector | 240 | 0.93 |
| 56 | 56 | Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | Sector | 130 | 0.34 |
- **Count:** 8

## Ai Signals

| Source | Label | Score | Scale | Release |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| frey_osborne | Computerization probability | 0.93 | 0-1 probability | 2013-baseline-2016-employment-snapshot |
| felten_aioe | AI occupational exposure | -0.9604952 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_image_generation_aioe | Image generation occupational exposure | -0.6569152 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_language_modeling_aioe | Language modeling occupational exposure | -1.03085 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |

## Ai Outlook


### Index

- **Value:** 21
- **Percentile:** 18
- **Band:** Low
- **Version:** ai-exposure-index-v1

#### Components

| Percentile | Source |
| --- | --- |
| 19 | felten_aioe |
| 11 | openai_gpts_are_gpts |
| 33 | microsoft_working_with_ai |
- **Component Count:** 3

### Exposure

| Source | Label | Value | Percentile | Band | Note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| felten_aioe | Overall AI exposure (Felten et al.) | -0.9604952 | 19 | Low | How much this job's abilities overlap with what AI systems can do, across many AI capabilities. A relative research score, not a forecast of job loss. |
| eloundou_gamma | LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou) | 0.08 | 11 | Low | Share of this job's tasks where a large language model plus simple tools could cut the time to do them by at least half. γ is capped at 1.0 and many jobs reach that ceiling, so treat a top score as 'in the top group', not a precise rank. |
| microsoft_applicability | AI assistant applicability (Microsoft) | 0.11039222779987634 | 33 | Low | How applicable today's AI assistants are to this job's activities, measured from real Microsoft Copilot conversations. Applicability is not the same as replacement. |

### Frey Historical

- **Source:** frey
- **Label:** Computerization probability (Frey & Osborne, 2013)
- **Value:** 0.93
- **Percentile:** 84
- **Band:** High
- **Note:** A pre-LLM (2013) estimate of how automatable this job is by computerization and robotics. Shown for historical context only — it is not part of any current AI ranking.
- **Teleworkable:** no

### Eloundou

- **Alpha:** 0.08
- **Beta:** 0.08
- **Gamma:** 0.08

### Usage Tasks


### Bls

- **Growth Percent:** 7.2
- **Growth Percentile:** 86
- **Direction:** Growing fast
- **Annual Openings Thousands:** 0.8
- **Annual Openings Percentile:** 12
- **Employment2024Thousands:** 7.1
- **Employment2034Thousands:** 7.6

### Sources

| Source | Version |
| --- | --- |
| bls_employment_projections | 2024-2034 |
| dingel_neiman | dingel-neiman-workathome |
| felten_aioe | felten-raj-seamans-aioe |
| frey_osborne | frey-osborne-automation |
| microsoft_working_with_ai | working-with-ai |
| openai_gpts_are_gpts | gpts-are-gpts |

## Counts

- **Tasks:** 18
- **Skills:** 35
- **Capabilities:** 120
- **Tools:** 5
- **Related Roles:** 20

## Source

- **Dataset:** gold.onet_role_starter_surface
- **Version:** 30.3
- **Generated At:** 2026-06-02T21:00:32.945303+00:00
- **Content Hash:** 1939a95d2ced886b