Refrigeration engineer, refrigeration and freezing system

What does a refrigeration engineer do in cooling and freezing plants? – Tasks and work environment

Refrigeration engineers in cooling and freezing plants are responsible for operation, monitoring, and maintenance of technical systems that handle cooling and freezing in industry, properties, and logistics centers. Tasks include temperature control, troubleshooting, repairs, and ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations. Work often takes place in machine rooms, technical spaces, and sometimes outdoors at facilities where it can be noisy and cold. Safety awareness is crucial, especially when handling refrigerants and working with pressurized systems.

Salary development over time

The salary for refrigeration engineers in cooling and freezing plants has steadily increased in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,300 SEK per month, while in 2023 it rose to 37 100 SEK. During 2024, the average salary has continued upward and is now 38 300 SEK. This corresponds to an increase of about 5.5% over three years. The salary development reflects both an increased need for technical competence and employers’ efforts to attract and retain qualified personnel as facilities become more advanced. Additionally, salaries are influenced by the general shortage of technically skilled personnel in operations and maintenance.

Refrigeration engineer, cooling and freezing plant salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 38 300 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 30,700 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, post-secondary education, 3+ years)
• Highest salary: 42,200 SEK/month (male, private sector, post-secondary education, 3+ years)
• Hourly wage: 230 SEK/hour
• Women earn: 36 600 SEK/month (95% of men's salary)
• Men earn: 38 500 SEK/month

Education and qualifications

To work as a refrigeration engineer in cooling and freezing plants, technical education is required, usually from high school in the electrical and energy program with specialization in refrigeration and heat pump technology, or post-secondary vocational training. Certifications for working with refrigerants and practical maintenance experience are often requested. In addition to education, practical training or trainee positions are advantageous for developing skills.

• High school education: Electrical and energy program, specialization in refrigeration and heat pump technology (3 years)
• Post-secondary vocational training: YH training in refrigeration and heat pump technology (1.5–2 years)
• Certification: Authorization for working with refrigerants (e.g., category 1 certificate)
• Practical training: Industry internships or trainee periods recommended
• Prerequisites: Technical interest, good physics, basic mathematics, and problem-solving skills

Common benefits and compensations

Refrigeration engineers are often offered benefits such as overtime pay for unsocial hours, wellness allowances, work clothing, and sometimes extra vacation days. In some cases, employers cover training and certification costs and offer collective pension schemes.

Competition and challenges

The job market for refrigeration engineers in cooling and freezing plants is characterized by a balance between supply and demand. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecast, job opportunities are considered moderate and expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. Challenges in the profession include rapid technological development, requirements for continuous further training, and increased automation of facilities. Safety and environmental legislation also impose high demands on knowledge and precision. For those staying updated with technological advances, there are good opportunities to remain attractive in the job market.

Tips for those who want to become refrigeration engineers in cooling and freezing plants

To succeed as a refrigeration engineer, having a genuine interest in technology and troubleshooting is helpful, as the work often requires quick identification and resolution of faults. Precision is important because safety and refrigerant regulations must be strictly followed. Flexibility and the ability to work independently or in teams are valuable, as work may involve solo tasks or collaboration on larger projects or maintenance. Continuous further education and obtaining new certifications increase chances for higher salaries and more advanced tasks. Good physical condition is an advantage since the work can sometimes be physically demanding and performed in cold environments. Finally, communication skills are essential for reporting deviations and collaborating effectively with colleagues and suppliers.

Key facts about refrigeration engineers in cooling and freezing plants

• Education level: High school or post-secondary vocational education
• Work environment: Machine rooms, industrial facilities, sometimes shift work
• Certification requirements: Authorization for refrigerants (category 1 certificate)
• Demand: Moderate job opportunities, 481 job openings in the profession
• Salary range: 30,700–42,200 SEK/month depending on experience and sector

Career paths and future prospects

After several years of experience, a refrigeration engineer in cooling and freezing plants can advance to supervisory roles, technical specialists, or operational managers for larger facilities. Opportunities also exist to further educate as an energy engineer or work with planning and installation of new systems. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecast, demand for operation technicians at heat and water plants, including refrigeration engineers, is expected to remain unchanged over five years. Technological development and automation will influence the profession, but the need for qualified personnel remains, especially in maintenance and troubleshooting. Those wishing to broaden their skills can also explore related areas such as ventilation technology and energy optimization.

Frequently asked questions about refrigeration engineers in cooling and freezing plants

• What does a refrigeration engineer earn in cooling and freezing plants?
  - The average salary is 38 300 SEK per month.
• How has the salary development looked for refrigeration engineers?
  - Salaries have increased from 36,300 SEK in 2022 to 38 300 SEK in 2024, an increase of about 5.5% over three years.
• What education is required to become a refrigeration engineer?
  - High school education in electrical and energy programs or post-secondary vocational training, as well as certification for refrigerants.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn an average of 36 600 SEK and men 38 500 SEK, which means women earn 95% of men's salaries.
• What work environments are most common for refrigeration engineers?
  - Machine rooms, industrial facilities, and sometimes outdoors at larger sites, often with shift work.
• What does the future look like for this profession?
  - Job opportunities are considered moderate and expected to remain unchanged over the next five years.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries in the profession?
  - The highest salary is 42,200 SEK and the lowest is 30,700 SEK per month depending on experience and sector.