Machinist, refrigerator and freezer salary

Refrigeration Engineer: Salary and Job Duties

Working as a refrigeration engineer, also known as a technician in heating and water plants, involves being responsible for the operation, maintenance, and monitoring of refrigeration systems. These systems are crucial for many industries, from food production to medical research. As a refrigeration engineer, one ensures that the facilities operate efficiently and without interruptions, which includes both preventive maintenance and troubleshooting in emergency situations.

Salary for Refrigeration Engineer

The average salary for a refrigeration engineer in this field is 37 100 SEK per month. Male engineers earn an average of 37 300 SEK, while their female colleagues have an average salary of 35 200 SEK. This means that women in the profession earn 94% of what men do. Hourly refrigeration engineers have an average hourly wage of 223 SEK, based on 166 working hours per month.

It is also worth noting that the salary has increased from 36 300 SEK to 37 100 SEK since the last measurement. The highest recorded salary for a refrigeration engineer is 44900 SEK, held by a male in the public sector with post-secondary education of 3 years or more. For women, the highest salary is 37800 SEK. The lowest salary for women is 27700 SEK in the state sector with less than 9 years of pre-secondary education, while the lowest salary for men is 31300 SEK.

Education and Qualifications

To become a refrigeration engineer, a technical education at the high school level is usually required, such as in HVAC and building systems programs. However, many employers prefer to hire individuals with post-secondary education, such as vocational college degrees in operations and maintenance. It is also common for employers to offer internal training and certifications to ensure that all engineers have the specific knowledge needed for their facilities.

Working Conditions and Opportunities

Working as a refrigeration engineer may involve shift work and often requires being available for emergency responses outside of regular working hours. This may involve work in the evenings and on weekends. The work environment can vary depending on the type of facility and its geographical location.

Benefits in the profession may include paid training and certifications as part of the employment, which is a valuable addition for many employees. However, remote work is rarely possible due to the practical and physical tasks involved in the role.

Future Outlook and Challenges

According to the Labor Market Forecast, the job prospects for technicians in heating and water plants, a professional group to which refrigeration engineers belong, are considered moderate. Over a five-year period, demand is expected to remain stable, partly due to technological advancements and automation. The recruitment situation is characterized by balance, meaning that the number of jobs roughly matches the number of qualified applicants.

Summary

In summary, working as a refrigeration engineer offers stable salary opportunities and secure employment due to the continuous demand for refrigeration systems in various industries. With the right education and certification, one can expect good career prospects, although the job comes with certain challenges in terms of working hours and availability.