Production · SOC 51-9193
Cooling and freezing equipment operation involves physical monitoring and hands-on response that remains human-dependent.
Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
Timeline: Smart sensors and PLCs handle much data logging today, but physical equipment oversight in food processing and cold-chain facilities keeps operators employed through the 2020s.
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$48,630 median pay
$36,000 median pay
$51,850 median pay
$61,710 median pay
$46,630 median pay
AI job-risk card
Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders is resilient on AIFear. Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
AIFear.com
Our AI Fear Score for Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders is 25/100 (Resilient). Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
25 out of 100, based on an AI-model review of this occupation's O*NET tasks against what current AI can actually do.
Most exposed: Recording temperatures and processing data on report forms. Harder to automate: Monitoring gauges and adjusting controls in real time, Starting and sequencing pumps and conveyors, Responding to jams and equipment malfunctions, Assembling and connecting pipes and fittings physically.
Lean into Refrigeration and cooling systems knowledge, Industrial process monitoring, HVAC/refrigeration safety compliance, Mechanical troubleshooting. Consider roles such as Refrigeration technician or Food processing equipment operator or Facilities maintenance technician.
Tasks, skills and AI-exposure for this role were reviewed by an AI model against its O*NET task profile (curated roles use published research anchors). Pay and employment, where shown, are U.S. BLS OEWS (May 2024) figures. This is an estimate, not a prediction about any individual's job. Compare all occupations.