Refrigeration companies hiring entry-level techs are actively filling roles right now. This guide covers where to apply, what they pay, and how to get in with little or no experience.
Large service contractors hire entry-level techs year-round because turnover is high and store contracts do not stop. These companies train new hires faster than smaller shops.
Hussmann (A Panasonic Company)
Apprentice Refrigeration Technician and Installation Helper roles. Services grocery chains, so expect rack systems, walk-ins, and case work. First 3 to 6 months are leak checks, filter changes, and basic electrical. EPA 608 certification typically required within 90 days.
CoolSys
Refrigeration Apprentice and Service Technician Trainee. One of the largest refrigeration service companies in the U.S., running supermarket, cold storage, and convenience store work. Tool reimbursement and structured training. Entry-level hires see parallel rack systems quickly.
Climate Pros
Entry-Level Refrigeration Tech. Supermarket and commercial focus, hiring aggressively in urban areas. You will work nights early on, which is where new techs get rack exposure without disrupting store operations.
EMCOR Services
Mechanical Apprentice and Refrigeration Helper. Operates through multiple regional subsidiaries. Some divisions focus heavily on industrial ammonia refrigeration.
Smaller contractors are often more flexible on experience if you show up ready to work. These shops train faster but expect you to pick things up quickly.
CIMCO Refrigeration, Bassett Mechanical, and Johnson Controls (industrial refrigeration division). Starting pay runs roughly $18 to $25 per hour. Lower cost of living offsets slightly lower wages compared to coastal markets. Browse Iowa refrigeration jobs or Wisconsin refrigeration jobs.
Hillphoenix, REMCO Southeast, and GMS Services. The South hires heavily due to year-round cooling demand. Expect faster hiring cycles and more overtime. Browse Texas refrigeration jobs or Florida refrigeration jobs.
Source Refrigeration and HVAC, RUIZ Food Equipment Service, and Service Refrigeration Company. Entry-level pay is higher, typically $24 to $32 per hour, but cost of living is significantly higher. Browse California refrigeration jobs.
You are not doing complex diagnostics on day one. Entry-level work is physical and repetitive, but it builds real skill fast.
Most companies will hire you before you have everything, but you need to move quickly once hired.
Overtime is where refrigeration separates from HVAC. Supermarket work runs nights, weekends, and emergencies. That can add meaningfully to base income. See the full commercial refrigeration salary guide for regional detail.
0 to 1 Year
Roughly $45,000 to $65,000 annually with overtime. Heavy OT is what lifts the number.
1 to 3 Years
Roughly $65,000 to $90,000 annually with overtime. You start running calls solo.
3 to 5 Years
Roughly $85,000 to $120,000 annually with overtime. Rack work and on-call rotation. See how overtime and on-call pay is structured.
Companies hiring entry-level techs are not looking for perfect resumes. They want reliability and basic mechanical sense.
You already have a head start. The gap is rack systems and controls: parallel rack basics, EEVs and case controllers, and defrost cycles in supermarket systems. Most HVAC techs transition within a few months once hired by a refrigeration contractor, and pay typically rises. Compare the paths in refrigeration tech vs HVAC tech.
Do refrigeration companies hire with no experience?
Yes. Large contractors regularly hire entry-level techs due to labor shortages. You need EPA 608 and a willingness to work nights.
How long before I can work independently?
Most techs start running basic calls solo within 6 to 12 months. Full rack responsibility takes 2 to 3 years.
Is refrigeration harder than HVAC?
Systems are larger, run continuously, and involve more controls and troubleshooting. Pay reflects that.
What tools do I need to start?
Basic hand tools, gauges, and a multimeter. Expect to spend $300 to $800 initially. Employers usually provide larger equipment.
Are refrigeration jobs stable?
Yes. Grocery stores, cold storage, and food distribution run year-round. Demand does not drop seasonally like residential HVAC.
If you have your EPA 608 and can handle nights and overtime, you can get hired fast. Supermarket service and cold storage are filling roles now.
See Entry-Level JobsSee what these companies are actually posting, what they pay, and which roles are open to helpers right now.
Search All JobsWritten by Matthew Sorensen. Skilled trades recruiting executive and founder of FridgeJobs.com. 15+ years placing commercial and industrial trades professionals, author of four books on hiring, and host of the Hired podcast, ranked in the top 0.5% of career podcasts worldwide.