Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders
Operate or tend heating equipment other than basic metal, plastic, or food processing equipment. Includes activities such as annealing glass, drying lumber, curing rubber, removing moisture from materials, or boiling soap.
Also called: Annealing Operator · Dry Kiln Operator · Dryer Feeder · Evaporator Operator · Furnace Operator · Kiln Fireman
Median pay (national)
$47,010
$35,010–$66,190 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
16,160
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
+3%
~1,900 openings/yr
Typical entry
High school diploma or equivalent
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for furnace, kiln, oven, drier, and kettle operators and tenders shows a broad range: the top 10% earn $66,190 versus $35,010 at the bottom 10% — 1.9x. The median of $47,010 leaves roughly 41% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change +3% from 2024 to 2034 — about as fast as the 3% all-occupation average. Even so, BLS projects about 1,900 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 45 states with released data, Kentucky pays the most for this role (median $75,220, +60% vs the national median), while Montana sits lowest at $29,330 — a 156% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list.
Tailor your resume to Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders
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Top skills employers ask for
Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Writing
- Active Learning
- Mathematics
- Learning Strategies
- Science
What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- Transport materials and products to and from work areas, manually or using carts, handtrucks, or hoists.
- Monitor equipment operation, gauges, and panel lights to detect deviations from standards.
- Read and interpret work orders and instructions to determine work assignments, process specifications, and production schedules.
- Examine or test samples of processed substances, or collect samples for laboratory testing, to ensure conformance to specifications.
- Press and adjust controls to activate, set, and regulate equipment according to specifications.
- Record gauge readings, test results, and shift production in log books.
- Confer with supervisors or other equipment operators to report equipment malfunctions or to resolve production problems.
- Direct crane operators and crew members to load vessels with materials to be processed.
- Stop equipment and clear blockages or jams, using fingers, wire, or hand tools.
- Melt or refine metal before casting, calculating required temperatures, and observe metal color, adjusting controls as necessary to maintain required temperatures.
Tools & technology
- Inventory tracking software
- Machine operation software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
Knowledge areas
- Mechanical
- Production and Processing
- Public Safety and Security
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Mathematics
- Administration and Management