Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed
Set up, operate, or tend heating equipment, such as heat-treating furnaces, flame-hardening machines, induction machines, soaking pits, or vacuum equipment to temper, harden, anneal, or heat treat metal or plastic objects.
Median pay: $48,750/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: -12.8% projected growth, 2024–2034 — declining.
About 1,200 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Read production schedules and work orders to determine processing sequences, furnace temperatures, and heat cycle requirements for objects to be heat-treated.
• Record times that parts are removed from furnaces to document that objects have attained specified temperatures for specified times.
• Adjust controls to maintain temperatures and heating times, using thermal instruments and charts, dials and gauges of furnaces, and color of stock in furnaces to make setting determinations.
• Start conveyors and open furnace doors to load stock, or signal crane operators to uncover soaking pits and lower ingots into them.
• Set up and operate or tend machines, such as furnaces, baths, flame-hardening machines, and electronic induction machines, that harden, anneal, and heat-treat metal.
• Remove parts from furnaces after specified times, and air dry or cool parts in water, oil brine, or other baths.
• Move controls to light gas burners and to adjust gas and water flow and flame temperature.
• Instruct new workers in machine operation.
What's the median pay for Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?
The median pay for Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic is $48,750 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?
Employment for Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic is projected to change -12.8% from 2024 to 2034 - declining.
What education is typically required for Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
How many job openings are there each year for Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?
About 1,200 openings per year, on average, over the decade.