Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders
Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed
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.
Median pay: $48,040/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: +3% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.
About 1,900 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.
• Monitor equipment operation, gauges, and panel lights to detect deviations from standards.
• Confer with supervisors or other equipment operators to report equipment malfunctions or to resolve production problems.
• Press and adjust controls to activate, set, and regulate equipment according to specifications.
• Record gauge readings, test results, and shift production in log books.
• 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.
• Transport materials and products to and from work areas, manually or using carts, handtrucks, or hoists.
What's the median pay for Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders?
The median pay for Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders is $48,040 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders?
Employment for Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders is projected to change +3% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.
What education is typically required for Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders?
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
How many job openings are there each year for Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders?
About 1,900 openings per year, on average, over the decade.