Furnace, kiln, oven, drier, and kettle operators and tenders
SOC Code: 51-9051Also known as:
Ager Operator, Annealer, Annealing Operator, Autoclave Operator, Automated Process Operator
Median Annual Salary
$47,010
+3.0% growth (2024-2034)
2K
Openings/Year
17K
Current Jobs
What Furnace, kiln, oven, drier, and kettle operators and tenders Do
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.
💰 Salary
$47,010
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+3.0%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
2K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
16,500
Projected Employment (2034)
17,000
Related Careers
Metal-refining furnace operators and tenders
$55,770 •
-2.3% growth
Heat treating equipment setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
$47,450 •
-12.8% growth
Extruding, forming, pressing, and compacting machine setters, operators, and tenders
$45,130 •
+2.0% growth
Cleaning, washing, and metal pickling equipment operators and tenders
$41,460 •
+3.6% growth
Top Skills Required
Operations Monitoring
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
College Rankings
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do furnace, kiln, oven, drier, and kettle operators and tenders make?
The median annual salary for furnace, kiln, oven, drier, and kettle operators and tenders is $47,010.
What education do furnace, kiln, oven, drier, and kettle operators and tenders need?
Most furnace, kiln, oven, drier, and kettle operators and tenders positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Is becoming furnace, kiln, oven, drier, and kettle operators and tenders a good career choice?
Furnace, kiln, oven, drier, and kettle operators and tenders is projected to see +3.0% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 1,900 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for furnace, kiln, oven, drier, and kettle operators and tenders?
The best colleges offer strong programs in related fields with experienced faculty and industry connections.
What other job titles are similar to furnace, kiln, oven, drier, and kettle operators and tenders?
Furnace, kiln, oven, drier, and kettle operators and tenders may also be known as: Ager Operator, Annealer, Annealing Operator, Autoclave Operator, Automated Process Operator, Back Tender, Backing-in Machine Tender, Ballman, Base Draw Operator, Batch and Furnace Operator, Beehive Kiln Charcoal Burner, Black Ash Burner Operator, Black Mill Operator, Boiler, Boiler Attendant, Boiler Control Room Operator, Bone Char Kiln Tender, Bone Drier Operator, Bread Oven Operator, Brick Baker.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.