Heat treating equipment setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
SOC Code: 51-4191Also known as:
Annealer, Annealing Furnace Operator, Annealing Furnace Tender, Annealing Oven Operator, Annealing Torch Operator
Median Annual Salary
$47,450
-12.8% growth (2024-2034)
1K
Openings/Year
15K
Current Jobs
What Heat treating equipment setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic Do
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.
💰 Salary
$47,450
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-12.8%
Decline
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
1K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
14,800
Projected Employment (2034)
12,900
Related Careers
Metal-refining furnace operators and tenders
$55,770 •
-2.3% growth
Molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
$41,230 •
-3.8% growth
Welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders
$47,060 •
-9.0% growth
Furnace, kiln, oven, drier, and kettle operators and tenders
$47,010 •
+3.0% growth
Top Skills Required
Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Active Listening
Speaking
Monitoring
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Heat treating equipment setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a heat treating equipment setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic:
Machine Tool Technology/Machinist
3,539 degrees awarded •
248 colleges offer this program
Machine Shop Technology/Assistant
1,634 degrees awarded •
97 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Heat treating equipment setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become heat treating equipment setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heat treating equipment setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic make?
The median annual salary for heat treating equipment setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is $47,450.
What education do heat treating equipment setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic need?
Most heat treating equipment setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Machine Tool Technology/Machinist, Machine Shop Technology/Assistant.
Is becoming a heat treating equipment setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic a good career choice?
Heat treating equipment setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is projected to see -12.8% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 1,200 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for heat treating equipment setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
Top colleges for aspiring heat treating equipment setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic include
State Technical College of Missouri, Indian Capital Technology Center-Muskogee, Williamson College of the Trades, Michigan Career and Technical Institute, Northeast Technology Center.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to heat treating equipment setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
Heat treating equipment setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic may also be known as: Annealer, Annealing Furnace Operator, Annealing Furnace Tender, Annealing Oven Operator, Annealing Torch Operator, Bagger, Base-Draw Operator, Batch Heat Treat Operator, Batch Operator, Billet Heater, Billet Heater Operator, Box Annealer, Burner, Burner Machine Operator, Carbonizer, Carburizing Furnace Operator, Case Hardener, Charger, Charger Operator, Coating Line Worker.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.