Metal-refining furnace operators and tenders
SOC Code: 51-4051Also known as:
Arc and Argon Oxygen Decarburization Melter (ARC and AOD Melter), Automatic Furnace Operator, Backbreaker, Bessemer Converter Blower, Bessemer Converter Operator
Median Annual Salary
$55,770
-2.3% growth (2024-2034)
2K
Openings/Year
21K
Current Jobs
What Metal-refining furnace operators and tenders Do
Operate or tend furnaces, such as gas, oil, coal, electric-arc or electric induction, open-hearth, or oxygen furnaces, to melt and refine metal before casting or to produce specified types of steel.
💰 Salary
$55,770
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-2.3%
Decline
🎓 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)
20,800
Projected Employment (2034)
20,300
Related Careers
Welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders
$47,060 •
-9.0% growth
Heat treating equipment setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
$47,450 •
-12.8% growth
Furnace, kiln, oven, drier, and kettle operators and tenders
$47,010 •
+3.0% growth
Cleaning, washing, and metal pickling equipment operators and tenders
$41,460 •
+3.6% growth
Top Skills Required
Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Monitoring
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Regulate supplies of fuel and air, or control flow of electric current and water coolant to heat furnaces and adjust temperatures.
- Draw smelted metal samples from furnaces or kettles for analysis, and calculate types and amounts of materials needed to ensure that materials meet specifications.
- Weigh materials to be charged into furnaces, using scales.
- Record production data, and maintain production logs.
- Observe air and temperature gauges or metal color and fluidity, and turn fuel valves or adjust controls to maintain required temperatures.
- Operate controls to move or discharge metal workpieces from furnaces.
- Inspect furnaces and equipment to locate defects and wear.
- Drain, transfer, or remove molten metal from furnaces, and place it into molds, using hoists, pumps, or ladles.
- Kindle fires, and shovel fuel and other materials into furnaces or onto conveyors by hand, with hoists, or by directing crane operators.
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 metal-refining furnace operators and tenders make?
The median annual salary for metal-refining furnace operators and tenders is $55,770.
What education do metal-refining furnace operators and tenders need?
Most metal-refining furnace operators and tenders positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Is becoming metal-refining furnace operators and tenders a good career choice?
Metal-refining furnace operators and tenders is projected to see -2.3% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 2,000 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for metal-refining furnace 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 metal-refining furnace operators and tenders?
Metal-refining furnace operators and tenders may also be known as: Arc and Argon Oxygen Decarburization Melter (ARC and AOD Melter), Automatic Furnace Operator, Backbreaker, Bessemer Converter Blower, Bessemer Converter Operator, Bessemer Regulator, Blade Bender Furnace Tender, Blast Furnace Blower, Blast Furnace Keeper, Blast Furnace Operator, Blast Furnace Tender, Blower Operator, Burner, Burner Tender, Cadmium Burner, Central Melt Specialist, Charge Operator, Charger, Charger Operator, Charging Machine Operator.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.