Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders Salary 2025: $48,040 Median
The median annual wage for Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders is $48,040, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That translates to roughly $23 per hour. The typical pay range runs from $35,960 at the 10th percentile to $69,800 at the 90th. About 14,280 people work in this occupation across the United States.
How much Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders earn
The median annual wage for Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders is $48,040. Mean annual pay hits $50,940, or about $23 an hour. Most workers earn between $35,960 and $69,800. Experience, location, and industry all factor into pay.
Pay by state
Where you work matters a lot. The highest-paying state is Maryland at $77,440, followed by Kentucky ($75,620), Illinois ($62,870), Kansas ($62,350), and Wyoming ($62,130). On the lower end, North Carolina averages $39,310, Nebraska $41,650, and Florida $42,400.
How to become Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tender
You typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Most learning happens on the job — experienced operators show you how to control temperatures, monitor gauges, and adjust equipment. Some employers prefer a year or two of related work experience in manufacturing or industrial settings. Certifications aren't required, but safety training (OSHA) can help. Expect a few months of hands-on training before you're working solo.
- Get a high school diploma or GED.
- Apply for entry-level operator or tender roles.
- Complete on-the-job training (typically a few months).
- Consider OSHA safety training or vocational courses in industrial technology.
Job outlook
Employment for Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders is projected to grow 3% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. That translates to roughly 1,900 openings per year, mostly to replace workers who retire or leave the field.
Frequently asked questions
What does a Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operator do?
They operate or tend heating equipment such as furnaces, kilns, ovens, driers, and kettles to process materials like metal, glass, ceramics, or food. Tasks include setting temperatures, loading materials, monitoring gauges, and adjusting controls for proper processing.
Is this a dangerous job?
Yes, it involves exposure to high heat, moving machinery, and occasionally hazardous materials. Safety gear (gloves, goggles, heat-resistant clothing) and training are required. Injuries can occur but are less common with proper procedures.
Can you make six figures as a Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operator?
Unlikely. The top 10% earn around $69,800. To reach six figures, you'd need to move into management, a specialized industry, or a very high-cost area — but even then it's rare. The median is $48,040.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders data.