Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders

SOC code 51-9051 · O*NET-SOC 51-9051.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Manufacturing and production

Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$48,040

a year

Hourly

$23.10

per hour

10th$35,960Median$48,04090th$69,800

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$50,940

$24.49 per hour

Middle 50%

$41,130 – $59,830

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$35,960 – $69,800

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

14,280

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $35,960; $17.29/hr
25th percentile: $41,130; $19.77/hr
Median percentile: $48,040; $23.10/hr
75th percentile: $59,830; $28.77/hr
90th percentile: $69,800; $33.56/hr

What do 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.

The tasks that matter most day to day

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.
Stop equipment and clear blockages or jams, using fingers, wire, or hand tools.
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.
Load equipment receptacles or conveyors with material to be processed, by hand or using hoists.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 56% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed

Education: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Training: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

See all zone 2 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)56%
Less than a High School Diploma21%
Post-Secondary Certificate16%
Some College Courses4%

Common questions

How much does a furnace, kiln, oven, drier, and kettle operators and tenders earn?

The national median is $48,040 a year. The full range runs from $35,960 at the 10th percentile to $69,800 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a furnace, kiln, oven, drier, and kettle operators and tenders without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Reading Comprehension3.1/5
Active Listening3.1/5
Speaking3.1/5
Critical Thinking3.1/5
Monitoring3.1/5
Writing2.6/5

Knowledge areas

Mechanical3.5/5
Production and Processing3.2/5
Public Safety and Security3.1/5
Computers and Electronics3.0/5
English Language2.8/5
Education and Training2.8/5
Mathematics2.7/5
Administration and Management2.6/5

Transferable strengths: Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Quality Control Analysis, Coordination.