Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons

SOC code 49-9045 · O*NET-SOC 49-9045.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Skilled trades

Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons pay

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

Median pay

$61,290

a year

Hourly

$29.47

per hour

10th$40,590Median$61,29090th$86,510

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

Average pay

$63,770

$30.66 per hour

Middle 50%

$50,050 – $75,000

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$40,590 – $86,510

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

1,080

nationwide

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

10th percentile: $40,590; $19.52/hr
25th percentile: $50,050; $24.06/hr
Median percentile: $61,290; $29.47/hr
75th percentile: $75,000; $36.06/hr
90th percentile: $86,510; $41.59/hr

What do refractory materials repairers, except brickmasons do?

Build or repair equipment such as furnaces, kilns, cupolas, boilers, converters, ladles, soaking pits, and ovens, using refractory materials.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Measure furnace walls to determine dimensions and cut required number of sheets from plastic block, using saws.
Reline or repair ladles and pouring spouts with refractory clay, using trowels.
Dry and bake new linings by placing inverted linings over burners, building fires in ladles, or by using blowtorches.
Remove worn or damaged plastic block refractory linings of furnaces, using hand tools.
Chip slag from linings of ladles or remove linings when beyond repair, using hammers and chisels.
Climb scaffolding, carrying hoses, and spray surfaces of cupolas with refractory mixtures, using spray equipment.
Mix specified amounts of sand, clay, mortar powder, and water to form refractory clay or mortar, using shovels or mixing machines.
Spread mortar on stopper heads and rods, using trowels, and slide brick sleeves over rods to form refractory jackets.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 75% 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)75%
Post-Secondary Certificate17%
Some College Courses7%
Less than a High School Diploma1%

Common questions

How much does a refractory materials repairers, except brickmasons earn?

The national median is $61,290 a year. The full range runs from $40,590 at the 10th percentile to $86,510 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 refractory materials repairers, except brickmasons 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

Active Listening3.0/5
Reading Comprehension2.9/5
Critical Thinking2.9/5

Knowledge areas

Mechanical3.5/5
Production and Processing3.0/5
Public Safety and Security2.7/5
English Language2.7/5
Mathematics2.6/5

Transferable strengths: Operations Monitoring, Repairing, Operation and Control, Equipment Maintenance, Coordination, Troubleshooting.