How much does a furnace operator make?
a year · about $23 an hour
A typical furnace operator in the United States makes $48,040 a year, about $23 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They read a work order, load material, then watch gauges and adjust the furnace or kiln so it heats or dries correctly. They test the result, record readings, and tell teammates about problems.
Did you know? This job family can help anneal glass, dry lumber, cure rubber, remove moisture—or even boil soap.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $35,960 and $69,800How do you become one?
In the U.S., a high-school diploma or GED is typical, followed by moderate on-the-job training (over a month and up to a year). Registered apprenticeships are another route for some furnace or kiln jobs.
School needed: High school plus some training
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., pay can differ with experience and in-demand skills or credentials, and with the employer’s industry and location. More complex jobs or greater responsibility may pay more.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Georgia ($50,820), lowest in North Carolina ($39,310).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $35,960 | $48,040 | $69,800 | about 14,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia | $50,820 | about 870 |
| Oregon | $50,820 | about 540 |
| Alabama | $50,600 | about 1,000 |
| Indiana | $48,770 | about 650 |
| Ohio | $46,190 | about 2,000 |
Official definition: 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.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes519051.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/details/51-9051.00
- www.bls.gov/occupation-finder.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY