How much does a metal furnace operator make?

In the U.S., experienced workers and people trusted with specialized furnaces or harder, higher-responsibility tasks may earn more. Pay also differs by employer, metal industry, and location, while overtime or shift premiums can add to a worker’s earnings.

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. Excludes “Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic” (51-4191).

What's a typical day like?

They weigh metal and other materials, load the furnace, then watch gauges and the metal’s color while adjusting the heat. They take samples, record each batch, and use hoists or ladles to move molten metal into molds.

In the U.S., finish high school or a GED, then learn furnace controls and safety on the job. Many start around 18 and can train through a registered apprenticeship; O*NET lists no standard license or exam.

High school plus some training (preparation level 2 of 5)

Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.

Some metal-furnace operators watch the furnace’s inside operations on a TV screen to catch problems.

The US figure is the median and the Japan figure is the average, so it's not a perfect comparison. Prices differ too.