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.
Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders
SOC: 51-9051 O*NET: 51-9051.00
Median Salary
$47,010
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 3%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
1.9
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2
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.
What does a Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$35,010
10th percentile
Early Career
$39,250
25th percentile
Median
$47,010
50th percentile
Experienced
$57,840
75th percentile
Top Earners
$66,190
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$35,010
25th
$39,250
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$47,010
Mean: $49,250
75th
$57,840
90th
$66,190
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $31,180 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $39,250 and $57,840
- •Salary spread is 39.5% around the median, showing moderate variation
- •Total national employment: 16,160 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:16,500
Top Industries
Manufacturing85.8%
Nonmetallic Mineral Product Manufacturing35.3%
Wood Product Manufacturing17.6%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+3%
Annual Openings:1,900
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)16,500
Current
2034 (Projected)17,000
+3%
+500
Employment Change
+3%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 45 locations
Ohio
1,210 jobs$40,0602.08x
Alabama
1,100 jobs$49,0105.02x
California
1,100 jobs$44,3400.58x
Texas
920 jobs$43,0800.63x
North Carolina
770 jobs$41,2701.49x
Georgia
730 jobs$47,1701.43x
Indiana
720 jobs$52,0002.16x
New York
670 jobs$53,6500.67x
Washington
600 jobs$54,0601.61x
Tennessee
530 jobs$43,8801.54x
Michigan
520 jobs$42,3601.13x
New Jersey
480 jobs$58,5101.07x
Illinois
470 jobs$57,1400.74x
Oregon
470 jobs$50,6202.28x
Pennsylvania
450 jobs$48,0800.72x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Operations Monitoring
100%
#2
Monitoring
92%
#3
Critical Thinking
82%
#4
Speaking
74%
#5
Reading Comprehension
66%
#6
Operation and Control
58%
#7
Active Listening
48%
#8
Quality Control Analysis
40%
Skills Overview
Operations Monitoring
advanced5.0
100%
Monitoring
advanced4.6
92%
Critical Thinking
intermediate4.1
82%
Speaking
intermediate3.7
74%
Reading Comprehension
basic3.3
66%
Operation and Control
basic2.9
58%
Active Listening
basic2.4
48%
Quality Control Analysis
basic2.0
40%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Operations Monitoring
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Monitoring
advancedImportance92%
skills
4.6/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance66%
abilities
3.3/5.0
Operation and Control
basicImportance58%
abilities
2.9/5.0
Active Listening
basicImportance48%
skills
2.4/5.0
Quality Control Analysis
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Etchers and Engravers100%
5 shared skills
Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders89%
5 shared skills
Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders89%
5 shared skills
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic89%
5 shared skills
Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic89%
5 shared skills
Engine and Other Machine Assemblers88%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Monitoring
Learn on the Job:
- →Reading Comprehension
- →Operation and Control
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Operations Monitoring
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Critical Thinking
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Speaking
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders
Technology Intensity
Medium
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires intermediate digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Office productivity softwareIndustry-specific applicationsBasic data entry and managementDigital communication tools
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Microsoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
CONSTANT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
17
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (12)Training & Development (1)Documentation & Record-Keeping (3)Management & Supervision (1)
1
Weigh or measure specified amounts of ingredients or materials for processing, using devices such as scales and calipers.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Press and adjust controls to activate, set, and regulate equipment according to specifications.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Monitor equipment operation, gauges, and panel lights to detect deviations from standards.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Read and interpret work orders and instructions to determine work assignments, process specifications, and production schedules.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Training & Development91% perform94%
5
Record gauge readings, test results, and shift production in log books.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping88% perform92%
6
Confer with supervisors or other equipment operators to report equipment malfunctions or to resolve production problems.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Examine or test samples of processed substances, or collect samples for laboratory testing, to ensure conformance to specifications.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Clean, lubricate, and adjust equipment, using scrapers, solvents, air hoses, oil, and hand tools.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Transport materials and products to and from work areas, manually or using carts, handtrucks, or hoists.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Stop equipment and clear blockages or jams, using fingers, wire, or hand tools.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •41% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value support
RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.10
Dependability
ImportantDependability
Importance Level3.87
Self-Control
ImportantSelf-Control
Importance Level3.81
Stress Tolerance
ImportantStress Tolerance
Importance Level3.68
Initiative
ImportantInitiative
Importance Level3.68
Cooperation
ImportantCooperation
Importance Level3.58
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.1
Dependability
3.9
Self-Control
3.8
Stress Tolerance
3.7
Initiative
3.7
Cooperation
3.6
Independence
3.6
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical duration: High school diploma or GED
Preparation Level
Job Zone 2
Some Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:High school diploma or equivalent
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Training:
Training of a few months to a year
💼 Experience Requirement
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience
- • Vocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)
- • Industry certifications helpful
2
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experienceVocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)Industry certifications helpful
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