What You Need to Know About Metal-Refining Furnace Operator or Tender
Position Description 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.
Daily Life Of a Metal-Refining Furnace Operator or Tender
- Weigh materials to be charged into furnaces, using scales.
- Sprinkle chemicals over molten metal to bring impurities to the surface.
- Regulate supplies of fuel and air, or control flow of electric current and water coolant to heat furnaces and adjust temperatures.
- Observe operations inside furnaces, using television screens, to ensure that problems do not occur.
- Operate controls to move or discharge metal workpieces from furnaces.
- Inspect furnaces and equipment to locate defects and wear.
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Qualities of a Metal-Refining Furnace Operator or Tender
Below is a list of the skills most Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders say are important on the job.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Related Job Titles
- Residue Furnace Operator
- Leveler
- Ingot Passer
- Sinter Machine Operator
- Flux Plant Operator
Metal-Refining Furnace Operator or Tender Employment Estimates
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 17,700 jobs in the United States for Metal-Refining Furnace Operator or Tender. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Metal-Refining Furnace Operator or Tender. There will be an estimated 1,500 positions for Metal-Refining Furnace Operator or Tender per year.

The states with the most job growth for Metal-Refining Furnace Operator or Tender are Florida, Nevada, and Arkansas. Watch out if you plan on working in Idaho, Utah, or North Carolina. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does a Metal-Refining Furnace Operator or Tender Make?
The typical yearly salary for Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders is somewhere between $25,240 and $60,820.

Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders who work in Oregon, Utah, or Nevada, make the highest salaries.
How much do Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $37,070 |
Arizona | $48,320 |
Arkansas | $40,340 |
California | $41,250 |
Colorado | $42,300 |
Connecticut | $42,460 |
Florida | $37,470 |
Georgia | $30,240 |
Illinois | $46,100 |
Indiana | $41,230 |
Iowa | $43,340 |
Kentucky | $44,100 |
Louisiana | $44,960 |
Massachusetts | $50,210 |
Michigan | $39,420 |
Minnesota | $43,740 |
Mississippi | $38,700 |
Missouri | $44,240 |
Nebraska | $34,690 |
Nevada | $50,670 |
New Hampshire | $42,770 |
New Jersey | $47,870 |
New Mexico | $34,440 |
New York | $45,410 |
North Carolina | $51,670 |
Ohio | $37,780 |
Oklahoma | $41,740 |
Oregon | $56,170 |
Pennsylvania | $46,440 |
Rhode Island | $39,130 |
South Carolina | $41,450 |
Tennessee | $40,380 |
Texas | $39,910 |
Utah | $54,190 |
Virginia | $50,720 |
Washington | $44,230 |
West Virginia | $24,390 |
Wisconsin | $38,710 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
How do I Become a Metal-Refining Furnace Operator or Tender?
What education is needed to be a Metal-Refining Furnace Operator or Tender?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders Sector

Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders work in the following industries:

References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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