Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders salary
- 10th pct
- $35,960
- Middle 50%
- $41,130–$59,830
- 90th pct
- $69,800
The BLS estimates 14,280 Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders jobs in the U.S. with a median base pay of $48,040 ($23.10 an hour) (May 2025, SOC 51-9051). Across 8 metros with published figures, medians range from $38,900 in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA to $57,220 in Birmingham, AL.
- SOURCEBLS OEWS, May 2025
- SAMPLE14,280 jobs (estimate)
- SCOPEall U.S. employers, all experience levels
- PERIODMay 2025 estimates
Full percentile breakdown
BLS · United States
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Where Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders earn the most
8 metros · BLS
Highest-paying metros
| Metro | Median | Jobs |
|---|---|---|
| Birmingham, AL | $57,220 | 290 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $49,170 | 270 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $48,540 | 220 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $46,680 | 270 |
| Columbus, OH | $46,160 | 220 |
| Cleveland, OH | $46,140 | 230 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | $45,170 | 250 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $38,900 | 380 |
Largest metros
| Metro | Median | Jobs |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $38,900 | 380 |
| Birmingham, AL | $57,220 | 290 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $46,680 | 270 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $49,170 | 270 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | $45,170 | 250 |
| Cleveland, OH | $46,140 | 230 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $48,540 | 220 |
| Columbus, OH | $46,160 | 220 |
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All metros (A–Z)
BLS
Questions
What is the median Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders salary in the U.S.?
$48,040 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). The middle half earn $41,130–$59,830.
How much do Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders make an hour?
The BLS U.S. median is $23.10 an hour (May 2025). The middle half earn $19.77–$28.77 an hour, and the 90th percentile is $33.56. These are straight-time wages, before overtime and shift differentials.
Where do Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders earn the most?
Highest metro medians: Birmingham, AL ($57,220), New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ ($49,170), Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA ($48,540). Cost of living differs, so compare offers locally.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2025 (metro, state and national estimates). Employer filing counts: U.S. DOL OFLC LCA disclosure data FY2026 Q3, visa-sponsored positions only.