Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders
Also called: Furnace, Kiln, and Kettle Operators
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.
Also called: Ager Operator, Annealer, Annealing Operator, Autoclave Operator, Automated Process Operator, Back Tender
Median pay
$48,040
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$35,960 – $69,800
People employed
14,280
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 2.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 3.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 4.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 5.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 6.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 7.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
The hard parts
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
- Long hours on your feet
Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders pay by state
Annual median pay by state (43 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders salary in every state →
What furnace, kiln, oven, drier, and kettle operators and tenders do
- 01Monitor equipment operation, gauges, and panel lights to detect deviations from standards.
- 02Confer with supervisors or other equipment operators to report equipment malfunctions or to resolve production problems.
- 03Press and adjust controls to activate, set, and regulate equipment according to specifications.
- 04Record gauge readings, test results, and shift production in log books.
- 05Stop equipment and clear blockages or jams, using fingers, wire, or hand tools.
- 06Read and interpret work orders and instructions to determine work assignments, process specifications, and production schedules.
Skills that matter most
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
Knowledge
- Mechanical
- Production and Processing
- Public Safety and Security
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: over 1 month, up to and including 3 months.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from furnace, kiln, oven, drier, and kettle operators and tenders
- Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders90% · +13%
- Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic88% · +1%
- Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers86% · −4%
- Machine Feeders and Offbearers85% · −14%
- Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic84% · +4%
Change into furnace, kiln, oven, drier, and kettle operators and tenders
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders91% · $38,180
- Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders89% · $54,430
- Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic88% · $48,750
- Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders85% · $44,810
- Machine Feeders and Offbearers85% · $41,220