Refractory Materials Repairers
O*NET title: Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons
Also called: Refractory Materials Repairers
Build or repair equipment such as furnaces, kilns, cupolas, boilers, converters, ladles, soaking pits, and ovens, using refractory materials.
Also called: Bondactor Machine Operator, Cell Reliner, Clay Structure Builder, Clay Structure Servicer, Concrete Caulking Technician, Cupola Repairer
Median pay
$61,290
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$40,590 – $86,510
People employed
1,080
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.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 2.Are you OK working more than 40 hours a week?
- 3.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 4.Do you work well under tight deadlines?
- 5.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 6.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 7.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
- Exposure to hazardous conditions
- Long hours on your feet
Refractory Materials Repairers pay by state
Annual median pay by state (6 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What refractory materials repairers do
- 01Measure furnace walls to determine dimensions and cut required number of sheets from plastic block, using saws.
- 02Reline or repair ladles and pouring spouts with refractory clay, using trowels.
- 03Dry and bake new linings by placing inverted linings over burners, building fires in ladles, or by using blowtorches.
- 04Remove worn or damaged plastic block refractory linings of furnaces, using hand tools.
- 05Chip slag from linings of ladles or remove linings when beyond repair, using hammers and chisels.
- 06Climb scaffolding, carrying hoses, and spray surfaces of cupolas with refractory mixtures, using spray equipment.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Writing
Knowledge
- Mechanical
- Production and Processing
- Public Safety and Security
- English Language
- Mathematics
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- 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: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
- 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 refractory materials repairers
- Terrazzo Workers and Finishers86% · +24%
- Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders85% · −11%
- Boilermakers84% · +25%
- Brickmasons and Blockmasons84% · +1%
- Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters84% · −16%
Change into refractory materials repairers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Foundry Mold and Coremakers87% · $48,110
- Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters87% · $47,550
- Brickmasons and Blockmasons84% · $62,120
- Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders83% · $54,430
- Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic82% · $48,750
Majors that lead here
- Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology/Technician
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.