Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders
Furnace, kiln, oven, drier, and kettle operators run heating equipment used in manufacturing and materials processing. They monitor temperatures, load and unload materials, and adjust settings to produce items like annealed glass, dried lumber, cured rubber, and boiled soap. Work happens in factories, mills, and processing plants.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against furnace, kiln, oven, drier, and kettle operators and tenders and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves monitoring heating equipment displays, recording temperature and time readings, and adjusting controls to maintain proper conditions. Operators load raw materials, remove finished products, and clean equipment. They watch for malfunctions, perform basic maintenance, and follow safety procedures around hot surfaces and industrial machinery. Tasks are repetitive but require attention to detail and consistency.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCI. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You do well in this work if you prefer hands-on tasks with clear procedures and measurable results. People who succeed here are practical problem-solvers who appreciate routine, follow instructions carefully, and stay alert to equipment changes without needing constant supervision.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $39,920 | $77,440 | $77,470 | 100 |
| Kentucky | $61,220 | $75,620 | $81,850 | 240 |
| Illinois | $45,830 | $62,870 | $67,130 | 230 |
| Kansas | $50,330 | $62,350 | $73,100 | 210 |
| Wyoming | $59,810 | $62,130 | $76,950 | 50 |
| North Dakota | $47,400 | $60,170 | $62,280 | 70 |
| Washington | $47,920 | $58,580 | $63,130 | 430 |
| Idaho | $50,120 | $57,690 | $59,260 | 120 |
| Wisconsin | $48,510 | $56,140 | $57,910 | 210 |
| Colorado | $47,570 | $55,770 | $63,300 | 100 |
| Massachusetts | $44,310 | $53,300 | $68,710 | 120 |
| Montana | $29,880 | $53,250 | $60,540 | 100 |
All 43 states
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against furnace, kiln, oven, drier, and kettle operators and tenders and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 51-9051.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.