Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Heat treating equipment setters, operators, and tenders operate furnaces and specialized heating machines that temper, harden, and anneal metal and plastic objects. They work in manufacturing facilities, foundries, and metalworking shops, monitoring equipment performance and adjusting temperatures and timing to meet specifications for material hardness and durability.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against heat treating equipment setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
Workers monitor heating equipment, load and unload materials, and record temperature readings and cycle times throughout shifts. They adjust equipment controls, inspect treated parts for quality, perform routine maintenance, and troubleshoot when equipment malfunctions. Tasks follow established procedures and schedules, with much time spent observing equipment operation and responding to any issues that arise.
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 practical, hands-on tasks with clear procedures and measurable results. You're detail-oriented, comfortable following established steps and standards, and reliable in monitoring equipment and maintaining records—traits that make you effective at keeping heating processes running safely and correctly.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $52,560 | $61,990 | $80,790 | 140 |
| Oregon | $47,650 | $60,280 | $76,510 | 240 |
| Colorado | $48,860 | $58,300 | $66,790 | 100 |
| West Virginia | $46,930 | $56,880 | $57,540 | 70 |
| Virginia | $46,730 | $55,070 | $68,260 | 190 |
| Tennessee | $45,110 | $54,930 | $56,280 | 670 |
| New York | $44,510 | $52,940 | $62,220 | 280 |
| Ohio | $45,560 | $52,880 | $62,710 | 1,040 |
| New Hampshire | $46,960 | $52,250 | $62,890 | 90 |
| Oklahoma | $42,570 | $51,680 | $65,640 | 120 |
| Arizona | $45,450 | $50,660 | $55,680 | 160 |
| Michigan | $47,270 | $50,560 | $58,290 | 1,190 |
All 37 states
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against heat treating equipment setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 51-4191.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.