Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tender Salary in 2026
How Much Do Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders Make?
Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders earn a median annual salary of $55,770 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $38,760 at the 10th percentile to $80,280 at the 90th percentile — a range of $41,520. The highest-paying state is Indiana at $75,630.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $38,760 |
| 25th percentile | $46,550 |
| Median (50th) | $55,770 |
| 75th percentile | $65,070 |
| 90th percentile | $80,280 |
Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tender Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Indianatop | $75,630 |
| Utah | $70,450 |
| New York | $64,350 |
| Iowa | $64,080 |
| Oregon | $62,320 |
| New Jersey | $62,130 |
| Pennsylvania | $60,200 |
| Washington | $59,170 |
| California | $58,220 |
| Kansas | $57,470 |
| Louisiana | $57,070 |
| Connecticut | $56,870 |
| Missouri | $56,160 |
| Minnesota | $55,720 |
| Arizona | $54,550 |
| Illinois | $54,200 |
| Georgia | $51,400 |
| West Virginia | $51,150 |
| Ohio | $50,790 |
| Nevada | $50,590 |
| Kentucky | $50,100 |
| Tennessee | $49,810 |
| Florida | $48,980 |
| Massachusetts | $48,510 |
| Colorado | $48,150 |
| Wisconsin | $47,980 |
| Alabama | $47,520 |
| New Hampshire | $46,960 |
| Nebraska | $46,760 |
| Michigan | $46,290 |
| Virginia | $46,120 |
| New Mexico | $45,990 |
| Oklahoma | $45,840 |
| Rhode Island | $45,740 |
| Texas | $45,170 |
| North Carolina | $43,720 |
| Arkansas | $40,220 |
| South Carolina | $39,780 |
| Mississippi | $38,370 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders
Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tender Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$38,760 – $46,550 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$55,770 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$65,070 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $80,280+ |
How to Earn More as a Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tender
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN earn $86,300 — $30,530 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($65,070) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tender Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenderthis career | $55,770 |
| Refractory Materials Repairer | $58,540 |
| Rolling Machine Operator | $48,630 |
| Pourers and Casters, Metal | $48,940 |
| Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Operator | $41,230 |
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SOC: 51-4051.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.