Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders vs. First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers: Who Earns More?
First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers out-earn Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders by $20K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders land at $54,430 and First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers at $74,450. The education gap is real: metal-refining furnace operators and tender programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while first-line supervisors of production and operating worker programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders is Minnesota ($75,880); for First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers it's Wyoming ($90,390).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders or First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers?
First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers earn more nationally. The median is $54,430 for Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders versus $74,450 for First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers, a difference of $20K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders or First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers?
First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers has the better 10-year outlook at 1.2% projected growth, compared to -2.3% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders or First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers?
Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders typically requires high school diploma or equivalent. First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers requires high school diploma or equivalent. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders get paid the most?
Minnesota is the top-paying state for Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders at $75,880/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders vs. First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Minnesota, Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders earn $75,880 vs. $78,550 for First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.