Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders vs. Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators: Who Earns More?
Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders out-earn Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators by $10K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders land at $54,430 and Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators at $44,650. The education gap is real: metal-refining furnace operators and tender programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while miscellaneous assemblers and fabricator programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders is Minnesota ($75,880); for Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators it's District of Columbia ($50,330).
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 Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators?
Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders earn more nationally. The median is $54,430 for Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders versus $44,650 for Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators, a difference of $10K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders or Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators?
Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators has the better 10-year outlook at -0.1% 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 Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators?
Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders typically requires high school diploma or equivalent. Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators 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. Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Minnesota, Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders earn $75,880 vs. $46,920 for Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.