Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
The median pay for a metal-refining furnace operators and tenders in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $86,300/year ($41.49/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $63K at the entry level to $86K for experienced workers. Adjusted for local prices (RPP 103.59), that's roughly $83,309 in purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $1,781/month — about 32.6% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $86K get you in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
About metal-refining furnace operators and tenders
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Entry-level metal-refining furnace operators and tenders (10th percentile) start around $63K. Mid-career wages sit at $86K.Top earners bring in $86K or more - a $24K spread from bottom to top.
Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana | $76K | +36% | 3,560 |
| Utah | $70K | +26% | 520 |
| New York | $64K | +15% | 750 |
| Iowa | $64K | +15% | 380 |
| Oregon | $62K | +12% | 280 |
| New Jersey | $62K | +11% | 50 |
| Pennsylvania | $60K | +8% | 2,240 |
| Washington | $59K | +6% | 300 |
| California | $58K | +4% | 540 |
| Kansas | $57K | +3% | 110 |
| Louisiana | $57K | +2% | 150 |
| Connecticut | $57K | +2% | 40 |
| Missouri | $56K | +1% | 260 |
| Minnesota | $56K | -0% | 240 |
| Arizona | $55K | -2% | 490 |
Track metal-refining furnace operators and tenders salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Chicago-Naperville-Elgin numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do metal-refining furnace operators and tenders make in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
The median is $86,300 a year - that works out to about $41.49 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $62,760, and experienced metal-refining furnace operators and tenders can clear $86,340. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $86K enough to live in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $5,402/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,781/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 33% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a metal-refining furnace operators and tenders salary go in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin has a Regional Price Parity of 103.59 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median metal-refining furnace operators and tenders salary is worth about $83,309 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do metal-refining furnace operators and tenders get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.