Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders Salary in U.S.
The median pay for a metal-refining furnace operators and tenders in U.S. is $55,770/year ($26.81/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $39K at the entry level to $80K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $56K get you in U.S.?
About metal-refining furnace operators and tenders
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, U.S.
Entry-level metal-refining furnace operators and tenders (10th percentile) start around $39K. Mid-career wages sit at $56K.Top earners bring in $80K or more - a $42K 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 U.S. numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do metal-refining furnace operators and tenders make in U.S.?
The median is $55,770 a year - that works out to about $26.81 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $38,760, and experienced metal-refining furnace operators and tenders can clear $80,280. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $56K enough to live in U.S.?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,904/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,412/month, which eats 36.2% 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 U.S.?
U.S. has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median metal-refining furnace operators and tenders salary is worth about $55,770 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.