CFChooseField
Production

Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders

Operate or tend furnaces, such as gas, oil, coal, electric-arc or electric induction, open-hearth, or oxygen furnaces, to melt and refine metal before casting or to produce specified types of steel.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders
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Median pay

$55,770
Median annual pay for Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

-2.3%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

2,000
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

20,800
Estimated U.S. employment for Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

-500
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Moderate-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Monitoring
  2. 2Active Listening
  3. 3Critical Thinking
  4. 4Reading Comprehension
  5. 5Speaking
  6. 6Active Learning

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Production and Processing
  2. 2Mechanical
  3. 3Public Safety and Security
  4. 4Administration and Management
  5. 5Education and Training
  6. 6Customer and Personal Service

Abilities

  1. 1Control Precision
  2. 2Manual Dexterity
  3. 3Near Vision
  4. 4Problem Sensitivity
  5. 5Arm-Hand Steadiness
  6. 6Reaction Time

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Artistic
  5. 5Social
  6. 6Enterprising

Work styles

  1. 1Dependability
  2. 2Cautiousness
  3. 3Attention to Detail
  4. 4Stress Tolerance
  5. 5Perseverance
  6. 6Integrity

Work activities

  1. 1Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  2. 2Handling and Moving Objects
  3. 3Getting Information
  4. 4Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  5. 5Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  6. 6Performing General Physical Activities

Work context

  1. 1Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  2. 2Exposed to Contaminants
  3. 3Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
  4. 4Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
  5. 5Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  6. 6Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

Representative tasks

  • Regulate supplies of fuel and air, or control flow of electric current and water coolant to heat furnaces and adjust temperatures.
  • Draw smelted metal samples from furnaces or kettles for analysis, and calculate types and amounts of materials needed to ensure that materials meet specifications.
  • Weigh materials to be charged into furnaces, using scales.
  • Record production data, and maintain production logs.
  • Observe air and temperature gauges or metal color and fluidity, and turn fuel valves or adjust controls to maintain required temperatures.
  • Operate controls to move or discharge metal workpieces from furnaces.
  • Inspect furnaces and equipment to locate defects and wear.
  • Drain, transfer, or remove molten metal from furnaces, and place it into molds, using hoists, pumps, or ladles.

Software and tools

Microsoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyProcess control softwareProcess safety management softwareProduction tracking system software

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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