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Installation, Maintenance, and Repair

Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons

Build or repair equipment such as furnaces, kilns, cupolas, boilers, converters, ladles, soaking pits, and ovens, using refractory materials.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons
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Median pay

$58,540
Median annual pay for Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

-16.9%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

100
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

1,100
Estimated U.S. employment for Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

-200
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. 1Active Listening
  2. 2Critical Thinking
  3. 3Reading Comprehension
  4. 4Monitoring
  5. 5Speaking
  6. 6Writing

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Mechanical
  2. 2Production and Processing
  3. 3Public Safety and Security
  4. 4English Language
  5. 5Mathematics
  6. 6Chemistry

Abilities

  1. 1Arm-Hand Steadiness
  2. 2Extent Flexibility
  3. 3Near Vision
  4. 4Control Precision
  5. 5Manual Dexterity
  6. 6Multilimb Coordination

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. 5Integrity
  6. 6Achievement Orientation

Work activities

  1. 1Handling and Moving Objects
  2. 2Performing General Physical Activities
  3. 3Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  4. 4Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  5. 5Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
  6. 6Getting Information

Work context

  1. 1Exposed to Contaminants
  2. 2Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  3. 3Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
  4. 4Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  5. 5Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
  6. 6Time Pressure

Representative tasks

  • Reline or repair ladles and pouring spouts with refractory clay, using trowels.
  • Chip slag from linings of ladles or remove linings when beyond repair, using hammers and chisels.
  • Mix specified amounts of sand, clay, mortar powder, and water to form refractory clay or mortar, using shovels or mixing machines.
  • Measure furnace walls to determine dimensions and cut required number of sheets from plastic block, using saws.
  • Dry and bake new linings by placing inverted linings over burners, building fires in ladles, or by using blowtorches.
  • Remove worn or damaged plastic block refractory linings of furnaces, using hand tools.
  • Climb scaffolding, carrying hoses, and spray surfaces of cupolas with refractory mixtures, using spray equipment.
  • Spread mortar on stopper heads and rods, using trowels, and slide brick sleeves over rods to form refractory jackets.

Software and tools

Microsoft Access · hot technologyMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyMaintenance management softwareTime tracking software

Sources

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

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