Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders Salary in North Carolina (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders in North Carolina, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
North Carolina Median
$39,310
per year
Hourly Rate
$18.90
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-18% vs US median
US median $48,040
State Rank
#43 of 43
530 employed here

How much do Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders make in North Carolina?

Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders working in North Carolina earn a median salary of $39,310 per year, or about $18.90 per hour. That is 18% below the national median of $48,040 for this occupation.

Within North Carolina, entry-level pay starts around $28,890 while the top 10% make $57,150 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $31,160 and $47,900 a year.

Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders salary range in North Carolina

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$28,890$13.89
25th percentile (early career)$31,160$14.98
50th percentile (median)$39,310$18.90
75th percentile (experienced)$47,900$23.03
90th percentile (top earners)$57,150$27.48

How North Carolina compares

North Carolina ranks 43rd out of 43 states and territories for Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Maryland$77,440
2Kentucky$75,620
3Illinois$62,870
4Kansas$62,350
5Wyoming$62,130

Working as Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders in North Carolina

Nationally, about 14,000 people work as Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.

Considering a move? Compare North Carolina pay ($39,310) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much do Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders make in North Carolina?
The median Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders salary in North Carolina is $39,310 per year, or about $18.90 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $28,890 at the entry level to $57,150 for the top 10% of earners.
How does North Carolina pay compare to the national average?
North Carolina pays Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders about 18% less than the national median of $48,040. North Carolina ranks 43rd out of 43 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is North Carolina a good state for Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $39,310 a year. About 530 Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders are employed in North Carolina. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in North Carolina?
The highest-paying occupations in North Carolina include Surgeon, All Other ($398,410), Dermatologist ($367,350), Emergency Medicine Physician ($339,350), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.