How much do Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders make?
The median pay for Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders in the United States is $48,040 per year — about $23.10 per hour. Entry-level positions start near $35,960, while the most experienced professionals in the top 10% earn $69,800.
That is $13,350 less than the median across all occupations in BLS data ($61,390).
Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders salary range by percentile
Half of all Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders earn between $41,130 and $59,830 a year.
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $35,960 | $17.29 | |
| 25th percentile (early career) | $41,130 | $19.77 | |
| 50th percentile (median) | $48,040 | $23.10 | |
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $59,830 | $28.76 | |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $69,800 | $33.56 |
Highest-paying states for Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders
Where you work matters more than almost anything else. Maryland leads the country for Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders pay at $77,440 a year, followed by Kentucky ($75,620) and Illinois ($62,870). At the other end, North Carolina posts the lowest median at $39,310 — a gap of $38,130 for the same job, driven by local demand, industry mix, and cost of living.
Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders salary in every state
Official BLS state-level figures across 43 states and territories. Click a state for the full local breakdown.
Workforce and education
About 14,000 people work as Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders in the United States. The mean (average) wage is $50,940 — above the median, which means high earners pull the average up. On qualifications: a high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job, per O*NET occupation data.
Frequently asked questions
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