Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders Salary in Arkansas (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders in Arkansas, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Arkansas Median
$39,920
per year
Hourly Rate
$19.19
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-27% vs US median
US median $54,430
State Rank
#35 of 36
490 employed here

How much do Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders make in Arkansas?

Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders working in Arkansas earn a median salary of $39,920 per year, or about $19.19 per hour. That is 27% below the national median of $54,430 for this occupation.

Within Arkansas, entry-level pay starts around $34,920 while the top 10% make $61,880 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $36,840 and $45,930 a year.

Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders salary range in Arkansas

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$34,920$16.79
25th percentile (early career)$36,840$17.71
50th percentile (median)$39,920$19.19
75th percentile (experienced)$45,930$22.08
90th percentile (top earners)$61,880$29.75

How Arkansas compares

Arkansas ranks 35th out of 36 states and territories for Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Minnesota$75,880
2New Jersey$75,020
3New York$66,440
4Oregon$64,410
5Washington$62,850

Working as Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders in Arkansas

Nationally, about 17,000 people work as Metal-Refining Furnace 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 Arkansas pay ($39,920) 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 Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders make in Arkansas?
The median Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders salary in Arkansas is $39,920 per year, or about $19.19 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $34,920 at the entry level to $61,880 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Arkansas pay compare to the national average?
Arkansas pays Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders about 27% less than the national median of $54,430. Arkansas ranks 35th out of 36 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Arkansas a good state for Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $39,920 a year. About 490 Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders are employed in Arkansas. 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 Arkansas?
The highest-paying occupations in Arkansas include Dermatologist ($422,060), Neurologist ($317,880), Orthopedic Surgeon, Except Pediatric ($262,470), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Metal-Refining Furnace 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.