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

Official state-level BLS pay data for Metal-Refining Furnace 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
$60,780
per year
Hourly Rate
$29.22
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+12% vs US median
US median $54,430
State Rank
#6 of 36
390 employed here

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

Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders working in North Carolina earn a median salary of $60,780 per year, or about $29.22 per hour. That is 12% above the national median of $54,430 for this occupation.

Within North Carolina, entry-level pay starts around $40,350 while the top 10% make $74,470 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $44,930 and $61,780 a year.

Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders salary range in North Carolina

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$40,350$19.40
25th percentile (early career)$44,930$21.60
50th percentile (median)$60,780$29.22
75th percentile (experienced)$61,780$29.70
90th percentile (top earners)$74,470$35.80

How North Carolina compares

North Carolina ranks 6th 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 North Carolina

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 North Carolina pay ($60,780) 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 North Carolina?
The median Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders salary in North Carolina is $60,780 per year, or about $29.22 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $40,350 at the entry level to $74,470 for the top 10% of earners.
How does North Carolina pay compare to the national average?
North Carolina pays Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders about 12% more than the national median of $54,430. North Carolina ranks 6th out of 36 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is North Carolina a good state for Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders?
Yes on pay — North Carolina pays above the national median for this occupation, at $60,780 a year. About 390 Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders are employed in North Carolina. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
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 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.