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

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

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Pennsylvania Median
$55,910
per year
Hourly Rate
$26.88
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+3% vs US median
US median $54,430
State Rank
#18 of 36
1,230 employed here

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

Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders working in Pennsylvania earn a median salary of $55,910 per year, or about $26.88 per hour. That is 3% above the national median of $54,430 for this occupation.

Within Pennsylvania, entry-level pay starts around $39,410 while the top 10% make $70,010 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $48,740 and $61,950 a year.

Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders salary range in Pennsylvania

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$39,410$18.95
25th percentile (early career)$48,740$23.43
50th percentile (median)$55,910$26.88
75th percentile (experienced)$61,950$29.78
90th percentile (top earners)$70,010$33.66

How Pennsylvania compares

Pennsylvania ranks 18th 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 Pennsylvania

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 Pennsylvania pay ($55,910) 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 Pennsylvania?
The median Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders salary in Pennsylvania is $55,910 per year, or about $26.88 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $39,410 at the entry level to $70,010 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Pennsylvania pay compare to the national average?
Pennsylvania pays Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders about 3% more than the national median of $54,430. Pennsylvania ranks 18th out of 36 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Pennsylvania a good state for Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders?
Yes on pay — Pennsylvania pays above the national median for this occupation, at $55,910 a year. About 1,230 Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders are employed in Pennsylvania. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Pennsylvania?
The highest-paying occupations in Pennsylvania include Cardiologist ($579,120), Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons ($553,740), Anesthesiologist ($461,390), 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.