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

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

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
South Carolina Median
$44,160
per year
Hourly Rate
$21.23
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-19% vs US median
US median $54,430
State Rank
#34 of 36
290 employed here

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

Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders working in South Carolina earn a median salary of $44,160 per year, or about $21.23 per hour. That is 19% below the national median of $54,430 for this occupation.

Within South Carolina, entry-level pay starts around $37,060 while the top 10% make $70,940 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $39,180 and $58,130 a year.

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

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$37,060$17.82
25th percentile (early career)$39,180$18.84
50th percentile (median)$44,160$21.23
75th percentile (experienced)$58,130$27.95
90th percentile (top earners)$70,940$34.11

How South Carolina compares

South Carolina ranks 34th 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 South 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 South Carolina pay ($44,160) 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 South Carolina?
The median Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders salary in South Carolina is $44,160 per year, or about $21.23 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $37,060 at the entry level to $70,940 for the top 10% of earners.
How does South Carolina pay compare to the national average?
South Carolina pays Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders about 19% less than the national median of $54,430. South Carolina ranks 34th out of 36 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is South Carolina a good state for Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $44,160 a year. About 290 Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders are employed in South 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 South Carolina?
The highest-paying occupations in South Carolina include General Internal Medicine Physician ($359,500), Neurologist ($352,680), Emergency Medicine Physician ($341,960), 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.