Tennessee Median
$57,490
per year
Hourly Rate
$27.64
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+6% vs US median
US median $54,430
State Rank
#13 of 36
730 employed here
How much do Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders make in Tennessee?
Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders in Tennessee take home a median of $57,490 annually — roughly $27.64 an hour — which runs 6% above the national median of $54,430.
Within Tennessee, entry-level pay starts around $37,430 while the top 10% make $75,470 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $46,190 and $68,880 a year.
Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders salary range in Tennessee
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $37,430 | $18.00 |
|
| 25th percentile (early career) | $46,190 | $22.21 |
|
| 50th percentile (median) | $57,490 | $27.64 |
|
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $68,880 | $33.12 |
|
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $75,470 | $36.28 |
|
How Tennessee compares
Tennessee ranks 13th out of 36 states and territories for Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders pay. The top 5 best-paying states:
Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders salary in other states
Minnesota $75,880New Jersey $75,020New York $66,440Oregon $64,410Washington $62,850North Carolina $60,780Utah $60,510Arizona $59,830Kentucky $59,040Massachusetts $58,480California $58,310Indiana $58,300Iowa $57,030Virginia $57,000Nevada $56,790West Virginia $56,290Pennsylvania $55,910Missouri $55,480Ohio $55,080Alabama $54,260Nebraska $52,800Illinois $51,020Connecticut $50,510New Mexico $50,260Florida $49,780Oklahoma $48,890Wisconsin $48,260Georgia $47,750Texas $46,670New Hampshire $46,380Michigan $44,900Kansas $44,800South Carolina $44,160Arkansas $39,920Mississippi $39,610
Working as Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders in Tennessee
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 Tennessee pay ($57,490) 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 Tennessee?
The median Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders salary in Tennessee is $57,490 per year, or about $27.64 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $37,430 at the entry level to $75,470 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Tennessee pay compare to the national average?
Tennessee pays Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders about 6% more than the national median of $54,430. Tennessee ranks 13th out of 36 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Tennessee a good state for Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders?
Yes on pay — Tennessee pays above the national median for this occupation, at $57,490 a year. About 730 Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders are employed in Tennessee. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Tennessee?
The highest-paying occupations in Tennessee include Cardiologist ($610,080), Dermatologist ($433,630), Surgeon, All Other ($373,510), 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.