West Virginia Median
$56,290
per year
Hourly Rate
$27.06
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+3% vs US median
US median $54,430
State Rank
#17 of 36
70 employed here
How much do Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders make in West Virginia?
Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders in West Virginia take home a median of $56,290 annually — roughly $27.06 an hour — which runs 3% above the national median of $54,430.
Within West Virginia, entry-level pay starts around $39,910 while the top 10% make $72,120 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $44,170 and $57,480 a year.
Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders salary range in West Virginia
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $39,910 | $19.19 |
|
| 25th percentile (early career) | $44,170 | $21.24 |
|
| 50th percentile (median) | $56,290 | $27.06 |
|
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $57,480 | $27.63 |
|
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $72,120 | $34.67 |
|
How West Virginia compares
West Virginia ranks 17th 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 $58,300Tennessee $57,490Iowa $57,030Virginia $57,000Nevada $56,790Pennsylvania $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 West Virginia
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 West Virginia pay ($56,290) 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 West Virginia?
The median Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders salary in West Virginia is $56,290 per year, or about $27.06 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $39,910 at the entry level to $72,120 for the top 10% of earners.
How does West Virginia pay compare to the national average?
West Virginia pays Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders about 3% more than the national median of $54,430. West Virginia ranks 17th out of 36 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is West Virginia a good state for Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders?
Yes on pay — West Virginia pays above the national median for this occupation, at $56,290 a year. About 70 Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders are employed in West Virginia. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in West Virginia?
The highest-paying occupations in West Virginia include Orthopedic Surgeon, Except Pediatric ($597,740), Emergency Medicine Physician ($491,230), Radiologist ($471,650), 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.