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

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

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Wisconsin Median
$48,260
per year
Hourly Rate
$23.20
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-11% vs US median
US median $54,430
State Rank
#28 of 36
540 employed here

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

Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders in Wisconsin take home a median of $48,260 annually — roughly $23.20 an hour — which runs 11% below the national median of $54,430.

Within Wisconsin, entry-level pay starts around $43,930 while the top 10% make $61,640 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $46,270 and $55,960 a year.

Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders salary range in Wisconsin

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$43,930$21.12
25th percentile (early career)$46,270$22.25
50th percentile (median)$48,260$23.20
75th percentile (experienced)$55,960$26.90
90th percentile (top earners)$61,640$29.63

How Wisconsin compares

Wisconsin ranks 28th 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 Wisconsin

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 Wisconsin pay ($48,260) 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 Wisconsin?
The median Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders salary in Wisconsin is $48,260 per year, or about $23.20 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $43,930 at the entry level to $61,640 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Wisconsin pay compare to the national average?
Wisconsin pays Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders about 11% less than the national median of $54,430. Wisconsin ranks 28th out of 36 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Wisconsin a good state for Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $48,260 a year. About 540 Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders are employed in Wisconsin. 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 Wisconsin?
The highest-paying occupations in Wisconsin include Cardiologist ($636,580), Orthopedic Surgeon, Except Pediatric ($572,060), Anesthesiologist ($443,990), 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.