Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders Salary in the United States
As of May 2025, the median annual wage for furnace, kiln, oven, drier, and kettle operators and tenders in the United States was $48,040 ($23.10 per hour), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES survey.
Annual Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $35,960 | $17.29 |
| 25th | $41,130 | $19.77 |
| Median | $48,040 | $23.10 |
| 75th | $59,830 | $28.77 |
| 90th | $69,800 | $33.56 |
Quick Facts
- Occupational code: 51-9051
- Total U.S. employment: 14,280
- Jobs per 1,000: —
- Hourly salary breakdown
- All-state comparison
The numbers in context
At $23.10 per hour, a full-time schedule (2,080 hours per year) works out to roughly $48,048 — in line with the reported median annual wage of $48,040.
Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders Salary by State
The table below ranks every state by median annual wage. Click a state for detailed local data.
| State | Median Annual | Median Hourly | vs National | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $50,600 | $24.33 | +5.3% | 1,090 |
| Arizona | $44,530 | $21.41 | -7.3% | 140 |
| Arkansas | $43,560 | $20.94 | -9.3% | 150 |
| California | $45,300 | $21.78 | -5.7% | 900 |
| Colorado | $55,770 | $26.81 | +16.1% | 100 |
| Florida | $42,400 | $20.39 | -11.7% | 350 |
| Georgia | $50,820 | $24.43 | +5.8% | 870 |
| Idaho | $57,690 | $27.74 | +20.1% | 120 |
| Illinois | $62,870 | $30.23 | +30.9% | 230 |
| Indiana | $48,770 | $23.45 | +1.5% | 650 |
| Iowa | $45,910 | $22.07 | -4.4% | 100 |
| Kansas | $62,350 | $29.98 | +29.8% | 210 |
| Kentucky | $75,620 | $36.36 | +57.4% | 240 |
| Louisiana | $47,820 | $22.99 | -0.5% | 120 |
| Maine | $48,060 | $23.11 | +0.0% | 70 |
| Maryland | $77,440 | $37.23 | +61.2% | 100 |
| Massachusetts | $53,300 | $25.63 | +10.9% | 120 |
| Michigan | $47,410 | $22.79 | -1.3% | 420 |
| Minnesota | $47,210 | $22.70 | -1.7% | 100 |
| Mississippi | $44,370 | $21.33 | -7.6% | 370 |
| Missouri | $49,470 | $23.78 | +3.0% | 270 |
| Montana | $53,250 | $25.60 | +10.8% | 100 |
| Nebraska | $41,650 | $20.02 | -13.3% | 100 |
| New Hampshire | $49,250 | $23.68 | +2.5% | 60 |
| New Jersey | $52,440 | $25.21 | +9.2% | 300 |
| New York | $49,280 | $23.69 | +2.6% | 490 |
| North Carolina | $39,310 | $18.90 | -18.2% | 530 |
| North Dakota | $60,170 | $28.93 | +25.2% | 70 |
| Ohio | $46,190 | $22.21 | -3.9% | 1,580 |
| Oklahoma | $42,970 | $20.66 | -10.6% | 370 |
| Oregon | $50,820 | $24.44 | +5.8% | 540 |
| Pennsylvania | $49,610 | $23.85 | +3.3% | 410 |
| South Carolina | $48,170 | $23.16 | +0.3% | 300 |
| South Dakota | $48,200 | $23.17 | +0.3% | 40 |
| Tennessee | $44,710 | $21.49 | -6.9% | 640 |
| Texas | $45,040 | $21.66 | -6.2% | 780 |
| Utah | $45,610 | $21.93 | -5.1% | 130 |
| Vermont | $52,560 | $25.27 | +9.4% | 50 |
| Virginia | $49,650 | $23.87 | +3.4% | 260 |
| Washington | $58,580 | $28.17 | +21.9% | 430 |
| West Virginia | $45,690 | $21.97 | -4.9% | 80 |
| Wisconsin | $56,140 | $26.99 | +16.9% | 210 |
| Wyoming | $62,130 | $29.87 | +29.3% | 50 |
Data source: BLS OES state file · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
Related Occupations
- Business Operations Specialists, All Other — $83,050/yr
- Project Management Specialists — $102,320/yr
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education — $72,040/yr
- Light Truck Drivers — $44,860/yr
- Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants — $45,930/yr
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers — $39,150/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for furnace, kiln, oven, drier, and kettle operators and tenders?
The median annual wage for furnace, kiln, oven, drier, and kettle operators and tenders is $48,040 ($23.10 per hour), according to the BLS OES survey for May 2025.
Which state pays furnace, kiln, oven, drier, and kettle operators and tenders the most?
Wages vary by state. Use the state table above to compare median annual pay across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
How many furnace, kiln, oven, drier, and kettle operators and tenders are employed in the U.S.?
There are approximately 14,280 furnace, kiln, oven, drier, and kettle operators and tenders employed nationally, per BLS OES.
How much do furnace, kiln, oven, drier, and kettle operators and tenders make per hour?
The median hourly wage is $23.10. See the hourly salary page for the full percentile breakdown.