Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders Salary in the United States
Median annual wage: $54,430 · Median hourly: $26.17 · Employment: 16,780
Annual Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $39,200 | $18.85 |
| 25th | $46,080 | $22.15 |
| Median | $54,430 | $26.17 |
| 75th | $62,810 | $30.20 |
| 90th | $74,470 | $35.81 |
Quick Facts
- Occupational code: 51-4051
- Total U.S. employment: 16,780
- Jobs per 1,000: —
- Hourly salary breakdown
- All-state comparison
What the data says
The mean wage of $55,490 sits 1.9% above the median — the typical worker earns close to the median, while a smaller group of higher earners pulls the average up.
For career planning: entry-level pay (10th percentile) is about $39,200, median pay is $54,430, and experienced pay (90th percentile) reaches $74,470.
Metal-Refining Furnace 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 | $54,260 | $26.09 | -0.3% | 1,250 |
| Arizona | $59,830 | $28.76 | +9.9% | 490 |
| Arkansas | $39,920 | $19.19 | -26.7% | 490 |
| California | $58,310 | $28.03 | +7.1% | 280 |
| Connecticut | $50,510 | $24.28 | -7.2% | 60 |
| Florida | $49,780 | $23.94 | -8.5% | 700 |
| Georgia | $47,750 | $22.96 | -12.3% | 230 |
| Illinois | $51,020 | $24.53 | -6.3% | 590 |
| Indiana | $58,300 | $28.03 | +7.1% | 1,520 |
| Iowa | $57,030 | $27.42 | +4.8% | 330 |
| Kansas | $44,800 | $21.54 | -17.7% | 100 |
| Kentucky | $59,040 | $28.38 | +8.5% | 810 |
| Massachusetts | $58,480 | $28.11 | +7.4% | 240 |
| Michigan | $44,900 | $21.59 | -17.5% | 680 |
| Minnesota | $75,880 | $36.48 | +39.4% | 200 |
| Mississippi | $39,610 | $19.04 | -27.2% | 120 |
| Missouri | $55,480 | $26.67 | +1.9% | 200 |
| Nebraska | $52,800 | $25.39 | -3.0% | 60 |
| Nevada | $56,790 | $27.31 | +4.3% | 130 |
| New Hampshire | $46,380 | $22.30 | -14.8% | 60 |
| New Jersey | $75,020 | $36.07 | +37.8% | 150 |
| New Mexico | $50,260 | $24.17 | -7.7% | 60 |
| New York | $66,440 | $31.94 | +22.1% | 760 |
| North Carolina | $60,780 | $29.22 | +11.7% | 390 |
| Ohio | $55,080 | $26.48 | +1.2% | 1,790 |
| Oklahoma | $48,890 | $23.51 | -10.2% | 110 |
| Oregon | $64,410 | $30.97 | +18.3% | 400 |
| Pennsylvania | $55,910 | $26.88 | +2.7% | 1,230 |
| South Carolina | $44,160 | $21.23 | -18.9% | 290 |
| Tennessee | $57,490 | $27.64 | +5.6% | 730 |
| Texas | $46,670 | $22.44 | -14.3% | 600 |
| Utah | $60,510 | $29.09 | +11.2% | 330 |
| Virginia | $57,000 | $27.41 | +4.7% | 110 |
| Washington | $62,850 | $30.22 | +15.5% | 330 |
| West Virginia | $56,290 | $27.06 | +3.4% | 70 |
| Wisconsin | $48,260 | $23.20 | -11.3% | 540 |
Data source: BLS OES state file · U.S. BLS OES, May 2024 (updated April 2025)
Related Occupations
- Registered Nurses — $97,550/yr
- Cashiers — $32,880/yr
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand — $40,240/yr
- Stockers and Order Fillers — $37,330/yr
- Customer Service Representatives — $44,770/yr
- Office Clerks, General — $45,010/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for metal-refining furnace operators and tenders?
The median annual wage for metal-refining furnace operators and tenders is $54,430 ($26.17 per hour), according to the BLS OES survey for May 2024.
Which state pays metal-refining furnace 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 metal-refining furnace operators and tenders are employed in the U.S.?
There are approximately 16,780 metal-refining furnace operators and tenders employed nationally, per BLS OES.
How much do metal-refining furnace operators and tenders make per hour?
The median hourly wage is $26.17. See the hourly salary page for the full percentile breakdown.