Shigoto Zukan
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Will AI replace Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders?AI replacement risk 43% and how the work is changing

United States Manufacturing & Repair Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$48,040
25th–75th pct. $41,130–$59,830
Top pay (est.)
$90,700
Top 10% $69,800
Pay in 5 years
$55,600est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$64,500est.
$55,400–$74,800
Outlook score
49/100
★★☆☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
43%
Moderate
Job growth (10 yr)
+2.6%
1,800 openings / yr

Will AI replace Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders? AI replacement risk

43%
Moderate
Ranked #411 safest from AI among all U.S. occupations
Very lowLowModerateHighVery high

How AI is changing this job

A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.

AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →

Skills, education and requirements for Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders

Key skills

Operations Monitoring
3.5
Operation and Control
3.2
Monitoring
3.1
Active Listening
3.1
Reading Comprehension
3.0
Critical Thinking
3.0
Speaking
3.0
Quality Control Analysis
2.8

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Mechanical
3.6
Production and Processing
3.3
Education and Training
3.3
Computers and Electronics
2.9
Chemistry
2.9
Public Safety and Security
2.7
English Language
2.6
Engineering and Technology
2.4

What the work involves

Handling and Moving ObjectsPerforming General Physical ActivitiesControlling Machines and ProcessesMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesInspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

Important abilities

Near VisionOral ComprehensionControl PrecisionReaction TimeOral ExpressionPerceptual Speed

Education of workers

High school diploma
56%
Less than high school
21%
Post-secondary certificate
16%
Some college
4%
Bachelor's degree
2%

Training before entry

Up to 1 month
30%
1–3 months
26%
3–6 months
17%
1–2 years
16%
6–12 months
7%
4–10 years
3%
2–4 years
2%

Related work experience

None
29%
1–2 years
19%
3–6 months
16%
Up to 1 month
11%
4–6 years
11%
1–3 months
7%
6–12 months
4%
2–4 years
3%
6–8 years
2%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.