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How to become Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenderseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

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

How to become Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders

Typical education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

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)

Career path and how to earn more as Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

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.