Shigoto Zukan
日本語

Will AI replace metal-refining furnace operators and tenders?AI replacement risk 38% and how the work is changing

United States Manufacturing & Repair Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$54,430
25th–75th pct. $46,080–$62,810
Top pay (est.)
$96,800
Top 10% $74,470
Pay in 5 years
$62,300est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$71,400est.
$61,400–$82,800
Outlook score
41/100
★★☆☆☆ Below average
AI replacement risk
38%
Low
Job growth (10 yr)
−2.9%
1,400 openings / yr

Will AI replace Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders? AI replacement risk

38%
Low
Ranked #349 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 Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders

Key skills

Operations Monitoring
3.9
Operation and Control
3.8
Monitoring
3.1
Quality Control Analysis
3.1
Active Listening
3.0
Critical Thinking
3.0
Complex Problem Solving
2.9
Equipment Maintenance
2.9

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Production and Processing
4.1
Mechanical
3.9
Administration and Management
3.7
Education and Training
3.5
Mathematics
3.1
Chemistry
2.9
Engineering and Technology
2.9
Public Safety and Security
2.8

What the work involves

Handling and Moving ObjectsPerforming General Physical ActivitiesMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsGetting Information

Important abilities

Control PrecisionMultilimb CoordinationReaction TimeTrunk StrengthManual DexterityAuditory Attention

Education of workers

Training before entry

Up to 1 month
24%
1–3 months
22%
6–12 months
19%
Over 10 years
14%
2–4 years
14%
3–6 months
7%

Related work experience

None
33%
3–6 months
19%
6–12 months
15%
Over 10 years
14%
Up to 1 month
12%
1–2 years
3%
1–3 months
2%
2–4 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.