Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders salary
- 10th pct
- $39,200
- Middle 50%
- $46,080–$62,810
- 90th pct
- $74,470
The BLS estimates 16,780 Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders jobs in the U.S. with a median base pay of $54,430 ($26.17 an hour) (May 2025, SOC 51-4051). Across 11 metros with published figures, medians range from $37,110 in East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area to $85,370 in Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA.
- SOURCEBLS OEWS, May 2025
- SAMPLE16,780 jobs (estimate)
- SCOPEall U.S. employers, all experience levels
- PERIODMay 2025 estimates
Full percentile breakdown
BLS · United States
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Where Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders earn the most
11 metros · BLS
Highest-paying metros
| Metro | Median | Jobs |
|---|---|---|
| Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA | $85,370 | 240 |
| Reading, PA | $68,990 | 210 |
| Cleveland, OH | $65,660 | 520 |
| West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area | $63,360 | 310 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $63,170 | 700 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $61,780 | 240 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $60,810 | 320 |
| Birmingham, AL | $56,250 | 420 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | $53,130 | 370 |
| Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area | $45,550 | 250 |
Largest metros
| Metro | Median | Jobs |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $63,170 | 700 |
| Cleveland, OH | $65,660 | 520 |
| Birmingham, AL | $56,250 | 420 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | $53,130 | 370 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $60,810 | 320 |
| West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area | $63,360 | 310 |
| East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area | $37,110 | 270 |
| Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area | $45,550 | 250 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $61,780 | 240 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA | $85,370 | 240 |
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All metros (A–Z)
BLS
Questions
What is the median Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders salary in the U.S.?
$54,430 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). The middle half earn $46,080–$62,810.
How much do Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders make an hour?
The BLS U.S. median is $26.17 an hour (May 2025). The middle half earn $22.15–$30.20 an hour, and the 90th percentile is $35.81. These are straight-time wages, before overtime and shift differentials.
Where do Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders earn the most?
Highest metro medians: Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA ($85,370), Reading, PA ($68,990), Cleveland, OH ($65,660). Cost of living differs, so compare offers locally.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2025 (metro, state and national estimates). Employer filing counts: U.S. DOL OFLC LCA disclosure data FY2026 Q3, visa-sponsored positions only.