Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders

Median salary, education path, job outlook, and related careers — based on U.S. labor data.

What a Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders does

You control high-temperature equipment used to heat, dry, or process materials in manufacturing settings like metalworks, chemical plants, or ceramics facilities. Your responsibilities include regulating temperature, monitoring processes, and removing finished products.

Education & path

The typical entry point is a high school diploma. No degree required — short-term training or on-the-job learning.

Estimated cost of that path: No degree cost. Estimates only — actual cost varies widely by school and financial aid; payback assumes ~20% of income applied.

Related careers

• First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers — $74,450/yr
• Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers — $48,570/yr
• Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers — $53,750/yr
• Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders — $43,220/yr
• Machinists — $58,750/yr