SOC 51-9051 · May 2025 · United States
Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders
National figures, with pay broken out by state and metro area
The median wage for Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders across the United States is $48,040 per year, measured over 14,280 jobs. The highest state median is in Maryland, at $77,440.
National wage distribution · annual
Shaded band holds the middle 50% of earners
Where the pay is highest for Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders
Pay for this occupation varies by 97.0% between the highest and lowest paying states with published data. Maryland pays $77,440 and North Carolina pays $39,310.
| # | State | Median | Jobs | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maryland | $77,440 | 100 | |
| 2 | Kentucky | $75,620 | 240 | |
| 3 | Illinois | $62,870 | 230 | |
| 4 | Kansas | $62,350 | 210 | |
| 5 | Wyoming | $62,130 | 50 | |
| 6 | North Dakota | $60,170 | 70 | |
| 7 | Washington | $58,580 | 430 | |
| 8 | Idaho | $57,690 | 120 | |
| 9 | Wisconsin | $56,140 | 210 | |
| 10 | Colorado | $55,770 | 100 |
States with the most Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders jobs
| # | State | Jobs | Median | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ohio | 1,580 | $46,190 | |
| 2 | Alabama | 1,090 | $50,600 | |
| 3 | California | 900 | $45,300 | |
| 4 | Georgia | 870 | $50,820 | |
| 5 | Texas | 780 | $45,040 | |
| 6 | Indiana | 650 | $48,770 | |
| 7 | Tennessee | 640 | $44,710 | |
| 8 | Oregon | 540 | $50,820 | |
| 9 | North Carolina | 530 | $39,310 | |
| 10 | New York | 490 | $49,280 |
Top-paying metro areas
| # | Metro area | Median | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Louisville/Jefferson County | $81,840 | 70 |
| 2 | Albany | $81,530 | 40 |
| 3 | Baltimore | $77,440 | 70 |
| 4 | Longview | $69,070 | 60 |
| 5 | Savannah | $66,390 | 40 |
| 6 | Vineland | $62,910 | 60 |
| 7 | Denver | $61,500 | 50 |
| 8 | Seattle | $60,160 | 150 |
| 9 | Chicago | $58,670 | 140 |
| 10 | Philadelphia | $58,460 | 80 |
Source and methodology
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 Salary Explorer is an independent project. It is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency. Full methodology.
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