Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders Salary — US State Breakdown (2025)
BLS OES May 2025 · SOC 51-9051$48,040
US median (annual)
$50,940
US mean (annual)
$35,960
10th percentile
$69,800
90th percentile
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US Salary Overview
The national median wage for furnace, kiln, oven, drier, and kettle operators and tenders in the United States is $48,040 per year (gross, before tax), based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025). Around 14,000 people are employed in this occupation nationally. UK data is not available for this occupation — the UK's SOC 2020 classification has no direct equivalent. Before interviews, many candidates work through interview preparation guides for this kind of role.
US Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual (gross) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $35,960 | Entry level / lowest decile |
| 25th | $41,130 | Early career |
| 50th (median) | $48,040 | Typical pay |
| 75th | $59,830 | Experienced |
| 90th | $69,800 | Senior / highest decile |
Career Essentials
Median Salary by State
| State | Median salary | Mean salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $77,440 | $63,660 | 100 |
| Kentucky | $75,620 | $70,450 | 240 |
| Illinois | $62,870 | $59,960 | 230 |
| Kansas | $62,350 | $60,340 | 210 |
| Wyoming | $62,130 | $71,130 | 50 |
| North Dakota | $60,170 | $56,710 | 70 |
| Washington | $58,580 | $57,160 | 430 |
| Idaho | $57,690 | $55,990 | 120 |
| Wisconsin | $56,140 | $54,540 | 210 |
| Colorado | $55,770 | $55,420 | 100 |
| Massachusetts | $53,300 | $56,400 | 120 |
| Montana | $53,250 | $49,250 | 100 |
| Vermont | $52,560 | $51,200 | 50 |
| New Jersey | $52,440 | $54,490 | 300 |
| Georgia | $50,820 | $52,890 | 870 |
| Oregon | $50,820 | $53,970 | 540 |
| Alabama | $50,600 | $54,500 | 1,000 |
| Virginia | $49,650 | $52,050 | 260 |
| Pennsylvania | $49,610 | $52,260 | 410 |
| Missouri | $49,470 | $51,540 | 270 |
| New York | $49,280 | $54,510 | 490 |
| New Hampshire | $49,250 | $52,330 | 60 |
| Indiana | $48,770 | $53,890 | 650 |
| South Dakota | $48,200 | $52,150 | 40 |
| South Carolina | $48,170 | $48,210 | 300 |
| Maine | $48,060 | $52,480 | 70 |
| Louisiana | $47,820 | $50,970 | 120 |
| Michigan | $47,410 | $47,900 | 420 |
| Minnesota | $47,210 | $53,420 | 100 |
| Ohio | $46,190 | $48,170 | 2,000 |
| Iowa | $45,910 | $48,150 | 100 |
| West Virginia | $45,690 | $47,760 | 80 |
| Utah | $45,610 | $49,100 | 130 |
| California | $45,300 | $47,960 | 900 |
| Texas | $45,040 | $49,190 | 780 |
| Tennessee | $44,710 | $46,800 | 640 |
| Arizona | $44,530 | $43,630 | 140 |
| Mississippi | $44,370 | $43,460 | 370 |
| Arkansas | $43,560 | $47,160 | 150 |
| Oklahoma | $42,970 | $43,390 | 370 |
| Florida | $42,400 | $43,930 | 350 |
| Nebraska | $41,650 | $42,950 | 100 |
| North Carolina | $39,310 | $40,570 | 530 |
Salary data is sourced from BLS OES May 2025. Figures represent gross pay before tax. This page is for reference only.
Recommended Gear & Prep
Negotiating the offer? A salary negotiation guide helps you anchor to the percentiles above.
Data: BLS OES, May 2025 · Page built 2026-07-18