Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders Salary — US State Breakdown (2025)
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US Salary Overview
The national median wage for metal-refining furnace operators and tenders in the United States is $54,430 per year, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025) — real government survey data, not an algorithmic salary estimate. Pay ranges from $39,200 at the 10th percentile to $74,470 at the 90th percentile. In the UK, the equivalent occupation (Metal making and treating process operatives) has a median of £31,893 — figures are shown in local currency and are not converted. Signing a US offer? Employment contract templates at LawDepot cover offer letters, NDAs and employment agreements.
US Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual (gross) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $39,200 | Entry level / lowest decile |
| 25th | $46,080 | Early career |
| 50th (median) | $54,430 | Typical pay |
| 75th | $62,810 | Experienced |
| 90th | $74,470 | Senior / highest decile |
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| State | Median salary | Mean salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | $75,880 | $65,570 | 200 |
| New Jersey | $75,020 | $68,820 | 150 |
| New York | $66,440 | $67,430 | 760 |
| Oregon | $64,410 | $66,610 | 400 |
| Washington | $62,850 | $68,470 | 330 |
| North Carolina | $60,780 | $55,990 | 390 |
| Utah | $60,510 | $58,980 | 330 |
| Arizona | $59,830 | $57,150 | 490 |
| Kentucky | $59,040 | $56,790 | 810 |
| Massachusetts | $58,480 | $57,140 | 240 |
| California | $58,310 | $60,520 | 280 |
| Indiana | $58,300 | $55,900 | 2,000 |
| Tennessee | $57,490 | $58,000 | 730 |
| Iowa | $57,030 | $55,210 | 330 |
| Virginia | $57,000 | $56,270 | 110 |
| Nevada | $56,790 | $58,370 | 130 |
| West Virginia | $56,290 | $52,530 | 70 |
| Pennsylvania | $55,910 | $56,610 | 1,000 |
| Missouri | $55,480 | $57,010 | 200 |
| Ohio | $55,080 | $54,970 | 2,000 |
| Alabama | $54,260 | $55,440 | 1,000 |
| Nebraska | $52,800 | $53,350 | 60 |
| Illinois | $51,020 | $52,660 | 590 |
| Connecticut | $50,510 | $52,260 | 60 |
| New Mexico | $50,260 | $50,960 | 60 |
| Florida | $49,780 | $51,310 | 700 |
| Oklahoma | $48,890 | $49,120 | 110 |
| Wisconsin | $48,260 | $51,410 | 540 |
| Georgia | $47,750 | $48,470 | 230 |
| Texas | $46,670 | $51,010 | 600 |
| New Hampshire | $46,380 | $49,260 | 60 |
| Michigan | $44,900 | $47,100 | 680 |
| Kansas | $44,800 | $45,270 | 100 |
| South Carolina | $44,160 | $48,160 | 290 |
| Arkansas | $39,920 | $43,560 | 490 |
| Mississippi | $39,610 | $42,650 | 120 |
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How Does This Compare to the UK?
Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders is the US equivalent of metal making and treating process operatives in the UK, which has a national median of £31,893. Figures are shown in local currency, not converted — cost of living, tax systems and benefits packages differ enough between the two countries that a currency conversion alone would be misleading. See the full UK breakdown, or use our comparison tool to set this role against another job title side by side, with location and experience-level filters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a metal-refining furnace operators and tenders in the US?
The US national median wage for metal-refining furnace operators and tenders is $54,430 per year (gross, before tax), based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
What is the pay range for metal-refining furnace operators and tenders in the US?
Pay ranges from $39,200 at the 10th percentile to $74,470 at the 90th percentile. This difference typically reflects experience level, employer size, and location.
Which US states pay metal-refining furnace operators and tenders the most?
The highest-paying states for metal-refining furnace operators and tenders include Minnesota ($75,880), New Jersey ($75,020), New York ($66,440). Pay varies by state due to cost of living, local demand and industry concentration.
How much does metal-refining furnace operators and tenders salary vary by state?
The gap between the highest- and lowest-paying states is significant — Minnesota ($75,880) pays roughly 92% more than Mississippi ($39,610). Check the state breakdown above for the exact figure in your location.
How does metal-refining furnace operators and tenders pay compare between the US and UK?
The UK equivalent role (Metal making and treating process operatives) has a national median of £31,893. Figures are shown in local currency rather than converted, since cost of living and tax systems differ enough between the two countries that a straight currency conversion would be misleading.
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Data: BLS OES, May 2025 · ONS ASHE Table 14/15, 2025 provisional · Page built 2026-09-02