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Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders pay in Kentucky

In Kentucky, the median pay for metal-refining furnace operators and tenders is $28.38 an hour ($59,040 a year). About 810 people work in this job there.

$28.38Median hourly pay
$49,220–$63,360Middle half of workers, yearly
810People in this job in Kentucky

That is 8% higher than the U.S. median ($54,430). Kentucky ranks 9th of 36 states and territories for this job’s median pay.

Pay range for metal-refining furnace operators and tenders in Kentucky

Earns more thanHourlyYearly
10% of workers$21.47$44,670
25% of workers$23.66$49,220
Half of workers (median)$28.38$59,040
75% of workers$30.46$63,360
90% of workers$32.42$67,440

Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders pay in Kentucky metro areas

Metro areaMedian yearly payPeople in this job
Louisville/Jefferson County$39,45080

Kentucky unemployment rate: 4.7% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Education, experience and outlook for metal-refining furnace operators and tenders

  • Typical education to start: High school diploma or equivalent (BLS)
  • Related work experience most have: 3 to 6 months (O*NET)
  • Training on the job: Moderate-term on-the-job training (BLS)
  • Job outlook: -2.9% over ten years, declining · about 1,400 openings a year (BLS)

Related jobs in Kentucky

JobMedian yearly pay
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers$51,470
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$47,110
Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders$57,530
Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$36,180
Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$58,770
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$50,740
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$45,760
Machinists$58,660

Other job titles for this job

Charge OperatorFurnace OperatorArc and Argon Oxygen Decarburization MelterArc and Aod MelterAutomatic Furnace OperatorBackbreakerBessemer Converter BlowerBessemer Converter OperatorBessemer RegulatorBlade Bender Furnace TenderBlast Furnace BlowerBlast Furnace Operator

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.