Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders
SOC Code: 51-4051 Job Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed
Operate or tend furnaces, such as gas, oil, coal, electric-arc or electric induction, open-hearth, or oxygen furnaces, to melt and refine metal before casting or to produce specified types of steel.
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Prevailing Wage Levels (National)
DOL/OFLC prevailing wage thresholds for Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders. Hourly rates x 2,080 = annual.
FY2027 Weighted Lottery Impact
| Level | Lottery Entries | Est. Selection Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | 1 entry | ~16% |
| Level II (Qualified) | 2 entries | ~31% |
| Level III (Experienced) | 3 entries | ~45% |
| Level IV (Expert) | 4 entries | ~61% |
Prevailing Wages by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Level I | Level II | Level III | Level IV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $65,187 | $72,342 | $79,477 | $86,632 |
| Kankakee, IL | $64,542 | $71,906 | $79,248 | $86,611 |
| Rockford, IL | $64,355 | $71,781 | $79,186 | $86,611 |
| Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area | $61,360 | $69,534 | $77,709 | $85,883 |
| West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area | $60,258 | $68,702 | $77,168 | $85,613 |
| Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN | $55,973 | $65,374 | $74,797 | $84,198 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | $51,938 | $59,779 | $67,621 | $75,462 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $51,605 | $59,446 | $67,288 | $75,130 |
| Longview-Kelso, WA | $51,605 | $59,446 | $67,288 | $75,130 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA | $45,614 | $55,099 | $64,584 | $74,069 |
Key Skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Operations Monitoring | 3.9 | |
| Operation and Control | 3.8 | |
| Monitoring | 3.6 | |
| Speaking | 3.0 | |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.0 | |
| Quality Control Analysis | 3.0 | |
| Critical Thinking | 3.0 | |
| Active Listening | 3.0 | |
| Reading Comprehension | 3.0 | |
| Equipment Maintenance | 2.9 |
Knowledge Areas
| Knowledge | Importance |
|---|---|
| Production and Processing | 4.0 |
| Mechanical | 3.7 |
| Public Safety and Security | 3.2 |
| Administration and Management | 3.2 |
| Education and Training | 3.0 |
| Customer and Personal Service | 2.8 |
| Chemistry | 2.8 |
| Mathematics | 2.7 |
Education Requirements
| Education Level | % of Workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma | 64.1% |
| Less than high school | 35.9% |
Typical Tasks
- Draw smelted metal samples from furnaces or kettles for analysis, and calculate types and amounts of materials needed to ensure that materials meet specifications.
- Drain, transfer, or remove molten metal from furnaces, and place it into molds, using hoists, pumps, or ladles.
- Record production data, and maintain production logs.
- Operate controls to move or discharge metal workpieces from furnaces.
- Weigh materials to be charged into furnaces, using scales.
- Regulate supplies of fuel and air, or control flow of electric current and water coolant to heat furnaces and adjust temperatures.
- Inspect furnaces and equipment to locate defects and wear.
- Observe air and temperature gauges or metal color and fluidity, and turn fuel valves or adjust controls to maintain required temperatures.
Technology Skills
Green = Hot Technology in demand
Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Process control software Process safety management software Production tracking system software
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