Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders
SOC Code: 51-9051 Job Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed
Operate or tend heating equipment other than basic metal, plastic, or food processing equipment. Includes activities such as annealing glass, drying lumber, curing rubber, removing moisture from materials, or boiling soap.
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Prevailing Wage Levels (National)
DOL/OFLC prevailing wage thresholds for Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Wyoming nonmetropolitan area | $54,558 | $65,083 | $75,629 | $86,154 |
| Cheyenne, WY | $54,558 | $65,083 | $75,629 | $86,154 |
| Western Wyoming nonmetropolitan area | $54,392 | $64,563 | $74,755 | $84,926 |
| Casper, WY | $54,392 | $64,563 | $74,755 | $84,926 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | $56,014 | $64,043 | $72,093 | $80,122 |
| Elizabethtown, KY | $46,197 | $57,096 | $67,974 | $78,874 |
| South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area | $47,694 | $57,762 | $67,808 | $77,875 |
| Owensboro, KY | $51,938 | $60,237 | $68,536 | $76,835 |
| Paducah, KY-IL | $51,938 | $60,237 | $68,536 | $76,835 |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $40,914 | $52,291 | $63,669 | $75,046 |
Key Skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Operations Monitoring | 3.9 | |
| Speaking | 3.1 | |
| Active Listening | 3.1 | |
| Critical Thinking | 3.1 | |
| Operation and Control | 3.1 | |
| Reading Comprehension | 3.1 | |
| Monitoring | 3.1 | |
| Quality Control Analysis | 3.0 | |
| Writing | 2.6 | |
| Coordination | 2.5 |
Knowledge Areas
| Knowledge | Importance |
|---|---|
| Mechanical | 3.5 |
| Production and Processing | 3.2 |
| Public Safety and Security | 3.1 |
| Computers and Electronics | 3.0 |
| English Language | 2.8 |
| Education and Training | 2.8 |
| Mathematics | 2.7 |
| Administration and Management | 2.6 |
Education Requirements
| Education Level | % of Workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma | 55.9% |
| Less than high school | 21.4% |
| Some college | 15.9% |
| Post-secondary certificate | 3.9% |
| Bachelor's degree | 1.8% |
Typical Tasks
- Press and adjust controls to activate, set, and regulate equipment according to specifications.
- Monitor equipment operation, gauges, and panel lights to detect deviations from standards.
- Read and interpret work orders and instructions to determine work assignments, process specifications, and production schedules.
- Record gauge readings, test results, and shift production in log books.
- Confer with supervisors or other equipment operators to report equipment malfunctions or to resolve production problems.
- Examine or test samples of processed substances, or collect samples for laboratory testing, to ensure conformance to specifications.
- Transport materials and products to and from work areas, manually or using carts, handtrucks, or hoists.
Technology Skills
Green = Hot Technology in demand
Microsoft Excel Microsoft Word Inventory tracking software Machine operation software
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