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Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders
Production · SOC 51-9051
0.0% AI Exposure — Low
$48,040
Median Annual Salary
Average
O*NET Outlook
2,400
Proj. Annual Openings
14,280
Employment (OEWS 2025)
100/100
AI Resiliency Score
AI exposure from the Anthropic Economic Index (2025); salary from BLS; skills from O*NET. See /sources.
AI Exposure Analysis
AI Exposure0.0%
AI Resiliency100/100
Exposure BandLow
Sector Avg. Exposure0.8%
Top Skills
1.Operations Monitoring
2.Reading Comprehension
3.Active Listening
4.Speaking
5.Critical Thinking
O*NET occupation profile
What this work involves
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.
Common titles: Annealing Operator, Dry Kiln Operator, Dryer Feeder, Evaporator Operator, Furnace Operator, Kiln Fireman
Representative Tasks
- •Monitor equipment operation, gauges, and panel lights to detect deviations from standards.
- •Confer with supervisors or other equipment operators to report equipment malfunctions or to resolve production problems.
- •Press and adjust controls to activate, set, and regulate equipment according to specifications.
- •Record gauge readings, test results, and shift production in log books.
- •Read and interpret work orders and instructions to determine work assignments, process specifications, and production schedules.
Detailed Work Activities
- •Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning.
- •Adjust temperature controls of ovens or other heating equipment.
- •Confer with others to resolve production problems or equipment malfunctions.
- •Record operational or production data.
- •Clear equipment jams.
Tools & Technologies
Microsoft Excel · hotMicrosoft Word · hotInventory tracking softwareMachine operation software
Related Occupations
Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and TendersExtruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and TendersMetal-Refining Furnace Operators and TendersHeat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and PlasticCleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders
Employment Projections & AI Exposure
15
Occupations Shown
0.5%
Avg AI Exposure
1
Bright Outlook
Sector Comparison
| Metric | This Career | Sector Average |
|---|---|---|
| AI Exposure | 0.0% | 0.8% |
| Outlook | Average | 4% Bright |
| Median Salary | $48,040 | N/A |
| AI Resiliency | 100/100 | N/A |