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Furnace Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

TeamSoft

MI · On-site

$18/hr

Furnace Tender Peoplelink Staffing Solutions in partnership with a prominent client in the Lake Odessa area within the metals recycling industry. Furnace Tender Job Summary: * $18.00 per hour * 6AM ...

Aerospace Aluminum Processing

Furnace Operator

Portland, OR · On-site

$17.50 - $21.75/hr

Premier West Coast Heat Treater - Stack Metallurgical Services, LLC We are looking for an experienced Furnace Operator for various areas (Endothermic, Vacuum, Aluminum) to join the team at Stack. Day ...

Thermal Specialties

Furnace Operator - Tulsa

Tulsa, OK

$15 - $20/hr

Thermal Specialties is urgently hiring a Furnace Operator to join our Heat Treat Division in Tulsa, OK. This is a hands-on manufacturing role for someone who enjoys working with metal, following ...

System One

Furnace Operator

Houston, TX · On-site

$19.50/hr

Furnace Operator Location: Houston, Texas Type: Contract To Hire Compensation: $19.50 per hour Contractor Work Model: Onsite Responsibilities * Operate and monitor furnaces to maintain safe and ...

Thermal Specialties

Furnace Operator - Tulsa

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Thermal Specialties is urgently hiring a Furnace Operator to join our Heat Treat Division in Tulsa, OK. This is a hands-on manufacturing role for someone who enjoys working with metal, following ...

API Heat Transfer

Furnace Operator - 2nd Shift

Franklin, WI · On-site

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

Furnace Operator - 2nd Shift Location: Franklin, WI Shift: 2nd Shift Company: General ThermoDynamics Job Summary API Heat Transfer is seeking a Furnace Operator - 2nd Shift to support aluminum ...

Thermal Specialties

Furnace Operator - Tulsa

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Thermal Specialties is urgently hiring a Furnace Operator to join our Heat Treat Division in Tulsa, OK. This is a hands-on manufacturing role for someone who enjoys working with metal, following ...

API Heat Transfer

Furnace Operator - 2nd Shift

Franklin, WI · On-site

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

Furnace Operator - 2nd Shift Location: Franklin, WI Shift: 2nd Shift Company: General ThermoDynamics Job Summary API Heat Transfer is seeking a Furnace Operator - 2nd Shift to support aluminum ...

PSW Group

Furnace Operator

Chicago Heights, IL · On-site

$23 - $27/hr

Position Summary The Furnace Operator is responsible for checking & assessing the operational efficiency and mechanical functionality of the casting line and related equipment. This includes charging ...

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Furnace Operator information

See salary details

$13

$19

$26

How much do furnace operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for furnace operator in the United States is $19.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Furnace Operator vs Boiler Operator?

AspectFurnace OperatorBoiler Operator
CertificationsTypically requires HVAC or furnace-specific certificationsRequires boiler operation licenses or certifications
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, power plantsPower plants, heating plants, industrial facilities
Job ResponsibilitiesOperate and monitor furnaces for heat productionOperate and maintain boilers for steam or hot water
Industry UsageManufacturing, energy, and processing industriesPower generation, heating, and industrial sectors

While both Furnace Operators and Boiler Operators work in industrial settings managing heat-producing equipment, Furnace Operators focus on operating furnaces for heat generation, whereas Boiler Operators manage boilers for steam or hot water production. Certifications, work environments, and industry usage overlap, but their specific responsibilities differ based on the equipment they handle.

What are some common challenges furnace operators face when working with high-temperature equipment?

Furnace Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining precise temperature controls, ensuring safety protocols are strictly followed, and troubleshooting equipment malfunctions under pressure. Working with high-temperature equipment requires constant attention to detail and quick decision-making to prevent accidents or product defects. Operators also need to coordinate closely with maintenance teams and production supervisors to address issues promptly and minimize downtime, making strong communication skills essential in this role.

Is being a furnace operator hard?

Furnace operators are responsible for controlling and monitoring industrial heating equipment, which requires attention to safety protocols, technical skills, and the ability to work in potentially hazardous environments. The job can be physically demanding and often involves shift work, but with proper training and experience, it becomes manageable. Success in this role depends on attention to detail, safety awareness, and technical competence.

What is a furnace operator?

Furnace operators are skilled workers responsible for controlling and monitoring industrial furnaces used in manufacturing processes. They load materials, set temperature controls, and ensure the furnace operates safely and efficiently. Their duties may include adjusting settings, recording data, performing routine maintenance, and following safety procedures to prevent accidents. Furnace operators are essential in industries such as metalworking, glassmaking, and ceramics, where precise heating is required.

What does a furnace operator do?

A furnace operator controls a gas, coal, electric, oil, or other type of furnace in preparation to melt metal, usually at a foundry or refinery. Your duties include operating the machine on a daily basis and performing sample tests to verify that the equipment is functional. Your responsibilities may include making detailed analyses of the materials you melt, ensuring that every melting operation is performed to specifications, and conducting maintenance and safety checks on all equipment. The career requires excellent mechanical skills and the ability to use measurement tools such as calipers, gauges, and scales.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a furnace operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Furnace Operator, you need a solid understanding of industrial furnace operations, materials handling, and safety procedures, often supported by a high school diploma or technical training. Familiarity with control systems, temperature monitoring equipment, and potentially certifications in OSHA safety standards are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help operators respond quickly to issues and maintain safe environments. These skills are crucial for ensuring product quality, preventing accidents, and maximizing operational efficiency in industrial settings.
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Furnace Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Furnace Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,824 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Furnace Assistant

Kentucky Aluminum Processors LLC

Russellville, KY • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Salary: $23.50

Job Summary

The Furnace Assistant assists the Furnace Operator with the daily operations of aluminum melting and recycling. This position supports the loading of scrap, monitoring of furnace operations, and removal of by-products such as dross and slag. The Furnace Assistant ensures a clean, safe, and efficient furnace area and adheres to all operational and safety protocols.


Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Furnace Operation Support:

  • Assist in charging the furnace with aluminum scrap and additives.
  • Monitor furnace area during operation and alert operators to any irregularities.
  • Help remove dross and slag safely using designated tools and equipment.
  • Support tapping and pouring activities as instructed by the Furnace Operator.

Material Handling:

  • Transport materials to and from the furnace area using forklifts or manual carts.
  • Stage materials in preparation for melting or further processing.
  • Maintain clean and organized material storage areas.

Safety and Compliance:

  • Follow all safety procedures and wear required PPE, including heat-resistant clothing.
  • Assist in maintaining a hazard-free work area by cleaning spills and debris.
  • Report unsafe conditions, near misses, or equipment issues immediately.
  • Participate in safety meetings and emergency drills as required.

Equipment and Area Maintenance:

  • Perform basic cleaning and maintenance of tools and furnace-related equipment.
  • Support furnace shutdown, start-up, and inspection activities.
  • Ensure tools and supplies are returned and stored properly after use.

Documentation and Communication:

  • Assist with recording furnace operations and material input data.
  • Communicate effectively with Furnace Operators and Shift Supervisors regarding material needs and issues.
  • Report production disruptions or abnormalities in real-time.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education:

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Previous experience in furnace operation or metal casting preferred.
  • Experience in a manufacturing or foundry environment is highly desirable.

Skills:

  • Knowledge of furnace operations, metallurgy, and safety practices.
  • Ability to read and interpret technical manuals and SOPs.
  • Proficiency in operating heavy machinery and industrial equipment.
  • Basic computer skills for data entry and logging.
  • Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to work in industrial environments with exposure to heat, noise, and moving machinery.
  • Physically able tolift upto 50lbs, climb ladders, and work in confined spaces.
  • Willingness to work shifts, weekends, and respond to after-hourscalls.

Work Environment

  • Industrial manufacturing setting with exposure to mechanical systems, tools, and equipment.
  • Use of PPE required, including gloves, safety glasses, and hearing protection.
  • This will be 12 hour shifts in a 2-2-3 pattern - 7am-7pm/7pm-7am. No rotating shifts.