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Furnace Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Furnace Operator

New Castle, PA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.25/hr

The VIM OPERATOR performs responsibilities as outlined below and other related duties following ... the VIM furnace for melting operations, including o Launder building and curing & crucible ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Furnace Operator

New Castle, PA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.25/hr

The VIM OPERATOR performs responsibilities as outlined below and other related duties following ... the VIM furnace for melting operations, including o Launder building and curing & crucible ...

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 ...

Showing results 41-60

Furnace Operator information

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$13

$19

$26

How much do furnace operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 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 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.

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.

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.

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. Safety procedures and technical knowledge are essential components of the role.

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The most popular types of Furnace Operator jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Furnace Operator jobs?

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What states have the most Furnace Operator jobs?

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What job categories do people searching Furnace Operator jobs look for?

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What are popular job titles related to Furnace Operator jobs?

For Furnace Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Furnace Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 38% Full Time, 60% 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.

$15 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Thermal Specialties is looking for a Furnace Operator for our Heat Treat Division in Oklahoma City, OK.The purpose of this position is to: 1) Monitor furnace process indicators to insure process requirements are achieved. (Time, Temperature and Atmospheres) 2) Process product in accordance to production schedule to ensure customer expectations are achieved and minimize gap times between loads 3) Document all processing information on shop orders and furnace charts 4) Fixture loads to achieve desired metallurgical results 5) Monitor Furnace mechanical operations and perform preventive maintenance as needed.


Qualified Candidates must possess:

  • Education must be a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Valid driver's license
  • This position requires knowledge of metal working within the manufacturing industry setting 1-2 years experience
  • This person must work well within extreme temperatures and physically demanding environment
  • Must have good time management, multi-tasking, problem solving, and teamwork skills


Physical Demands:

  • Ability to lift 50 lbs. Must be able to work in extreme high/low temperatures and a physically demanding environment
  • Frequently required to stand for long periods of time
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus


Job Type: Full-time


Benefits:

  • Paid Time Off
  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Short and long-term disability
  • Life insurance
  • 401K & Roth (matching available)
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Employee Assistance Program