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Kiln Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

POSITION SUMMARY The Boiler/Kiln Operator maintains a wood fueled boiler to produce lumber with specified moisture content by kiln drying. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Responsibilities include but are not ...

Kiln Operator, 2nd Shift. BENEFITS: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K AHF Products has a job opportunity for a Kiln Operator to be located in Crossville, TN. This position is responsible for the ...

Kiln Fireman

Macon, GA ยท On-site

$18/hr

Job Summary The Kiln Fireman is responsible for operating, monitoring, and adjusting tunnel kilns to ensure brick products are properly dried and fired according to production and quality standards.

Job Summary The Kiln Fireman is responsible for operating, monitoring, and adjusting tunnel kilns to ensure brick products are properly dried and fired according to production and quality standards.

Showing results 21-40

Kiln Operator information

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$11

$17

$21

How much do kiln operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for kiln operator in the United States is $17.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by kiln operators and how can they be managed?

Kiln Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining optimal kiln temperatures, preventing equipment malfunctions, and ensuring consistent product quality. Managing these challenges requires strong attention to detail, regular monitoring of kiln controls, and prompt troubleshooting when irregularities occur. Effective communication with maintenance and production teams is also essential for timely repairs and process adjustments, helping to minimize downtime and maintain safety standards.

What is the difference between Kiln Operator vs Furnace Operator?

AspectKiln OperatorFurnace Operator
CredentialsTypically requires high school diploma and on-the-job trainingSimilar credentials, often with additional certifications depending on industry
Work EnvironmentOperates large industrial kilns in manufacturing or cement plantsWorks with various types of industrial furnaces in manufacturing or metal processing
Industry UsageCommon in cement, ceramics, and glass manufacturingFound in metal, chemical, and power generation industries

While both roles involve operating high-temperature equipment, Kiln Operators focus on managing large kilns for materials like cement or ceramics, whereas Furnace Operators handle different types of industrial furnaces for metal or chemical processing. Both require similar skills and certifications, but their specific environments and materials differ.

What does a kiln operator do?

The responsibilities of a kiln operator or kiln fireman revolve around setting up and controlling a furnace or oven to dry, bake, or burn materials. Your duties in this career depend on your employer and your industry. You usually calibrate the kiln and operate it during the firing, baking, or drying process. You are often also responsible for taking steps to slow-cool the items. As a kiln operator, you may work with lumber drier kilns or in a funeral home or other facility to operate the equipment used to cremate bodies.

What is a kiln operator?

Kiln operators are skilled workers responsible for managing and controlling kilns, which are high-temperature ovens used in industries such as ceramics, cement, glass, and manufacturing. They monitor temperature, pressure, and humidity levels, adjust controls to ensure proper processing, and perform routine maintenance on the kiln equipment. Kiln operators also keep detailed records of production data and ensure safety protocols are followed to prevent accidents or equipment malfunctions. Their role is crucial in ensuring the quality and consistency of products that require thermal processing.

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

To thrive as a Kiln Operator, you need a good understanding of kiln operation, temperature control, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kiln control systems, temperature monitoring tools, and materials handling equipment is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are important soft skills for this role. These skills ensure efficient production, product quality, and a safe working environment in kiln operations.
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Infographic showing various Kiln Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,390 per year, or $17 per hour.

KILN OPERATOR - D Shift (Nights)

Mohawk Industries, Inc.

El Paso, TX โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Join the largest manufacturer of tile and natural stone in the United States and watch your career stand out with Dal-Tile, a subsidiary of Mohawk Industries.
Our close-knit team of dedicated professionals has made us the success we are today. In exchange for their hard work, we support our people with a family-friendly work environment, a commitment to promoting from within, unique benefits that go beyond just medical and dental, and a belief that every employee deserves a productive life outside of work. If this sounds outstanding to you, take the first step forward and explore a career with Dal-Tile.
Dal-Tile is currently seeking a Kiln Operator to join our MFG TEAM! As the Kiln Operator we need someone to monitor movement of tile through the kiln firing process for the production of the ceramic tile manufacturing process.
Primary Objective
Monitors movement of tile through the kiln firing process.
Major Function and Scope
Monitors tile entering and exiting the kiln to ensure process is operating efficiently.
Inspects tile for defects.
Records temperature of kiln every hour during shift.
Collects tile samples for lab.
Monitors equipment or processes and reports problems to supervisor.
Follows ISO operating procedures and control plan.
Helps maintain a team environment by cooperating and communicating with team.
Ability to maintain a clean work station, conform to all safety and health requirements, and must be able to be at work station at shift change.
Keeps area safe, clean and organized.
Complete all required training, including ergonomic, safety, health and environmental.
Identify and adjust workstation arrangement, work practices, and workflow to reduce risk factors
Report issues to supervisor/manager when unable to control risk factor/s.
Report symptoms of injury/illness and concerns when first noted.
Participate in incident investigation.
Other duties as required.
Experience and Knowledge Required
High school diploma or equivalent experience.
Competencies
Good oral and written communications skills. Good record keeping skills. Good listening skills. Accurate measurement capability. Ability to understand and speak basic English.
Other Pertinent Job Information
While performing the duties of this job, the associate is regularly required to stand, use hands, and reach with hands and arms. The associate is required to walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The associate may be required to sometimes sit, climb or balance. The associate may lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position includes close vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the associate is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts. The associate is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The associate may be exposed to a wide range of temperatures. The noise level is usually loud. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
We offer competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, career opportunities, and an environment of creativity and growth. Examples include: Company Match on 401k, Employee Purchase Discount, and Tuition Reimbursement.
Dal-Tile is a proud supporter of our U.S. military, veterans and their families - Thank You for Your Service!
Active military, transitioning service members and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.
Mohawk Industries, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer including disability/veteran committed to an inclusive workplace and a proud Drugs Don't Work participant.