ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Refractory Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Gerdau

Refractory Operator

Petersburg, VA · On-site

$24.60/hr

Refractory Operator Do you have a working knowledge of manufacturing tools and procedures? Are you detail-oriented with the ability to organize and prioritize? Do you like trouble shooting and ...

Gerdau

Refractory Operator

Petersburg, VA

$24.60/hr

Refractory Operator Do you have a working knowledge of manufacturing tools and procedures? Are you detail-oriented with the ability to organize and prioritize? Do you like trouble shooting and ...

Commercial Metals Company

Refractory Operator

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$16.75 - $22/hr

Whether you will spend your day brainstorming in an office cubicle, operating a crane, running manufacturing equipment or troubleshooting technical obstacles, at CMC, you'll get the training and ...

Commercial Metals Company

Refractory Operator

Martinsburg, WV · On-site

$15.25 - $18.25/hr

Whether you will spend your day brainstorming in an office cubicle, operating a crane, running manufacturing equipment or troubleshooting technical obstacles, at CMC, you'll get the training and ...

Gerdau

Refractory Technician

Monroe, MI

Support refractory inventories, material tracking, and usage reporting ... Provide technical guidance and training to operators and maintenance personnel. Participate in ...

Gerdau

Refractory Technician

Monroe, MI · On-site

... operators and maintenance personnel. • Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and cost reduction projects. Qualifications • 5 years of experience in refractory installation ...

Metallus

Refractory Engineer Professional I

Canton, OH · On-site

$77K - $102K/yr

Purpose This role supports the advancement of refractory performance, reliability, and cost efficiency across all operating facilities. The incumbent will assist in the evaluation, selection ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsRefractory Operator Jobs

Refractory Operator information

See salary details

$12

$18

$23

How much do refractory operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for refractory operator in the United States is $18.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a refractory worker do?

A refractory operator is responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining refractory materials that line high-temperature industrial furnaces and kilns. They handle tasks such as mixing, applying, and inspecting refractory linings to ensure proper insulation and safety, often working with specialized tools and following safety protocols. The role requires knowledge of heat-resistant materials and adherence to safety standards in a manufacturing or processing environment.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A refractory operator can potentially earn around $10,000 a month with experience and overtime, especially in industrial or manufacturing settings. These roles often require technical skills, safety training, and familiarity with heavy machinery but typically do not require a college degree.

What is the difference between Refractory Operator vs Furnace Operator?

AspectRefractory OperatorFurnace Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety training, sometimes certifications in refractory installationHigh school diploma, safety training, often certifications in furnace operation
Work EnvironmentFactories, plants handling refractory materials, high-temperature areasIndustrial furnaces, metal or chemical manufacturing facilities
Industry UsageConstruction, steel, cement, glass industriesMetallurgy, chemical processing, manufacturing

Refractory Operators focus on installing, maintaining, and repairing refractory materials to withstand high temperatures, often working in construction or manufacturing environments. Furnace Operators primarily operate and monitor industrial furnaces in manufacturing settings. While both roles require safety training and similar certifications, their specific tasks and work environments differ, with Refractory Operators specializing in refractory materials and Furnace Operators managing furnace operations.

Did the US lose 33,000 jobs in June?

The job market for refractory operators and similar manufacturing roles can fluctuate monthly, but there is no specific evidence that the US lost exactly 33,000 jobs in June. Employment reports from the Bureau of Labor Statistics provide detailed monthly data, which should be consulted for accurate figures. Refractory operators typically work in industrial settings where employment trends depend on manufacturing activity and economic conditions.

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

To thrive as a Refractory Operator, you need a solid understanding of materials handling, furnace operations, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or vocational training. Familiarity with industrial equipment, temperature control systems, and basic maintenance tools is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong problem-solving abilities are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring efficient, safe, and high-quality refractory processes in demanding industrial environments.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Refractory operators typically do not earn $2000 a day; such high daily wages are usually associated with specialized roles like executive positions, certain consulting jobs, or highly skilled contractors in industries such as oil and gas, finance, or technology. These roles often require extensive experience, certifications, or working in high-risk environments with premium pay structures.

What are Refractory Operators?

Refractory Operators are skilled workers responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing refractory materials—heat-resistant materials used to line furnaces, kilns, reactors, and other high-temperature processing equipment. Their duties include preparing surfaces, mixing and applying refractory materials, and inspecting linings for wear and damage. They play a crucial role in industries such as steel, glass, cement, and petrochemicals, where equipment must withstand extreme temperatures. Safety awareness and attention to detail are essential in this role because incorrect installation can lead to equipment failure or workplace hazards.

What are the typical challenges faced by a Refractory Operator during furnace maintenance, and how are they addressed?

Refractory Operators often face challenges such as working in high-temperature environments, handling heavy and abrasive materials, and ensuring the proper installation and repair of refractory linings. These tasks require strict adherence to safety protocols, careful attention to detail, and frequent collaboration with maintenance and engineering teams. Operators address these challenges by using specialized protective equipment, following established procedures, and participating in regular safety and technical training to maintain efficiency and minimize downtime.
More about Refractory Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Refractory Operator jobs? Cities with the most Refractory Operator job openings:
What states have the most Refractory Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Refractory Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Refractory Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Refractory Operator jobs are:
Refractory Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Refractory Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,827 per year, or $18.2 per hour.
Refractory Operator

Refractory Operator

Gerdau

Petersburg, VA • On-site

$24.60/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted yesterday

Gerdau rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

186th of 518 rated manufacturers

Job description

Refractory Operator
Do you have a working knowledge of manufacturing tools and procedures? Are you detail-oriented with the ability to organize and prioritize? Do you like trouble shooting and solving problems? Join us as we build the future and the Gerdau We Are Creating.
Potential Earnings of $78000 / year which includes production bonus and biweekly hourly pay ( $21.16 hr after 90 days goes to $24.60 hr)
We Have:
  • A strong global presence with mills that transform millions of metric tons of raw material to produce steel beams, flat-rolled steel, merchant bar, rebar, spikes, and wire used by the auto industry, appliance, construction, machinery, and equipment industries.
  • A culture that welcomes diversity, encourages innovation and creates products that serve humanity.
  • An environment that values teamwork, safety, and sustainability.
  • A commitment to continuous improvement and the belief that we can create a better future for our employees and our global community by investing in people, processes, and technology.

We Offer:
  • Comprehensive Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision Plans - Eligible upon 1st day of hire
  • Health & Dependent Care (Flexible Spending Account)
  • 100% Matching 401K up to 6%
  • Life/Accidental Life Insurance
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Bonuses
  • Health Advocate Services
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Tuition Reimbursement Program
  • Career Path System and Training
  • An empowering and open culture with the opportunity to grow and create

Your Qualifications:
  • Must pass entrance exam.
  • 1-3 years industrial/manufacturing experience. Brick Mason experience a plus.
  • Ability to work Monday - Friday, 4am to 1pm with some overtime and could involve occasional weekend work.
  • General math skills, advanced problem solving, analytical skills, use charts, schedules, computer and touch screens in addition to follow instructions.
  • Ability to use adjustable controls in regulating the continuous process through interpretation of measuring instruments and gauges.
  • Ability and willingness to work as part of a self-directed team with limited supervision.
  • People leadership skills and ability to lead by example

Your Purpose:
Plan, lay out, and perform all operations necessary to lay brick and refractory in order to build, rebuild, and re-line ladles, electric-arc furnaces, roofs, tundishes, and other steel-making vessels.
Your Work:
  • Complete a range of duties that are highly repetitive and routine in nature in order to properly and effectively lay refractory brick to build, rebuild, re-line, or patch electric-arc furnaces, ladles, tundishes, and other steel-making vessels.
  • Operate pendant crane as needed to move refractory material to and from storage area.
  • Cut brick to size using pneumatic tools to ram material, walls, tundishes, and other areas as required.
  • Remove burned or damaged brick and clean surface of vessel using sledgehammer, pry bar, brick hammer, and/or pneumatic chipping gun.
  • Spread or spray refractories over exposed bricks to protect bricks against deterioration by heat using a trowel or gunning machine.
  • Perform refractory work at the Furnace.
  • Assemble and disassemble ladle slide gate and/or tundish slide gate for maintenance inspection.
  • Perform minor burning with torch, lance, and welding as needed.
  • Support trialing of new refractory products.
  • Operate mobile equipment to lift and transport materials including loaders, cranes, man-lifts, brick-lift, and forklifts.
  • Ensure daily preventative maintenance is performed on vehicles and mobile equipment, which may include fueling, cleaning, and checking/adding fluids as needed.
  • Follow all PPE requirements and safety rules and guidelines for all tasks being performed.
  • Assist in training of coworkers as needed.
  • Maintain communication with coworkers through two-way radio and hand signals.
  • Maintain work areas and equipment in clean and orderly condition.
  • Assist maintenance personnel as needed.

#LI-CM1
Gerdau believes in equal employment opportunity related to all employees and applicants for employment. It is the policy of Gerdau that there will be no discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
If you are vision-impaired or have some other disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act / Accessible Canada Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to applying for employment at Gerdau, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team at (866)-788-2798 or recruiting@gerdau.com

What Gerdau employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply