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Refractory Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Commercial Metals Company

Refractory Operator

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$17.50 - $21.25/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 · On-site

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

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 ...

SSAB

Tundish Operator

Mobile, AL · On-site

$17.50 - $23/hr

At SSAB, the Tundish Yard Operator is responsible for the inspection, repair, or replacement of a ... Install all tundish refractory furniture, temp probes, stopper rod, stopper rod mechanism, chop ...

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Refractory Operator information

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$12

$18

$23

How much do refractory operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 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.

Why were 92,000 jobs lost?

Refractory operators, like many manufacturing and industrial roles, experienced job losses due to economic downturns, automation, and shifts in industry demand. These factors can lead to plant closures or reduced production, impacting employment levels in the sector.

What is a refractory worker job description?

A refractory worker is responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining refractory materials that line high-temperature industrial furnaces and kilns. They read blueprints, handle materials safely, and use tools such as trowels, mixers, and cutting equipment. The job often requires physical strength, attention to safety protocols, and knowledge of thermal insulation properties.

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.

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 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 jobs pay $700 a day?

Refractory operators in specialized industrial settings can sometimes earn around $700 per day, especially with overtime, experience, or in high-demand environments. Such roles often require safety training, technical skills, and adherence to strict safety protocols. High-paying industrial or construction jobs may also reach this daily rate for skilled workers with certifications.

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.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Refractory operators can earn around $4,000 per week with experience and overtime, especially in industrial or manufacturing settings. These roles typically require technical skills, safety training, and familiarity with heavy equipment, but often do not require a college degree. High-paying positions in skilled trades or specialized manufacturing can also reach this level without formal higher education.
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 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 41% Physical, 56% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,827 per year, or $18.2 per hour.
Refractory Operator

Refractory Operator

Commercial Metals Company

Martinsburg, WV

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Commercial Metals Company rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

310th of 527 rated manufacturers

Job description

it's what's inside that counts

_______________________________

There's more to CMC than our products and the buildings, structures, and roads they go into. At CMC, it's the people inside our recycling centers, fabrication plants, manufacturing facilities, steel mills and offices that make us who we are as a company. Our success comes from finding, retaining, and supporting the highest quality talent by offering:

  • Day 1 Benefits Coverage with low cost Medical, Vision, Dental
  • Day 1 Paid-time Off and Vacation
  • 4.5% Company Match 401(k) plan
  • $500 Annual Company-paid Lifestyle Benefit
  • Competitive Compensation and Bonuses
  • Company-paid Life and Disability Insurance
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Training and Advancement Opportunities
Why This Job

CMC provides an excellent opportunity to learn the steel, construction reinforcement and ground stabilization industries and to grow in your career. 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 support from your team that you need to excel in your role and reach your full potential.

What You'll Do
  • Participate in the CMC Safety Programs and proactively uphold the CMC Safety Culture
  • Effectively communicate with others about possible production issues, concerns, and needs
  • Ensure equipment inspection reports are filled out each shift
  • Perform minor/routine maintenance or repairs as needed without the assistance of maintenance personnel
  • Responsible for continuous improvement such as suggesting improvements in work methods and procedures
  • Responsible for daily housekeeping duties including but not limited to immediate work area
  • Troubleshoot work related problems using job knowledge, experience, and by communicating with others
  • Understand start up, shutdown, and emergency procedures
  • Assist maintenance personnel when requested or needed
  • Be always alert of unsafe conditionsand report themimmediately
  • Work safely to prevent on the job injuries by always following safety rules and regulations including proper wearing of company PPE
  • Install and repair refractories in steel vessels (furnaces, ladles, and tundishes)
  • Operate heavy equipment: overhead cranes, dig out machine, loader, and forklifts
  • Perform primary maintenance work (change hoses, check oil, torch cutting)
  • Cleans and prepares slide gates, furnaces, roofs, ladles, tundishes, covers, forms, etc for repair and relining and fabrication
  • Cut bricks to size, as required and cut notches or holds to provide for smoke control tap holes, tap mountings, heating elements, etc
  • Ensure that all materials picked up and moved to the processing area are properly handled and located
  • Lays brick up in ladles, roofs, furnaces, tundishes, etc. Handle bricks by hand for multiple hours at a time
  • Mixes mortar and other bonding materials for lining and bricking
  • Operate cutting torch for operational needs
  • Repair or replace fire brick lining of ladles, furnace tap holes and spout
What You'll Need
  • Ability to work as a team player in a fast-paced environment, with excellent strong work ethic, attention to detail, and organizational skills
  • Basic computer skills
  • Dependability in attendance, work completion, and flexibility to meet business needs
  • Must be able to learn quickly and multitask
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs
  • Willingness to work a rotating shift, including weekends and holidays
  • Ability to work overtime as required, including planned schedules and unplanned emergency situations
  • Ability to work in environments with exposure to temperature extremes, chemicals, dust, fumes, mists, uneven surfaces, loud noise, elevated work areas, and confined spaces
  • Install and repair refractories in steel vessels (furnaces, ladles, and tundishes)
Your Education
  • High School Diploma or GED required

We are CMC, a Fortune 500 company at the leading edge of our industry. Our construction reinforcement and steel products have supported construction projects and structures around the world. The secret to our success? We've built our legacy by assembling a team of innovators and doers to tackle some of the most challenging construction reinforcement problems facing our world for more than 100 years - and we're just getting started.

If you're ready to join a team working to make our industry more sustainable, support the bridges, roadways, buildings and infrastructure that connects our communities, and do meaningful work, you're ready to join CMC. Apply today and start moving your career - and our world - forward. Let's build a better world!

CMC is committed to providing equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, citizenship, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, or other status protected by federal, state or local law.

From Fortune Magazine. 2025 Fortune Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license.

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