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Refractory Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

HarbisonWalker International

Operator

Fulton, MO

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

... operating various machinery/equipment in the production process and/or removing finished product ... Essential Functions/Responsibilities Loading, processing, finishing, and packaging of refractory ...

JW Hicks

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Production Manager

Plymouth, IN · On-site

$65K - $90K/yr

... refractory shape production. Job Responsibilities: • Develop, maintain, and direct continual improvement of operating practices and procedures in manufacturing process. • Develop, implement and ...

Calderys

Operator

Fulton, MO · On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

... operating various machinery/equipment in the production process and/or removing finished product ... Essential Functions/Responsibilities Loading, processing, finishing, and packaging of refractory ...

HWI

Operator

Fulton, MO · On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

... operating various machinery/equipment in the production process and/or removing finished product ... Essential Functions/Responsibilities Loading, processing, finishing, and packaging of refractory ...

JW Hicks

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Manufacturing Area Manager

Knox, IN · On-site

$65K - $90K/yr

... refractory shape production. Job Responsibilities: • Develop, maintain, and direct continual improvement of operating practices and procedures in manufacturing process. • Develop, implement and ...

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Bulk Equipment Corp.

Operating Technician

Memphis, TN · On-site

Responsible for the safe operation of refractory Tearout equipment including, but not limitedto, LAG, Gradall, and KT Grant machines * Complete pre-shift inspections before operating equipment and ...

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Integrity Staffing Solutions

Grinder Operator

Inola, OK · On-site

$15/hr

Must have at least 6 months steel shop experience or relatable experience (farmhand, construction, remodeling, industrial paint or insulation, refractory work, etc.), must be able to read a tape ...

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washingtonmills

Machine Operator

Sun Prairie, WI

$16.50 - $19.75/hr

Machine Operator Position type: Full-Time, Hourly Location: Sun Prairie, WI Ask Yourself This... Do ... and refractory grains and powders. Serving thousands of customers and offering the broadest ...

washingtonmills

Machine Operator

Sun Prairie, WI

$16.50 - $19.75/hr

Machine Operator Position type: Full-Time, Hourly Location: Sun Prairie, WI Ask Yourself This... Do ... and refractory grains and powders. Serving thousands of customers and offering the broadest ...

washingtonmills

Machine Operator

Sun Prairie, WI · On-site

$16.50 - $19.75/hr

Machine Operator Position type: Full-Time, Hourly Location: Sun Prairie, WI Ask Yourself This... Do ... and refractory grains and powders. Serving thousands of customers and offering the broadest ...

O-I

Furnace Design Engineer

Perrysburg, OH

... operating and maintenance support for the applicable systems to the facilities. Responsible for complex and significant projects using considerable engineering expertise in furnace and refractory ...

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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.
Operator

Operator

HarbisonWalker International

Fulton, MO

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

HarbisonWalker International rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Scope of Responsibility

The Manufacturing Production Technician is a strong team player that works in a flexible environment that may have him/her preparing for the production process, operating various machinery/equipment in the production process and/or removing finished product from production and storing or loading the product for shipment.  The Production Technician performs his/her duties and makes decisions in a manner that ensures production schedules, quality and safety goals are being achieved.  There are four areas of specialization for the MPT; furnace operation, maintenance specialist, lift truck specialist and general operations.   

Essential Functions/Responsibilities

Loading, processing, finishing, and packaging of refractory materials

Set up and operation of equipment and machinery to support the production processes, and operating transport machinery to deliver materials to presses on the production line and finished goods into storage and/or trailers for shipment

Maintain the quality of the product by following set guidelines ensuring the product remains within tolerance established for customers.  In addition, the Manufacturing Production Technician maintains a clean & safe work environment as well as maintaining professional working relationships with co-workers

Auditing and observing manufacturing process to ensure products meets or exceeds quality standards; owning Quality Control compliance for assigned working area and keeping appropriate logs

Operating and programing furnaces, scales, and all packaging equipment

Performing preventative and minor maintenance repairs to all process and packaging equipment

Operating transport machinery to deliver materials to all parts of the processing/packing operation; operating lift trucks to transport materials throughout the plant and to load shipments

Transferring bag/supersacks

Education / Skills / Knowledge

  • Requires high school diploma
  • Basic computer skills: ability to enter data into a computer and navigate software; MS Office experience a plus
  • Previous forklift experience preferred
  • Strong reading and math comprehension
  • Understanding of basic safety/OSHA standards
  • Mechanical aptitude
  • Requires interpersonal skills in dealing with coworkers, contractors, and vendors

Physical and Environmental Requirements

  •  Physical Activity: Requires more than 2/3 of the time standing, walking, using hands and fingers, reaching, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, speaking, hearing, tasting or smelling; requires less than 1/3 of the time sitting.
  • Lifting: Requires lifting up to 10 pounds more than 2/3 of the time; and lifting more than 100 pounds less than 1/3 of the time.
  • Vision: Requires accurate close, distance, color and peripheral vision, including the ability to adjust focus and use peripheral vision.
  • Environment:  Requires more than 2/3 of the time working near moving mechanical parts, and being exposed to fumes, airborne particles and outdoor weather conditions; 1/3 to 2/3 of the time in wet or humid conditions, in extreme heat or cold, and exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals; and less than 1/3 of the time in an office setting, in high places, at risk of electrical shock and near vibration.
  • Noise: Requires working in very loud conditions (over 85 decibels).


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