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Refractory Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Summary The Refractory Technician is a customer facing, labor-intensive position skilled in lining, relining and repairing furnaces, ladles, and tundishes. This position is located at our customer ...

Summary The Refractory Technician is a customer facing, labor-intensive position skilled in lining, relining and repairing furnaces, ladles, and tundishes. This position is located at our customer ...

Summary The Refractory Support Specialist I represents HarbisonWalker International as an on-site and first call technical liaison servicing one or two accounts and receives direction from customer ...

Shipping Coordinator

South Point, OH · On-site

$14.75 - $19/hr

The Shipping Coordinator requires zero (0) - two (2) years of inventory and shipping experience, preferably in a refractory operation. * Requires computer operation skills including, proficiency in ...

Furnace and refractory design and operations engineer for glass melting furnaces for container glass manufacturing facilities in a global environment. Provide furnace audits and campaign life ...

Furnace and refractory design and operations engineer for glass melting furnaces for container glass manufacturing facilities in a global environment. Provide furnace audits and campaign life ...

Furnace and refractory design and operations engineer for glass melting furnaces for container glass manufacturing facilities in a global environment. Provide furnace audits and campaign life ...

Shipping Coordinator

South Point, OH · On-site

$14.75 - $19/hr

The Shipping Coordinator requires zero (0) - two (2) years of inventory and shipping experience, preferably in a refractory operation. * Requires computer operation skills including, proficiency in ...

Develop, optimize, and scale refractory ceramic forming processes - particularly casting, pressing, and extrusion - from concept and laboratory to production environments. * Evaluate and qualify new ...

Manufacturing Production Technician

Windham, OH · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Summary The Manufacturing Production Technician contributes to the success of HWI through the safe manufacturing of refractory products, this includes the forming, finishing, and packaging of ...

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Refractory information

See Ohio salary details

$10

$16

$22

How much do refractory jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for refractory in Ohio is $16.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.62 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What kind of job is refractory?

A refractory worker specializes in installing, repairing, and maintaining refractory materials used to line high-temperature industrial furnaces, kilns, and reactors. The job requires knowledge of heat-resistant materials, safety protocols, and often involves working in industrial or construction environments, sometimes with specialized tools and protective gear.

What are the common challenges faced by refractory technicians in industrial environments?

Refractory technicians often work in high-temperature industrial settings, such as steel mills or power plants, where they are responsible for installing and maintaining heat-resistant materials. One common challenge is working in confined or elevated spaces, sometimes under time constraints during plant shutdowns. The role requires strict adherence to safety protocols due to the risk of heat exposure and heavy equipment. Collaboration with engineers and other trades is frequent to ensure that installations meet precise specifications and operational standards.

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

To thrive as a Refractory Technician, you need a solid understanding of materials science, refractory installation techniques, and often a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with tools such as mixers, trowels, and specialized equipment for installing and maintaining refractory linings is typical, along with safety certifications like OSHA. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure the safe and effective installation and maintenance of refractory materials, which are critical for the integrity and efficiency of high-temperature industrial operations.

What is a refractory job?

A refractory job involves working with refractory materials, which are heat-resistant substances used to line furnaces, kilns, and reactors. Refractory workers install, repair, and maintain these materials in high-temperature industrial environments, often requiring knowledge of specialized tools and safety protocols.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

Refractory specialists typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are usually found in executive roles, specialized medical professions, or high-level corporate positions. Certain executive roles in industries like finance, law, or technology can reach or exceed this income level, often requiring advanced skills, extensive experience, and leadership responsibilities.

What are refractory workers?

Refractory workers are skilled tradespeople who install, repair, and maintain materials that are resistant to heat, such as firebrick, ceramic, and other heat-resistant materials. These materials are commonly used to line furnaces, kilns, incinerators, and reactors in industries like steel, glass, and power generation. Refractory workers ensure that these linings are installed correctly to protect equipment from extreme temperatures and wear. Their work is critical for maintaining the safety and efficiency of high-temperature industrial processes.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Refractory jobs, such as specialized construction or industrial maintenance roles, can pay around $4,000 weekly for experienced workers, especially those with skills in high-temperature materials, safety protocols, and heavy equipment operation. These positions often require on-the-job training, certifications, or apprenticeships rather than formal degrees.

What Are Refractory Jobs?

Refractory jobs involve working with refractory materials and equipment, such as a furnace, broiler, and kiln. Common job titles include refractory technician, refractory worker, and refractory bricklayer. A refractory technician designs high-temperature equipment and heating structures using heat-resistant elements such as minerals, ceramic, and brick components. A refractory worker aids in the construction and repair of refractory equipment. A refractory bricklayer or refractory mason also works to build ovens and other structures for containing heated materials such as molten metal. Masons bond bricks or other equipment with specialized mortar.

What is the difference between Refractory vs Mason?

AspectRefractoryMason
Required CredentialsTrade certifications, safety trainingTrade certifications, safety training
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, construction sitesConstruction sites, buildings
Industry UsageManufacturing, heavy industryConstruction, renovation

Refractory workers specialize in installing and repairing heat-resistant materials in industrial settings, while masons focus on building and repairing structures like walls and pavements. Both roles require similar certifications and often work in construction or industrial environments, but their specific tasks and materials differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Refractory jobs in Ohio? The most popular types of Refractory jobs in Ohio are:
What are popular job titles related to Refractory jobs in Ohio? For Refractory jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Ohio are hiring for Refractory jobs? Cities in Ohio with the most Refractory job openings:
Infographic showing various Refractory job openings in Ohio as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,645 per year, or $16.7 per hour.
Refractory Technician

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


HarbisonWalker International rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

HWI has a fantastic opportunity to join our Value Added Services Team as a Refractory Technician.
Summary
The Refractory Technician is a customer facing, labor-intensive position skilled in lining, relining and repairing furnaces, ladles, and tundishes. This position is located at our customer sites and has an individual responsibility to maintain a clean and safe work environment and for the quality of their refractory installation and following their Lead's work instructions. 

Responsibilities
  • Reading and interpreting refractory lining drawings; using brick saw and bricklaying equipment to lay brick up in ladles, furnaces, tundishes, etc.- handle bricks by hand for multiple hours at a time - perform plug changes, repair slide gates, etc.; teaching installation procedures to and providing guidance to correct procedures
  • Performing all types of refractory installation methods, including gunite, pouring, ramming, pumping, ceramic fiber and firebrick installation
  • Assisting in the cleaning and preparing ladles, furnaces, tundishes, etc for repair, relining and fabrication
  • Assisting with post mortem tear outs and accurately documenting findings
  • Performing preventive and general maintenance tasks on tools and refractory equipment; documenting the preventative maintenance
  • Performing spare parts and tool inventory count to ensure site specific standards are maintained; completing detailed inventory usage reports at the end of shift
  • Observing and promoting safety and 5'S standards; complying with established facility safety policies and procedures, and other regulations as applicable; participating in daily safety tool box talks and monthly trainings; maintaining a safe and clean working environment.

Requirements
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Ability to safely use brick saw and bricklaying equipment to lay brick
  • Requires working knowledge of refractory lined units
  • Ability to safely operate a jib crane and ensure the rigging of the load is correct
  • Ability to safely operate a forklift
  • Ability to safely operate various hand and electrical tools
  • Ability to read, understand and work in conformity with work orders, as directed
  • Ability to detect and correct unsafe or hazardous conditions of equipment and work environment
  • Organized individual with emphasis on quality
  • Requires fundamental computer skills, experience in excel a plus

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, or smelling; requires less than 1/3 of the time sitting.
  • Lifting:  Requires lifting up to 75 pounds more than 2/3 of the time. (23 KG for CAD JD)
  • Vision:  Requires accurate close, distance, color and peripheral vision and depth perception, including the ability to adjust focus.
  • 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.  May require wearing respirators, hearing protection, and/or other safety equipment.
  • Noise:  Requires working in very loud conditions (over 85 decibels).

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