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Refractory Jobs (NOW HIRING)

HWI

Refractory Technician

Middletown, OH · On-site

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 ...

HWI

Refractory Technician

Middletown, OH · On-site

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 ...

Wabtec

Refractory Technician

Charleroi, PA · On-site

$35.24/hr

As a refractory technician, you will be responsible for the preparation, installation, and finishing of refractory linings used in our combustion burners. This includes preparing molds, mixing and ...

Thermal Specialties

Refractory Laborer

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$13.75 - $17.25/hr

Refractory Field Services Laborer Thermal Specialties is looking for a Refractory Field Services Laborer for our Construction Services division in Tulsa, OK. Thermal Specialties is a family owned ...

Calderys

Refractory Technician

Middletown, OH · On-site

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 ...

HWI

Refractory Technician

Reading, PA · On-site

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 ...

Calderys

Refractory Technician

Middletown, OH · On-site

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 ...

HRT Solutions

Refractory Technician

Middletown, OH · On-site

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 ...

Thermal Specialties

Refractory Technician

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

Thermal Specialties is looking for a Refractory Technician for our Construction Services division in Tulsa, OK. Thermal Specialties is a family owned custom manufacturer and service organization. We ...

Thermal Specialties

Refractory Technician

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

Thermal Specialties is looking for a Refractory Technician for our Construction Services division in Tulsa, OK. Thermal Specialties is a family owned custom manufacturer and service organization. We ...

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 ...

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Refractory information

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How much do refractory jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for refractory in the United States is $17.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a refractory?

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 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 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 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 refractory jobs?

Refractory jobs involve installing, repairing, and maintaining heat-resistant materials such as bricks, linings, and insulation in high-temperature environments like furnaces, kilns, and reactors. Workers in this field need knowledge of materials, safety protocols, and often require specialized certifications. These jobs typically require physical labor and working in industrial settings with strict safety standards.
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Refractory jobs near you
Infographic showing various Refractory job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,442 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Refractory Technician

Reading, PA • On-site

HarbisonWalker International
Ceramic, Glass, Cement Product Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about HarbisonWalker Internationalexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

HarbisonWalker International rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 11 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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