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Glass and Ceramics Manufacturing
Corning, Owens Corning, Saint-Gobain
Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders
These workers run high-heat machines that dry, bake, cure, or otherwise process materials until they meet spec. The job is distinct because success depends on catching small changes in temperature, pressure, and timing before a batch goes bad. The tradeoff is that the work is hands-on and steady, but it can be hot, repetitive, and unforgiving when equipment drifts out of range.
Also known as Kiln OperatorFurnace OperatorOven OperatorKiln TenderDryer Operator
Median Salary
$47,010
Mean $49,250
U.S. Workforce
~16K
1.9K openings per year
10-Year Growth
+3%
16.5K to 17K
Entry Education
High school diploma or equivalent
+ None experience
What This Role Looks Like in Practice
Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders sits in the Trades category. In practical terms, this role combines day-to-day execution, cross-team coordination, and consistent decision-making under real business constraints.
U.S. employment is currently about ~16K workers, with a median annual pay of $47,010 and roughly 1.9K openings each year. Based on BLS projections, total employment is expected to grow from 16.5 K in 2024 to 17K in 2034.
Most hiring paths start with High school diploma or GED, and employers typically expect none of related experience. Many careers in this track begin around Production Helper and can progress toward Shift Supervisor / Area Lead. High-value skills usually include Operations Monitoring & Control, Temperature, Pressure & Gauge Monitoring, and PLC & HMI Control Panels, paired with soft skills such as Active Listening, Critical Thinking, and Reading Comprehension.
Core Responsibilities
- Move raw materials and finished products around the work area using carts, hand trucks, hoists, or by hand.
- Check samples from the batch, or send samples to a lab, to make sure the material meets the required standard.
- Watch gauges, lights, and control panels for any signs that the equipment is drifting out of range.
- Read work orders and production instructions to figure out what needs to be run, how it should be processed, and when it needs to be finished.
Keep exploring: more Trades careers or browse all job titles.
A Day in the Life
01 Move raw materials and finished products around the work area using carts, hand trucks, hoists, or by hand.
02 Check samples from the batch, or send samples to a lab, to make sure the material meets the required standard.
03 Watch gauges, lights, and control panels for any signs that the equipment is drifting out of range.
04 Read work orders and production instructions to figure out what needs to be run, how it should be processed, and when it needs to be finished.
05 Set and adjust machine controls so the furnace, kiln, oven, dryer, or kettle runs at the right temperature and speed.
06 Write down readings, test results, and production totals, then report malfunctions or other problems to a supervisor.
Industries That Hire
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Metals and Steel Production
U.S. Steel, Nucor, Cleveland-Cliffs
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Food Processing
General Mills, Cargill, Tyson Foods
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Chemicals and Materials
Dow, BASF, DuPont
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Paper and Packaging
International Paper, Georgia-Pacific, Packaging Corporation of America
Pros and Cons
Advantages
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You can get started with a high school diploma or even less, and the job does not require prior work experience.
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The pay is fairly solid for the entry requirements, with a median annual wage of $47,010 and a mean of $49,250.
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Training is usually moderate-term on the job, so you learn the equipment while you are getting paid.
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There are about 1.9K annual openings, so vacancies come up regularly even though overall growth is slow.
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The work is concrete and measurable: you can see whether a batch passed inspection, which appeals to people who like clear results.
Challenges
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Growth is only 3% over 10 years, which means the field adds just 0.5K jobs and most openings come from replacement, not expansion.
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The job can be physically tough: you may be moving materials, standing for long stretches, and working near very hot equipment.
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Pay has a fairly low ceiling unless you move into lead, supervisor, or maintenance work, so long-term earnings can flatten out.
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A missed reading or equipment problem can ruin a batch, so the work can be stressful when schedules are tight or product quality is sensitive.
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Automation and more advanced process controls can reduce the need for hands-on tenders in some plants, which is a real structural risk over time.
Career Progression
Production Helper
0-1 years
$31K-$38K
Supports the line by moving materials, cleaning work areas, and learning basic plant routines.
Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operator
1-4 years
$42K-$52K
Runs processing equipment, checks readings, adjusts controls, and keeps batches within specification.
Senior Operator / Process Lead THIS ROLE
4-8 years
$52K-$63K
Handles more complex runs, helps solve equipment problems, and coaches newer operators.
Shift Supervisor / Area Lead
8+ years
$63K-$78K
Coordinates the crew, manages production flow, and makes sure safety and quality rules are followed.
Education Paths
High school diploma or GED
The most common entry point, held by 55.94% of workers in this role.
Less than a high school diploma with employer training
A substantial share of workers, 21.43%, enter without finishing high school and learn the job through hands-on training.
Post-secondary certificate in industrial maintenance, manufacturing technology, or process operations
Another 15.92% enter with a certificate, which can help with controls, safety, and troubleshooting.
Short-term plant operations or safety certification
A practical alternative for people already working in manufacturing who want to move into furnace, kiln, or oven operation.
Key Skills
Technical
Operations Monitoring & Control 78%
Temperature, Pressure & Gauge Monitoring 62%
PLC & HMI Control Panels 62%
Quality Control Sampling & Testing 60%
Shift Logs, Production Records & Reporting 62%
Material Handling Equipment (Carts, Hoists & Hand Trucks) 58%
Soft Skills
Active ListeningCritical ThinkingReading ComprehensionSpeakingAttention to DetailProblem Solving Job Outlook and Trends
+3%
Projected growth (2024-2034)
1.9K
Annual job openings
Employment is projected to rise from 16.5K to 17 K over the next decade, representing 3% growth. Around 1.9 K openings per year include both newly created roles and replacement hiring from turnover.
Remote availability is currently Rare. Demand remains strongest where employers need practical domain knowledge plus modern workflow and data skills.