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Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders Salary in California

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders make in California?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$45,300
Median Annual Salary
▲ +2.2% vs 2024
$47,960
Mean Salary
$45,300
Median Salary
$21.78
Hourly Rate
900 people work as Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders in California

Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders salary by percentile in California

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders salary in California — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders in California.10thBottom 10% earn less than $36,430$36,43025th25% earn less than $37,440$37,440MedianHalf earn more than $45,300$45,30075th75% earn less than $54,910$54,91090thTop 10% earn more than $64,460$64,460

Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders in California earn a median salary of $45,300 per year ($3,775/month). This is 11.2% below the national average of $50,993. California ranks #34 out of 43 states for Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders pay. Approximately 900 people work in this occupation across California. Salaries increased by 2.2% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders

Operate or tend heating equipment other than basic metal, plastic, or food processing equipment. Includes activities such as annealing glass, drying lumber, curing rubber, removing moisture from materials, or boiling soap.

Top Skills

Operations Monitoring
3.88
Reading Comprehension
3.12
Active Listening
3.12
Speaking
3.12
Critical Thinking
3.12

Key Knowledge Areas

Mechanical
3.52
Production and Processing
3.21
Public Safety and Security
3.13
Computers and Electronics
2.97
English Language
2.84
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent (55.9% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders in California

Salaries for Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders in California range from $36,430 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $64,460 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $37,440 and $54,910.

Median $45,300
P10: $36,430 P25: $37,440 P75: $54,910 P90: $64,460
10th
$36,430
25th
$37,440
Median
$45,300
75th
$54,910
90th
$64,460
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $36,430 $17.51 $3,035
25th Percentile $37,440 $18.00 $3,120
Median (50th) $45,300 $21.78 $3,775
75th Percentile $54,910 $26.40 $4,575
90th Percentile (Experienced) $64,460 $30.99 $5,371

Note: The mean (average) salary of $47,960 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#34
California ranks #34 of 43 states
$50,993
National avg. for Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders
-11.2%
vs. national average
Below Average

What does this salary really buy? See Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders salary in California adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders take-home pay in California after taxes →

Explore Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders Data in California

Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders Salary by State

Compare Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders make in California?
The median annual salary for Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders in California is $45,300 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $47,960.
What is the salary range for a Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders in California?
Salaries for Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders in California range from $36,430 at the 10th percentile to $64,460 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $37,440 and $54,910.
What is the starting salary for a Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders in California?
Entry-level Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders positions in California typically start around $36,430 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $37,440 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 900 people are employed as Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders in California is approximately $21.78 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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