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Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders Salary in Illinois

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders make in Illinois?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$51,020
Median Annual Salary
▼ -5.9% vs 2024
$52,660
Mean Salary
$51,020
Median Salary
$24.53
Hourly Rate
590 people work as Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders in Illinois

Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders salary by percentile in Illinois

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

Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders salary in Illinois — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders in Illinois.10thBottom 10% earn less than $44,130$44,13025th25% earn less than $47,520$47,520MedianHalf earn more than $51,020$51,02075th75% earn less than $59,350$59,35090thTop 10% earn more than $63,180$63,180

Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders in Illinois earn a median salary of $51,020 per year ($4,251/month). This is 6.8% below the national average of $54,747. Illinois ranks #23 out of 36 states for Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders pay. Approximately 590 people work in this occupation across Illinois. Salaries decreased by 5.9% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders

Operate or tend furnaces, such as gas, oil, coal, electric-arc or electric induction, open-hearth, or oxygen furnaces, to melt and refine metal before casting or to produce specified types of steel.

Top Skills

Operations Monitoring
3.88
Operation and Control
3.75
Monitoring
3.62
Reading Comprehension
3.0
Active Listening
3.0

Key Knowledge Areas

Production and Processing
4.01
Mechanical
3.66
Public Safety and Security
3.2
Administration and Management
3.17
Education and Training
3.0

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

Salary Range: Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders in Illinois

Salaries for Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders in Illinois range from $44,130 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $63,180 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $47,520 and $59,350.

Median $51,020
P10: $44,130 P25: $47,520 P75: $59,350 P90: $63,180
10th
$44,130
25th
$47,520
Median
$51,020
75th
$59,350
90th
$63,180
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $44,130 $21.22 $3,677
25th Percentile $47,520 $22.85 $3,960
Median (50th) $51,020 $24.53 $4,251
75th Percentile $59,350 $28.53 $4,945
90th Percentile (Experienced) $63,180 $30.38 $5,265

Note: The mean (average) salary of $52,660 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#23
Illinois ranks #23 of 36 states
$54,747
National avg. for Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders
-6.8%
vs. national average
Below Average

What does this salary really buy? See Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders salary in Illinois adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders take-home pay in Illinois after taxes →

Explore Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders Data in Illinois

Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders Salary by State

Compare Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders make in Illinois?
The median annual salary for Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders in Illinois is $51,020 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $52,660.
What is the salary range for a Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders in Illinois?
Salaries for Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders in Illinois range from $44,130 at the 10th percentile to $63,180 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $47,520 and $59,350.
What is the starting salary for a Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders in Illinois?
Entry-level Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders positions in Illinois typically start around $44,130 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $47,520 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders in Illinois?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 590 people are employed as Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders in Illinois.
What is the hourly rate for a Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders in Illinois?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders in Illinois is approximately $24.53 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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