# 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.
- **Entity Type:** role
- **Schema Version:** role.v1
- **Soc Code:** 51-4051.00
- **Summary:** 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.

## Aliases

- Central Melt Specialist
- Furnace Operator
- Melter
- Vacuum Melter
- Arc and Argon Oxygen Decarburization Melter (ARC and AOD Melter)
- Automatic Furnace Operator
- Control Room Operator
- Electric Melt Operator
- Melt Room Operator
- Vessel Operator
- Backbreaker
- Bessemer Converter Blower

## Tasks

| Text | Type | Iwa |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Regulate supplies of fuel and air, or control flow of electric current and water coolant to heat furnaces and adjust temperatures. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.i |
| Draw smelted metal samples from furnaces or kettles for analysis, and calculate types and amounts of materials needed to ensure that materials meet specifications. | Core | 4.A.2.b.1.h |
| Prepare material to load into furnaces, including cleaning, crushing, or applying chemicals, by using crushing machines, shovels, rakes, or sprayers. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.1.h |
| Weigh materials to be charged into furnaces, using scales. | Core | 4.A.1.b.3.a |
| Record production data, and maintain production logs. | Core | 4.A.3.b.6.h |
| Observe air and temperature gauges or metal color and fluidity, and turn fuel valves or adjust controls to maintain required temperatures. | Core | 4.A.1.a.2.a |
| Operate controls to move or discharge metal workpieces from furnaces. | Core | 4.A.3.a.3.h |
| Inspect furnaces and equipment to locate defects and wear. | Core | 4.A.1.b.2.g |
| Drain, transfer, or remove molten metal from furnaces, and place it into molds, using hoists, pumps, or ladles. | Core | 4.A.3.a.1.f |
| Remove impurities from the surface of molten metal, using strainers. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.2.m |
| Kindle fires, and shovel fuel and other materials into furnaces or onto conveyors by hand, with hoists, or by directing crane operators. | Core | 4.A.3.a.1.f |
| Observe operations inside furnaces, using television screens, to ensure that problems do not occur. | Supplemental | 4.A.1.a.2.a |

## Emerging Tasks


## Activities

| Name | Iwa |
| --- | --- |
| Calculate specific material, equipment, or labor requirements for production. | 4.A.2.b.1.h |
| Collect samples of materials or products for testing. | 4.A.3.a.2.b |
| Place materials into molds. | 4.A.3.a.1.f |
| Record operational or production data. | 4.A.3.b.6.h |
| Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment. | 4.A.3.a.3.h |
| Measure ingredients or substances to be used in production processes. | 4.A.1.b.3.a |
| Adjust equipment controls to regulate gas flow. | 4.A.3.a.2.i |
| Adjust equipment controls to regulate coolant flow. | 4.A.3.a.2.i |
| Adjust flow of electricity to tools or production equipment. | 4.A.3.a.2.i |
| Inspect production equipment. | 4.A.1.b.2.g |
| Monitor instruments to ensure proper production conditions. | 4.A.1.a.2.a |
| Adjust temperature controls of ovens or other heating equipment. | 4.A.3.a.2.i |
| Watch operating equipment to detect malfunctions. | 4.A.1.a.2.a |
| Skim impurities from molten metal. | 4.A.3.a.2.m |
| Load materials into production equipment. | 4.A.3.a.1.f |
| Ignite fuel to activate heating equipment. | 4.A.3.a.2.m |
| Signal others to coordinate work activities. | 4.A.4.b.1.b |
| Direct operational or production activities. | 4.A.4.b.4.j |
| Clean materials to prepare them for production. | 4.A.3.a.1.h |
| Clean production equipment. | 4.A.3.a.1.c |

## Capabilities

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Production and Processing | knowledge | 4.01 |
| Operations Monitoring | transferable_skill | 3.88 |
| Control Precision | ability | 3.88 |
| Operation and Control | transferable_skill | 3.75 |
| Problem Sensitivity | ability | 3.75 |
| Manual Dexterity | ability | 3.75 |
| Near Vision | ability | 3.75 |
| Mechanical | knowledge | 3.66 |
| Monitoring | essential_skill | 3.62 |
| Arm-Hand Steadiness | ability | 3.62 |
| Reaction Time | ability | 3.62 |
| Selective Attention | ability | 3.38 |
| Information Ordering | ability | 3.25 |
| Multilimb Coordination | ability | 3.25 |
| Public Safety and Security | knowledge | 3.2 |
| Administration and Management | knowledge | 3.17 |
| Deductive Reasoning | ability | 3.12 |
| Perceptual Speed | ability | 3.12 |
| Rate Control | ability | 3.12 |
| Static Strength | ability | 3.12 |
| Extent Flexibility | ability | 3.12 |
| Depth Perception | ability | 3.12 |
| Hearing Sensitivity | ability | 3.12 |
| Reading Comprehension | essential_skill | 3 |
| Active Listening | essential_skill | 3 |
| Speaking | essential_skill | 3 |
| Critical Thinking | essential_skill | 3 |
| Complex Problem Solving | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Quality Control Analysis | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Education and Training | knowledge | 3 |
| Oral Expression | ability | 3 |
| Inductive Reasoning | ability | 3 |
| Flexibility of Closure | ability | 3 |
| Finger Dexterity | ability | 3 |
| Response Orientation | ability | 3 |
| Trunk Strength | ability | 3 |
| Visual Color Discrimination | ability | 3 |
| Glare Sensitivity | ability | 3 |
| Auditory Attention | ability | 3 |
| Active Learning | essential_skill | 2.88 |

## Skills

| Name | Type |
| --- | --- |
| Information Ordering | Specialized Skill |
| Depth Perception | Common Skill |
| Deductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Reading Comprehension | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Excel | Common Skill |
| Inductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Finger Dexterity | Common Skill |
| Critical Thinking | Common Skill |
| Complex Problem Solving | Common Skill |
| Active Listening | Common Skill |
| Visualization | Specialized Skill |
| Time Management | Common Skill |
| Speech Recognition | Specialized Skill |
| Social Perceptiveness | Common Skill |
| Equipment Maintenance | Specialized Skill |
| Active Learning | Common Skill |
| Chemistry | Specialized Skill |
| Writing | Common Skill |
| Equipment Selection | Specialized Skill |
| Mathematics | Common Skill |
| English Language | Common Skill |
| Instructing | Specialized Skill |
| Physics | Specialized Skill |
| Systems Analysis | Specialized Skill |
| Learning Strategies | Specialized Skill |
| Negotiation | Common Skill |
| Telecommunications | Specialized Skill |
| Psychology | Specialized Skill |
| Foreign Language | Common Skill |
| Geography | Specialized Skill |
| Biology | Specialized Skill |
| Installation | Specialized Skill |
| Industrial Control Software | Specialized Skill |

## Tools

| Example | Category | Hot | In Demand |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Microsoft Excel | Spreadsheet software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Office software | Office suite software | yes | no |
| Process control software | Industrial control software | no | no |
| Process safety management software | Data base user interface and query software | no | no |
| Production tracking system software | Inventory management software | no | no |

## Work Context

| Name | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets | 5 |
| Exposed to Contaminants | 4.95 |
| Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings | 4.86 |
| Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures | 4.82 |
| Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable | 4.54 |
| Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | 4.47 |
| Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment | 4.41 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Conditions | 4.27 |
| Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team | 4.18 |
| Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | 4.08 |
| Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | 4.05 |
| Spend Time Standing | 4.04 |
| Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection | 4.04 |
| Health and Safety of Other Workers | 4.03 |
| Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams | 4.02 |
| Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions | 4.01 |
| Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled | 3.94 |
| Freedom to Make Decisions | 3.85 |
| Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | 3.83 |
| Consequence of Error | 3.74 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Equipment | 3.73 |
| Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers | 3.58 |
| Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals | 3.52 |
| Contact With Others | 3.48 |
| Time Pressure | 3.39 |
| Frequency of Decision Making | 3.38 |
| Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body | 3.26 |
| Spend Time Walking or Running | 3.05 |
| Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions | 2.93 |
| Degree of Automation | 2.91 |
| Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People | 2.76 |
| Physical Proximity | 2.71 |
| Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions | 2.66 |
| Telephone Conversations | 2.47 |
| Conflict Situations | 2.47 |
| In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment | 2.43 |
| Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities | 2.37 |
| Exposed to Whole Body Vibration | 2.3 |
| Level of Competition | 2.29 |
| Written Letters and Memos | 2.27 |

## Preparation

- **Job Zone:** 2
- **Job Zone Name:** Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- **Education:** Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- **Experience:** Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- **Svp Range:** (Below 6.0)

### Education Distribution


## Person Fit

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Realistic | career_interest_type | 6.88 |
| Physical/Manual Labor | specific_interest_area | 5.2 |
| Conventional | career_interest_type | 3.97 |
| Mechanics/Electronics | specific_interest_area | 3.07 |
| Dependability | work_style | 3 |
| Engineering | specific_interest_area | 2.85 |
| Investigative | career_interest_type | 2.75 |
| Cautiousness | work_style | 2.5 |
| Transportation/Machine Operation | specific_interest_area | 2.21 |
| Attention to Detail | work_style | 2.16 |
| Physical Science | specific_interest_area | 2.04 |
| Mathematics/Statistics | specific_interest_area | 1.62 |
| Stress Tolerance | work_style | 1.61 |
| Accounting | specific_interest_area | 1.41 |
| Management/Administration | specific_interest_area | 1.41 |
| Human Resources | specific_interest_area | 1.21 |

## Related Roles

| Soc Code | Slug | Title | Tier |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 51-4191.00 | role-51-4191-00 | Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | Primary-Short |
| 51-9051.00 | role-51-9051-00 | Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders | Primary-Short |
| 51-9012.00 | role-51-9012-00 | Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | Primary-Short |
| 51-4122.00 | role-51-4122-00 | Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | Primary-Short |
| 51-9192.00 | role-51-9192-00 | Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders | Primary-Short |
| 51-9041.00 | role-51-9041-00 | Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | Primary-Long |
| 51-4121.00 | role-51-4121-00 | Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers | Primary-Long |
| 51-4072.00 | role-51-4072-00 | Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | Primary-Long |
| 51-9011.00 | role-51-9011-00 | Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders | Primary-Long |
| 51-8021.00 | role-51-8021-00 | Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators | Primary-Long |
| 51-4052.00 | role-51-4052-00 | Pourers and Casters, Metal | Supplemental |
| 51-9193.00 | role-51-9193-00 | Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders | Supplemental |

## Career Clusters

| Cluster | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Advanced Manufacturing | advanced-manufacturing |

## Education Level

- **Category:** High school diploma or equivalent

## Study Programs


## Market

- **Median Wage:** 55770
- **Mean Wage:** 57290
- **Pct10Wage:** 38760
- **Pct25Wage:** 46550
- **Pct75Wage:** 65070
- **Pct90Wage:** 80280
- **Employment:** 20330
- **Area Title:** U.S.

## Industries


### Top

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Median Wage | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector | 19870 | 56220 | 11.81 |
| 42 | 42 | Wholesale Trade | Sector | 280 | 42370 | 0.35 |
| 21 | 21 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | Sector | 110 | 70440 | 1.45 |
| 56 | 56 | Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | Sector | 70 | 53910 |  |
| 339910 | 339910 | Jewelry and Silverware Manufacturing | National industry | 40 | 48990 |  |
| 561320 | 561320 | Temporary Help Services | National industry | 40 | 53740 |  |

### Concentrated

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector | 19870 | 11.81 |
| 21 | 21 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | Sector | 110 | 1.45 |
| 42 | 42 | Wholesale Trade | Sector | 280 | 0.35 |
- **Count:** 6

## Ai Signals

| Source | Label | Score | Scale | Release |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| frey_osborne | Computerization probability | 0.88 | 0-1 probability | 2013-baseline-2016-employment-snapshot |
| felten_aioe | AI occupational exposure | -1.167465 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_image_generation_aioe | Image generation occupational exposure | -0.7556936 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_language_modeling_aioe | Language modeling occupational exposure | -1.303524 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |

## Ai Outlook


### Index

- **Value:** 16
- **Percentile:** 13
- **Band:** Low
- **Version:** ai-exposure-index-v1

#### Components

| Percentile | Source |
| --- | --- |
| 12 | felten_aioe |
| 17 | openai_gpts_are_gpts |
| 20 | microsoft_working_with_ai |
- **Component Count:** 3

### Exposure

| Source | Label | Value | Percentile | Band | Note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| felten_aioe | Overall AI exposure (Felten et al.) | -1.167465 | 12 | Low | How much this job's abilities overlap with what AI systems can do, across many AI capabilities. A relative research score, not a forecast of job loss. |
| eloundou_gamma | LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou) | 0.125 | 17 | Low | Share of this job's tasks where a large language model plus simple tools could cut the time to do them by at least half. γ is capped at 1.0 and many jobs reach that ceiling, so treat a top score as 'in the top group', not a precise rank. |
| microsoft_applicability | AI assistant applicability (Microsoft) | 0.07505226640924506 | 20 | Low | How applicable today's AI assistants are to this job's activities, measured from real Microsoft Copilot conversations. Applicability is not the same as replacement. |

### Frey Historical

- **Source:** frey
- **Label:** Computerization probability (Frey & Osborne, 2013)
- **Value:** 0.88
- **Percentile:** 75
- **Band:** High
- **Note:** A pre-LLM (2013) estimate of how automatable this job is by computerization and robotics. Shown for historical context only — it is not part of any current AI ranking.
- **Teleworkable:** no

### Eloundou

- **Alpha:** 0.08333333333333333
- **Beta:** 0.10416666666666666
- **Gamma:** 0.125

### Usage Tasks


### Bls

- **Growth Percent:** -2.3
- **Growth Percentile:** 18
- **Direction:** Declining
- **Annual Openings Thousands:** 2
- **Annual Openings Percentile:** 27
- **Employment2024Thousands:** 20.8
- **Employment2034Thousands:** 20.3

### Sources

| Source | Version |
| --- | --- |
| bls_employment_projections | 2024-2034 |
| dingel_neiman | dingel-neiman-workathome |
| felten_aioe | felten-raj-seamans-aioe |
| frey_osborne | frey-osborne-automation |
| microsoft_working_with_ai | working-with-ai |
| openai_gpts_are_gpts | gpts-are-gpts |

## Counts

- **Tasks:** 15
- **Skills:** 33
- **Capabilities:** 120
- **Tools:** 5
- **Related Roles:** 20

## Source

- **Dataset:** gold.onet_role_starter_surface
- **Version:** 30.3
- **Generated At:** 2026-06-02T21:00:32.945303+00:00
- **Content Hash:** c7f8fea42cd86ebf