entityType = "role"
schemaVersion = "role.v1"
slug = "role-51-4051-00"
socCode = "51-4051.00"
title = "Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders"
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"]
emergingTasks = []
studyPrograms = []

[preparation]
jobZone = "2"
jobZoneName = "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."
svpRange = "(Below 6.0)"
educationDistribution = []

[educationLevel]
category = "High school diploma or equivalent"
slug = "high-school-diploma-or-equivalent"

[market]
medianWage = 55770
meanWage = 57290
pct10Wage = 38760
pct25Wage = 46550
pct75Wage = 65070
pct90Wage = 80280
employment = 20330
areaTitle = "U.S."

[industries]
count = 6

[[industries.top]]
naics = "31-33"
slug = "31-33"
title = "Manufacturing"
level = "Sector"
employment = 19870
medianWage = 56220
lq = 11.81

[[industries.top]]
naics = "42"
slug = "42"
title = "Wholesale Trade"
level = "Sector"
employment = 280
medianWage = 42370
lq = 0.35

[[industries.top]]
naics = "21"
slug = "21"
title = "Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction"
level = "Sector"
employment = 110
medianWage = 70440
lq = 1.45

[[industries.top]]
naics = "56"
slug = "56"
title = "Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services"
level = "Sector"
employment = 70
medianWage = 53910

[[industries.top]]
naics = "339910"
slug = "339910"
title = "Jewelry and Silverware Manufacturing"
level = "National industry"
employment = 40
medianWage = 48990

[[industries.top]]
naics = "561320"
slug = "561320"
title = "Temporary Help Services"
level = "National industry"
employment = 40
medianWage = 53740

[[industries.concentrated]]
naics = "31-33"
slug = "31-33"
title = "Manufacturing"
level = "Sector"
employment = 19870
lq = 11.81

[[industries.concentrated]]
naics = "21"
slug = "21"
title = "Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction"
level = "Sector"
employment = 110
lq = 1.45

[[industries.concentrated]]
naics = "42"
slug = "42"
title = "Wholesale Trade"
level = "Sector"
employment = 280
lq = 0.35

[aiOutlook]
teleworkable = false
usageTasks = []

[aiOutlook.index]
value = 16
percentile = 13
band = "Low"
version = "ai-exposure-index-v1"
componentCount = 3

[[aiOutlook.index.components]]
percentile = 12
source = "felten_aioe"

[[aiOutlook.index.components]]
percentile = 17
source = "openai_gpts_are_gpts"

[[aiOutlook.index.components]]
percentile = 20
source = "microsoft_working_with_ai"

[aiOutlook.freyHistorical]
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."

[aiOutlook.eloundou]
alpha = 0.08333333333333333
beta = 0.10416666666666666
gamma = 0.125

[aiOutlook.bls]
growthPercent = -2.3
growthPercentile = 18
direction = "Declining"
annualOpeningsThousands = 2
annualOpeningsPercentile = 27
employment2024Thousands = 20.8
employment2034Thousands = 20.3

[[aiOutlook.exposure]]
source = "felten_aioe"
label = "Overall AI exposure (Felten et al.)"
value = -1.167465
percentile = 12
band = "Low"
note = "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."

[[aiOutlook.exposure]]
source = "eloundou_gamma"
label = "LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou)"
value = 0.125
percentile = 17
band = "Low"
note = "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."

[[aiOutlook.exposure]]
source = "microsoft_applicability"
label = "AI assistant applicability (Microsoft)"
value = 0.07505226640924506
percentile = 20
band = "Low"
note = "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."

[[aiOutlook.sources]]
source = "bls_employment_projections"
version = "2024-2034"

[[aiOutlook.sources]]
source = "dingel_neiman"
version = "dingel-neiman-workathome"

[[aiOutlook.sources]]
source = "felten_aioe"
version = "felten-raj-seamans-aioe"

[[aiOutlook.sources]]
source = "frey_osborne"
version = "frey-osborne-automation"

[[aiOutlook.sources]]
source = "microsoft_working_with_ai"
version = "working-with-ai"

[[aiOutlook.sources]]
source = "openai_gpts_are_gpts"
version = "gpts-are-gpts"

[counts]
tasks = 15
skills = 33
capabilities = 120
tools = 5
relatedRoles = 20

[source]
dataset = "gold.onet_role_starter_surface"
version = "30.3"
generatedAt = "2026-06-02T21:00:32.945303+00:00"
contentHash = "c7f8fea42cd86ebf"

[[tasks]]
text = "Regulate supplies of fuel and air, or control flow of electric current and water coolant to heat furnaces and adjust temperatures."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.3.a.2.i"

[[tasks]]
text = "Draw smelted metal samples from furnaces or kettles for analysis, and calculate types and amounts of materials needed to ensure that materials meet specifications."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.2.b.1.h"

[[tasks]]
text = "Prepare material to load into furnaces, including cleaning, crushing, or applying chemicals, by using crushing machines, shovels, rakes, or sprayers."
type = "Supplemental"
iwa = "4.A.3.a.1.h"

[[tasks]]
text = "Weigh materials to be charged into furnaces, using scales."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.1.b.3.a"

[[tasks]]
text = "Record production data, and maintain production logs."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.3.b.6.h"

[[tasks]]
text = "Observe air and temperature gauges or metal color and fluidity, and turn fuel valves or adjust controls to maintain required temperatures."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.1.a.2.a"

[[tasks]]
text = "Operate controls to move or discharge metal workpieces from furnaces."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.3.a.3.h"

[[tasks]]
text = "Inspect furnaces and equipment to locate defects and wear."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.1.b.2.g"

[[tasks]]
text = "Drain, transfer, or remove molten metal from furnaces, and place it into molds, using hoists, pumps, or ladles."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.3.a.1.f"

[[tasks]]
text = "Remove impurities from the surface of molten metal, using strainers."
type = "Supplemental"
iwa = "4.A.3.a.2.m"

[[tasks]]
text = "Kindle fires, and shovel fuel and other materials into furnaces or onto conveyors by hand, with hoists, or by directing crane operators."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.3.a.1.f"

[[tasks]]
text = "Observe operations inside furnaces, using television screens, to ensure that problems do not occur."
type = "Supplemental"
iwa = "4.A.1.a.2.a"

[[activities]]
name = "Calculate specific material, equipment, or labor requirements for production."
iwa = "4.A.2.b.1.h"

[[activities]]
name = "Collect samples of materials or products for testing."
iwa = "4.A.3.a.2.b"

[[activities]]
name = "Place materials into molds."
iwa = "4.A.3.a.1.f"

[[activities]]
name = "Record operational or production data."
iwa = "4.A.3.b.6.h"

[[activities]]
name = "Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment."
iwa = "4.A.3.a.3.h"

[[activities]]
name = "Measure ingredients or substances to be used in production processes."
iwa = "4.A.1.b.3.a"

[[activities]]
name = "Adjust equipment controls to regulate gas flow."
iwa = "4.A.3.a.2.i"

[[activities]]
name = "Adjust equipment controls to regulate coolant flow."
iwa = "4.A.3.a.2.i"

[[activities]]
name = "Adjust flow of electricity to tools or production equipment."
iwa = "4.A.3.a.2.i"

[[activities]]
name = "Inspect production equipment."
iwa = "4.A.1.b.2.g"

[[activities]]
name = "Monitor instruments to ensure proper production conditions."
iwa = "4.A.1.a.2.a"

[[activities]]
name = "Adjust temperature controls of ovens or other heating equipment."
iwa = "4.A.3.a.2.i"

[[activities]]
name = "Watch operating equipment to detect malfunctions."
iwa = "4.A.1.a.2.a"

[[activities]]
name = "Skim impurities from molten metal."
iwa = "4.A.3.a.2.m"

[[activities]]
name = "Load materials into production equipment."
iwa = "4.A.3.a.1.f"

[[activities]]
name = "Ignite fuel to activate heating equipment."
iwa = "4.A.3.a.2.m"

[[activities]]
name = "Signal others to coordinate work activities."
iwa = "4.A.4.b.1.b"

[[activities]]
name = "Direct operational or production activities."
iwa = "4.A.4.b.4.j"

[[activities]]
name = "Clean materials to prepare them for production."
iwa = "4.A.3.a.1.h"

[[activities]]
name = "Clean production equipment."
iwa = "4.A.3.a.1.c"

[[capabilities]]
name = "Production and Processing"
family = "knowledge"
value = 4.01

[[capabilities]]
name = "Operations Monitoring"
family = "transferable_skill"
value = 3.88

[[capabilities]]
name = "Control Precision"
family = "ability"
value = 3.88

[[capabilities]]
name = "Operation and Control"
family = "transferable_skill"
value = 3.75

[[capabilities]]
name = "Problem Sensitivity"
family = "ability"
value = 3.75

[[capabilities]]
name = "Manual Dexterity"
family = "ability"
value = 3.75

[[capabilities]]
name = "Near Vision"
family = "ability"
value = 3.75

[[capabilities]]
name = "Mechanical"
family = "knowledge"
value = 3.66

[[capabilities]]
name = "Monitoring"
family = "essential_skill"
value = 3.62

[[capabilities]]
name = "Arm-Hand Steadiness"
family = "ability"
value = 3.62

[[capabilities]]
name = "Reaction Time"
family = "ability"
value = 3.62

[[capabilities]]
name = "Selective Attention"
family = "ability"
value = 3.38

[[capabilities]]
name = "Information Ordering"
family = "ability"
value = 3.25

[[capabilities]]
name = "Multilimb Coordination"
family = "ability"
value = 3.25

[[capabilities]]
name = "Public Safety and Security"
family = "knowledge"
value = 3.2

[[capabilities]]
name = "Administration and Management"
family = "knowledge"
value = 3.17

[[capabilities]]
name = "Deductive Reasoning"
family = "ability"
value = 3.12

[[capabilities]]
name = "Perceptual Speed"
family = "ability"
value = 3.12

[[capabilities]]
name = "Rate Control"
family = "ability"
value = 3.12

[[capabilities]]
name = "Static Strength"
family = "ability"
value = 3.12

[[capabilities]]
name = "Extent Flexibility"
family = "ability"
value = 3.12

[[capabilities]]
name = "Depth Perception"
family = "ability"
value = 3.12

[[capabilities]]
name = "Hearing Sensitivity"
family = "ability"
value = 3.12

[[capabilities]]
name = "Reading Comprehension"
family = "essential_skill"
value = 3

[[capabilities]]
name = "Active Listening"
family = "essential_skill"
value = 3

[[capabilities]]
name = "Speaking"
family = "essential_skill"
value = 3

[[capabilities]]
name = "Critical Thinking"
family = "essential_skill"
value = 3

[[capabilities]]
name = "Complex Problem Solving"
family = "transferable_skill"
value = 3

[[capabilities]]
name = "Quality Control Analysis"
family = "transferable_skill"
value = 3

[[capabilities]]
name = "Education and Training"
family = "knowledge"
value = 3

[[capabilities]]
name = "Oral Expression"
family = "ability"
value = 3

[[capabilities]]
name = "Inductive Reasoning"
family = "ability"
value = 3

[[capabilities]]
name = "Flexibility of Closure"
family = "ability"
value = 3

[[capabilities]]
name = "Finger Dexterity"
family = "ability"
value = 3

[[capabilities]]
name = "Response Orientation"
family = "ability"
value = 3

[[capabilities]]
name = "Trunk Strength"
family = "ability"
value = 3

[[capabilities]]
name = "Visual Color Discrimination"
family = "ability"
value = 3

[[capabilities]]
name = "Glare Sensitivity"
family = "ability"
value = 3

[[capabilities]]
name = "Auditory Attention"
family = "ability"
value = 3

[[capabilities]]
name = "Active Learning"
family = "essential_skill"
value = 2.88

[[skills]]
name = "Information Ordering"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Depth Perception"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Deductive Reasoning"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Reading Comprehension"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Microsoft Excel"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Inductive Reasoning"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Finger Dexterity"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Critical Thinking"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Complex Problem Solving"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Active Listening"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Visualization"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Time Management"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Speech Recognition"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Social Perceptiveness"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Equipment Maintenance"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Active Learning"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Chemistry"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Writing"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Equipment Selection"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Mathematics"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "English Language"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Instructing"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Physics"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Systems Analysis"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Learning Strategies"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Negotiation"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Telecommunications"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Psychology"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Foreign Language"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Geography"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Biology"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Installation"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Industrial Control Software"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[tools]]
example = "Microsoft Excel"
category = "Spreadsheet software"
hot = true
inDemand = false

[[tools]]
example = "Microsoft Office software"
category = "Office suite software"
hot = true
inDemand = false

[[tools]]
example = "Process control software"
category = "Industrial control software"
hot = false
inDemand = false

[[tools]]
example = "Process safety management software"
category = "Data base user interface and query software"
hot = false
inDemand = false

[[tools]]
example = "Production tracking system software"
category = "Inventory management software"
hot = false
inDemand = false

[[workContext]]
name = "Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets"
value = 5

[[workContext]]
name = "Exposed to Contaminants"
value = 4.95

[[workContext]]
name = "Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings"
value = 4.86

[[workContext]]
name = "Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures"
value = 4.82

[[workContext]]
name = "Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable"
value = 4.54

[[workContext]]
name = "Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls"
value = 4.47

[[workContext]]
name = "Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment"
value = 4.41

[[workContext]]
name = "Exposed to Hazardous Conditions"
value = 4.27

[[workContext]]
name = "Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team"
value = 4.18

[[workContext]]
name = "Importance of Being Exact or Accurate"
value = 4.08

[[workContext]]
name = "Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results"
value = 4.05

[[workContext]]
name = "Spend Time Standing"
value = 4.04

[[workContext]]
name = "Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection"
value = 4.04

[[workContext]]
name = "Health and Safety of Other Workers"
value = 4.03

[[workContext]]
name = "Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams"
value = 4.02

[[workContext]]
name = "Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions"
value = 4.01

[[workContext]]
name = "Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled"
value = 3.94

[[workContext]]
name = "Freedom to Make Decisions"
value = 3.85

[[workContext]]
name = "Importance of Repeating Same Tasks"
value = 3.83

[[workContext]]
name = "Consequence of Error"
value = 3.74

[[workContext]]
name = "Exposed to Hazardous Equipment"
value = 3.73

[[workContext]]
name = "Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers"
value = 3.58

[[workContext]]
name = "Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals"
value = 3.52

[[workContext]]
name = "Contact With Others"
value = 3.48

[[workContext]]
name = "Time Pressure"
value = 3.39

[[workContext]]
name = "Frequency of Decision Making"
value = 3.38

[[workContext]]
name = "Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body"
value = 3.26

[[workContext]]
name = "Spend Time Walking or Running"
value = 3.05

[[workContext]]
name = "Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions"
value = 2.93

[[workContext]]
name = "Degree of Automation"
value = 2.91

[[workContext]]
name = "Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People"
value = 2.76

[[workContext]]
name = "Physical Proximity"
value = 2.71

[[workContext]]
name = "Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions"
value = 2.66

[[workContext]]
name = "Telephone Conversations"
value = 2.47

[[workContext]]
name = "Conflict Situations"
value = 2.47

[[workContext]]
name = "In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment"
value = 2.43

[[workContext]]
name = "Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities"
value = 2.37

[[workContext]]
name = "Exposed to Whole Body Vibration"
value = 2.3

[[workContext]]
name = "Level of Competition"
value = 2.29

[[workContext]]
name = "Written Letters and Memos"
value = 2.27

[[personFit]]
name = "Realistic"
family = "career_interest_type"
value = 6.88

[[personFit]]
name = "Physical/Manual Labor"
family = "specific_interest_area"
value = 5.2

[[personFit]]
name = "Conventional"
family = "career_interest_type"
value = 3.97

[[personFit]]
name = "Mechanics/Electronics"
family = "specific_interest_area"
value = 3.07

[[personFit]]
name = "Dependability"
family = "work_style"
value = 3

[[personFit]]
name = "Engineering"
family = "specific_interest_area"
value = 2.85

[[personFit]]
name = "Investigative"
family = "career_interest_type"
value = 2.75

[[personFit]]
name = "Cautiousness"
family = "work_style"
value = 2.5

[[personFit]]
name = "Transportation/Machine Operation"
family = "specific_interest_area"
value = 2.21

[[personFit]]
name = "Attention to Detail"
family = "work_style"
value = 2.16

[[personFit]]
name = "Physical Science"
family = "specific_interest_area"
value = 2.04

[[personFit]]
name = "Mathematics/Statistics"
family = "specific_interest_area"
value = 1.62

[[personFit]]
name = "Stress Tolerance"
family = "work_style"
value = 1.61

[[personFit]]
name = "Accounting"
family = "specific_interest_area"
value = 1.41

[[personFit]]
name = "Management/Administration"
family = "specific_interest_area"
value = 1.41

[[personFit]]
name = "Human Resources"
family = "specific_interest_area"
value = 1.21

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "51-4191.00"
slug = "role-51-4191-00"
title = "Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic"
tier = "Primary-Short"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "51-9051.00"
slug = "role-51-9051-00"
title = "Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders"
tier = "Primary-Short"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "51-9012.00"
slug = "role-51-9012-00"
title = "Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders"
tier = "Primary-Short"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "51-4122.00"
slug = "role-51-4122-00"
title = "Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders"
tier = "Primary-Short"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "51-9192.00"
slug = "role-51-9192-00"
title = "Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders"
tier = "Primary-Short"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "51-9041.00"
slug = "role-51-9041-00"
title = "Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders"
tier = "Primary-Long"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "51-4121.00"
slug = "role-51-4121-00"
title = "Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers"
tier = "Primary-Long"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "51-4072.00"
slug = "role-51-4072-00"
title = "Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic"
tier = "Primary-Long"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "51-9011.00"
slug = "role-51-9011-00"
title = "Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders"
tier = "Primary-Long"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "51-8021.00"
slug = "role-51-8021-00"
title = "Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators"
tier = "Primary-Long"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "51-4052.00"
slug = "role-51-4052-00"
title = "Pourers and Casters, Metal"
tier = "Supplemental"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "51-9193.00"
slug = "role-51-9193-00"
title = "Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders"
tier = "Supplemental"

[[careerClusters]]
cluster = "Advanced Manufacturing"
slug = "advanced-manufacturing"

[[aiSignals]]
source = "frey_osborne"
label = "Computerization probability"
score = 0.88
scale = "0-1 probability"
release = "2013-baseline-2016-employment-snapshot"

[[aiSignals]]
source = "felten_aioe"
label = "AI occupational exposure"
score = -1.167465
scale = "relative exposure score"
release = "2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks"

[[aiSignals]]
source = "felten_image_generation_aioe"
label = "Image generation occupational exposure"
score = -0.7556936
scale = "relative exposure score"
release = "2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks"

[[aiSignals]]
source = "felten_language_modeling_aioe"
label = "Language modeling occupational exposure"
score = -1.303524
scale = "relative exposure score"
release = "2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks"
