Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders
SOC Code: 51-4051
Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenderss regulate supplies of fuel and air, or control flow of electric current and water coolant to heat furnaces and adjust temperatures. This career typically requires moderate-term on-the-job training (months to 1 year). With an AI-proof score of 73.5/100, this role has high resilience to automation. Key skills include Operations Monitoring, Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control.
AI-Proof Score: 73.5 — High
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Median Salary
$55,770
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Job Growth
-2.3%
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Training Time
Moderate-term on-the-job training (months to 1 year)
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Job Zone
Zone 2 / 5
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Training Cost
~$5,000
Key Skills
- •Operations Monitoring
- •Operation and Control
- •Monitoring
- •Quality Control Analysis
- •Reading Comprehension
- •Active Listening
Common Tasks
- ✓Regulate supplies of fuel and air, or control flow of electric current and water coolant to heat furnaces and adjust temperatures.
- ✓Draw smelted metal samples from furnaces or kettles for analysis, and calculate types and amounts of materials needed to ensure that materials meet specifications.
- ✓Weigh materials to be charged into furnaces, using scales.
- ✓Record production data, and maintain production logs.
- ✓Observe air and temperature gauges or metal color and fluidity, and turn fuel valves or adjust controls to maintain required temperatures.
Training & Resources
Why AI-Proof?
- ✅Requires hands-on physical presence and dexterity
- ✅Demands human empathy, judgment, and trust
- ✅Operates in unpredictable, variable environments
- ✅Social and regulatory barriers to full automation