Career comparison
Furnace and Kiln Operator vs. Refractory Repairer
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Refractory repairers earn more at the median ($61,290 vs. $48,040), while furnace and kiln operators usually get to work faster (A few months on the job of training). Furnace and kiln operators run kilns, ovens, dryers and kettles that heat-treat or dry products. Refractory repairers reline and repair furnaces, kilns and boilers with heat-resistant materials.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Furnace and Kiln Operator | Refractory Repairer | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $48,040 ($23.10/hr) | $61,290 ($29.47/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $35,960 – $69,800 | $40,590 – $86,510 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +2.6% (about as fast as average) | -13.7% (a projected decline) |
| Openings per year | 1,800 | 100 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | A few months on the job | Several months on the job |
| Key credential | Process training | Confined space training |
| Work setting | Operators work in hot plant areas in ceramics, glass, chemical and food plants.. | Repairers work inside furnaces, kilns and boilers in heavy industry.. |
What each job does
Furnace and Kiln Operator
- Load kilns and ovens
- Follow temperature profiles
- Monitor controls
- Inspect product
- Adjust settings
Refractory Repairer
- Inspect refractory linings
- Tear out worn material
- Install brick and castable
- Spray or gun refractory
- Repair furnace doors and seals
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work and shift work. Both are part of the mechanics, maintenance & manufacturing field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose furnace and kiln operator if…
- I like process control
- I don’t mind heat
- I follow procedures
Choose refractory repairer if…
- I like heavy work
- I don’t mind heat and dust
- I can work in tight spaces
Still torn? Take the Furnace and Kiln Operator fit quiz and the Refractory Repairer fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, furnace and kiln operator or refractory repairer?
Refractory Repairers earn more at the median: $61,290 versus $48,040 for furnace and kiln operators, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Furnace and Kiln Operators typically train faster (A few months on the job) than refractory repairers (Several months on the job).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects furnace and kiln operators to grow +2.6% from 2025–35, compared with -13.7% for refractory repairers.