Hiring guide · Mechanics, Maintenance & Manufacturing
How to Hire a Refractory Repairer
Pay benchmarks, qualifications, sourcing, screening and interview questions for hiring refractory repairers, plus a plan to get them productive fast.
Write a clear job description, offer competitive pay (the national median is $61,290), recruit through technical college automotive, diesel, aviation and machining programs, verify Confined space training where applicable, run a structured interview with a practical skills check, and onboard with a 30-60-90 day plan.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
The hiring market for refractory repairers
There are about 1,100 refractory repairers employed in the U.S., with roughly 100 openings each year. Employment is projected to change -13.7% from 2025–35 (a projected decline). Most openings come from replacing workers who retire or change careers, so a steady pipeline matters.
Pay benchmarks for offers
| Candidate level | Annual | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level (10th–25th percentile) | $40,590–$50,050 | $19.51–$24.06 |
| Typical / mid-career (median) | $61,290 | $29.47 |
| Experienced (75th percentile) | $75,000 | $36.06 |
| Top of market (90th percentile) | $86,510 | $41.59 |
*Annual ÷ 2,080 hours except median. National BLS data; adjust for your state and metro area. Many states and cities now require pay ranges in job postings.
What to look for
Must-haves
- High school diploma or equivalent (typical entry level)
- Refractory installation
- Stamina
Nice-to-haves
- Confined space training
- Respirator fit testing
- OSHA 10 or 30
- Experience with jackhammers
Where to find refractory repairers
- Technical college automotive, diesel, aviation and machining programs
- Manufacturer and dealer training programs
- Military transition and SkillBridge programs
- Manufacturing career fairs and referrals
- Job postings that use common alternate titles: Refractory Mason, Furnace Liner, Refractory Technician, Kiln Repairer
Screening checklist
- ASE, FAA A&P, NIMS or other credentials as applicable
- A hands-on diagnostic, measurement or setup test
- Tool inventory for roles where technicians supply tools
- Safety record and lockout/tagout knowledge
Follow federal, state and local rules on background checks, drug testing and fair-chance hiring, and apply screening consistently to all candidates for the role.
Interview questions to ask
Ask every candidate the same questions and score answers on a structured scorecard.
1. “Describe industrial experience.”
What a strong answer includes: Share.
2. “Can you work in confined spaces?”
What a strong answer includes: Answer.
3. “Can you travel?”
What a strong answer includes: Answer.
4. “How do you stay safe?”
What a strong answer includes: Explain.
5. “What materials have you used?”
What a strong answer includes: List.
Practical skills checks
A short demonstration beats a perfect resume. Ask candidates to talk you through, or perform under supervision, tasks such as:
- Install Castable Refractory (see the steps)
- Enter a Confined Space Safely (see the steps)
- Follow a Refractory Dry-Out Schedule (see the steps)
Red flags
- Can’t describe basic safety practices for the role
- Vague or inconsistent work history with no explanation
- Unfamiliar with core terms such as Refractory, Castable, Firebrick
- Negative talk about every past employer or coworker
Onboard for retention
The first 90 days decide whether a new hire stays. Use our Refractory Repairer 30-60-90 day onboarding plan and give every new hire the same foundation with Refractory Repairer training. Show them the path forward: Helper → Refractory Repairer → Lead Installer → Refractory Supervisor.
Hiring refractory repairers: FAQ
How much should I pay a refractory repairer?
The U.S. median wage for refractory repairers is $61,290 per year ($29.47/hour), according to BLS May 2025 data. Entry-level offers often fall near the 25th percentile ($50,050), while experienced hires command closer to the 75th percentile ($75,000). Adjust for your local market.
What qualifications should a refractory repairer have?
BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education. Look for Confined space training and Respirator fit testing where relevant, plus skills such as refractory installation, mixing castables, and gunning.
How long does it take to train a new refractory repairer?
Becoming qualified typically takes Several months on the job. After hire, plan for a structured 30-60-90 day onboarding period; BLS classifies on-the-job training for this occupation as “moderate-term on-the-job training.”