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Energy

Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operator and Tender

Operate or tend heating equipment other than basic metal, plastic, or food processing equipment. Includes activities such as annealing glass, drying lumber, curing rubber, removing moisture from materials, or boiling soap.

Annual openings

27

Median wage

$55,770

Typical education

High school (GED), plus completion of apprenticeship or similar work experience.

Growth 2026–2032

-1%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

High school (GED), plus completion of apprenticeship or similar work experience.

Credential requirement

Credential requirements not reported

Work experience

No previous work experience is required.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Automation exposure

High exposure

Many tasks are repeatable, so technology could reshape the day-to-day over time.

A typical day

  1. Transport materials and products to and from work areas, manually or using carts, handtrucks, or hoists.
  2. Monitor equipment operation, gauges, and panel lights to detect deviations from standards.
  3. Read and interpret work orders and instructions to determine work assignments, process specifications, and production schedules.
  4. Examine or test samples of processed substances, or collect samples for laboratory testing, to ensure conformance to specifications.
  5. Press and adjust controls to activate, set, and regulate equipment according to specifications.
  6. Record gauge readings, test results, and shift production in log books.
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