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Alabama Department of Labor

Labor Market Information Division
SOC: 51-4051 Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders
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. Exclude "Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic" (51-4191).
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Education: These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
OJT: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Tasks: Draw smelted metal samples from furnaces or kettles for analysis, and calculate types and amounts of materials needed to ensure that materials meet specifications. Drain, transfer, or remove molten metal from furnaces, and place it into molds, using hoists, pumps, or ladles. Record production data, and maintain production logs. Operate controls to move or discharge metal workpieces from furnaces. Weigh materials to be charged into furnaces, using scales. Regulate supplies of fuel and air, or control flow of electric current and water coolant to heat furnaces and adjust temperatures. Inspect furnaces and equipment to locate defects and wear. Observe air and temperature gauges or metal color and fluidity, and turn fuel valves or adjust controls to maintain required temperatures.
License: License not required.
Outlook: Satisfactory
Alabama Employment Outlook
Alabama Wage Data
Hourly Wage   Annual Wage
Entry $11.73   Entry $24,382.00
Mean $19.81   Mean $41,204.00
Experience $23.85 Experience $49,610.00

The data is based on the May 2017 Occupation Employment Survey employment and wage estimate file. The wages have been aged using the most current ECI factors reflecting wages as of June 2018.

Alabama Projections
Estimated Employment 2016Projected Employment 2026Annual Average OpeningsAnnual Growth Rate
80081075.12
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Occupational Videos
51-4051.00 Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders