Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Set up, operate, or tend heating equipment, such as heat-treating furnaces, flame-hardening machines, induction machines, soaking pits, or vacuum equipment to temper, harden, anneal, or heat treat metal or plastic objects.
Common Job Titles
- Furnace Operator
- Heat Treat Operator
- Heat Treat Technician
- Heat Treater
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
14,590
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $35,260. 25th percentile: U.S. $39,900. 50th percentile: U.S. $47,450. 75th percentile: U.S. $56,330. 90th percentile: U.S. $64,290. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $35,260 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $64,290 |
| Workers on average earn | $49,030 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Production and Processing3.9/5
- Mathematics3.3/5
- Education and Training2.9/5
- Administration and Management2.8/5
- Chemistry2.7/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Word
- SAP software
Technology Skills
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Tools & Equipment
- Annealing furnaces
- Atmosphere furnaces
- Automated salt bath furnaces
- Batch type hardening furnaces
- Bridge cranes
- Carbonitriding equipment
- Chain hoists
- Claw hammers