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  1. Occupations
  2. Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

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.

SOC: 51-4191.00

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.
MetricU.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
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge

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
Tools & Technology: Tools & Equipment

Related Occupations

Occupations with similar skills and knowledge requirements

Most Similar

  • Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders 51-4051.00
  • Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders 51-9051.00
  • Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 51-4072.00
  • Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders 51-4122.00
  • Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders 51-9012.00

Moderately Similar

  • Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 51-4193.00
  • Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders 51-9192.00
  • Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders 51-9041.00
  • Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders 51-9193.00
  • Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 51-4022.00

Related

  • Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers 51-4121.00
  • Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers 51-6091.00
  • Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 51-4023.00
  • Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders 51-9011.00
  • Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders 51-9191.00
  • Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders 51-6061.00
  • Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 51-4021.00
  • Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons 49-9045.00
  • Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 51-4033.00
  • Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders 51-9032.00

Related Programs

Education programs that prepare you for this occupation

  • CertificateMachine Tool Technology - Machinist IIssuer: Florence-Darlington Technical College
  • CertificateMachine Tool Technology - Machine OperatorIssuer: Florence-Darlington Technical College
  • CertificateMachine Tool Technology - Computer Numerical Control ProgrammerIssuer: Florence-Darlington Technical College
  • CertificateMachine Tool Technology - Computer Numerical Control OperatorIssuer: Florence-Darlington Technical College
  • DiplomaMachine ToolIssuer: Florence-Darlington Technical College
  • CourseNon-Structural Welding, Cutting, and JoiningIssuer: Career and Technical Education, Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE)
  • CourseAgricultural Welding IIIssuer: Career and Technical Education, Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE)
  • CourseAgricultural Welding IIssuer: Career and Technical Education, Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE)
  • Associate's DegreeMachine Trades (AAS-T)Issuer: Lower Columbia College
  • DiplomaMachinistIssuer: Jefferson Community and Technical College