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What is a kiln operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a kiln operator. For example, did you know that they make an average of $15.99 an hour? That's $33,268 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 7% and produce 56,900 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreKiln OperatorUS Average
Salary
2.6

Avg. Salary $33,268

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
6.6

Growth rate 7%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.61%

Asian 5.26%

Black or African American 7.00%

Hispanic or Latino 14.19%

Unknown 8.39%

White 63.56%

Gender

female 9.22%

male 90.78%

Age - 45
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 45
Stress level
6.6

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.0

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
8.9

Work life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

Kiln operator career paths

Key steps to become a kiln operator

  1. Explore kiln operator education requirements

    Most common kiln operator degrees

    High School Diploma

    49.0 %

    Associate

    19.4 %

    Bachelor's

    14.1 %
  2. Start to develop specific kiln operator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Safety Standards22.27%
    Safety Procedures15.06%
    Rail Cars13.17%
    Production Equipment6.57%
    RAN4.89%
  3. Complete relevant kiln operator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New kiln operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a kiln operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real kiln operator resumes.
  4. Research kiln operator duties and responsibilities

    • Manage and buy lumber, run the kilns and boughtlumber from all hardwood producing areas.
    • Develop a new and up to date HAZWASTE program for the site
    • Close tunnel doors and start blowers and heaters to regulate humidity and temperature within tunnel.
    • Transport materials and products to and from work areas, manually or using carts, pallet jacks or hoists.
  5. Prepare your kiln operator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your kiln operator resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a kiln operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable kiln operator resume templates

    Build a professional kiln operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your kiln operator resume.
    Kiln Operator Resume
    Kiln Operator Resume
    Kiln Operator Resume
    Kiln Operator Resume
    Kiln Operator Resume
    Kiln Operator Resume
    Kiln Operator Resume
    Kiln Operator Resume
    Kiln Operator Resume
  6. Apply for kiln operator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a kiln operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first kiln operator job

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Average kiln operator salary

The average kiln operator salary in the United States is $33,268 per year or $16 per hour. Kiln operator salaries range between $26,000 and $41,000 per year.

Average kiln operator salary
$33,268 Yearly
$15.99 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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