Melter vs furnace operator

The differences between melters and furnace operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a furnace operator has an average salary of $35,972, which is higher than the $35,164 average annual salary of a melter.

The top three skills for a melter include BARS, safety regulations and cranes. The most important skills for a furnace operator are math, basic math, and cranes.

Melter vs furnace operator overview

	Melter	Furnace Operator
Yearly salary	$35,164	$35,972
Hourly rate	$16.91	$17.29
Growth rate	-5%	-5%
Number of jobs	302	58,975
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 51%	High School Diploma, 55%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	-	-

Melter vs furnace operator salary

Melters and furnace operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Melter	Furnace Operator
Average salary	$35,164	$35,972
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $45,000	Between $29,000 And $44,000
Highest paying City	-	Rochester, NY
Highest paying state	-	New York
Best paying company	-	BWX Technologies
Best paying industry	-	Technology

Differences between melter and furnace operator education

There are a few differences between a melter and a furnace operator in terms of educational background:

	Melter	Furnace Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 51%	High School Diploma, 55%
Most common major	General Studies	Business
Most common college	-	-

Melter vs furnace operator demographics

Here are the differences between melters' and furnace operators' demographics:

	Melter	Furnace Operator
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 98.1% Female, 1.9%	Male, 92.6% Female, 7.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 10.2% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 3.3% White, 63.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%	Black or African American, 10.9% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 3.6% White, 62.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	7%	7%

Differences between melter and furnace operator duties and responsibilities

Melter example responsibilities.

Conduct quality SPC random spot checks and manage department personnel.
Operate and monitor process for coating machine from control room.
Sample and alloy molten aluminum to customer specifications.
Alloy control include security, storage, shipping, and inventory.
Train workers in foundry processes and in operation of various machines and equipment.
Melt shop supervisor, coordinate chemistry, alloy input, shipping and receiving scrap.

Furnace operator example responsibilities.

Lead and coordinate team in all aspects of operation in an aluminum blast furnace.
Manage the master calendar and schedule resources such as communication equipment, weapons, transportation and ammunition forecast and delivery.
Operate ABB robotic cell by loading parts on fixtures to be weld together.
Maintain safety measures and PPE.
Complete minor touch ups with MIG welders.
Spray arc welding utilizing gas shield MIG.

Melter vs furnace operator skills

Common melter skills

BARS, 39%
Safety Regulations, 14%
Cranes, 13%
Torches, 8%
AOD, 5%
Transport Materials, 5%

Common furnace operator skills

Math, 9%
Basic Math, 9%
Cranes, 9%
Preventative Maintenance, 9%
Safety Procedures, 5%
Brazing, 5%