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Kiln operator salary
Average kiln operator salary
$15.99
Understanding Kiln Operator Salaries
The role of a kiln operator is crucial in various manufacturing sectors, particularly in ceramics and materials processing. As of October 2025, the average salary for kiln operators is approximately $33,268 per year, translating to about $16 per hour. Salaries can vary significantly based on factors such as geographic location, years of experience, and specific industry.
Where Kiln Operators Earn More
States like California and Texas typically offer higher salaries for kiln operators due to their robust manufacturing landscapes. For instance, operators in California can earn upwards of $40,000 annually. Additionally, operators with specialized skills or certifications may command higher wages, further enhancing their earning potential.
Salary Trends Over Time
Over the years, the demand for skilled kiln operators has remained steady, reflecting the ongoing need for quality control in production environments. As industries evolve, operators equipped with advanced technical skills and knowledge of modern kiln technologies are likely to see increased opportunities and compensation.
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Where can a Kiln Operator earn more?
Kiln operator salary estimates from across the web
Average kiln operator salary by state
The average kiln operator salary in North Dakota, Washington, and Oregon are the highest in the U.S. The lowest average kiln operator salary states are Mississippi, Louisiana, and South Carolina.
- State view
- County view
Highest paying states for kiln operators
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Minnesota | $46,161 | $22.19 |
| 2 | Wisconsin | $44,277 | $21.29 |
| 3 | Indiana | $40,771 | $19.60 |
| 4 | Utah | $43,655 | $20.99 |
| 5 | North Dakota | $47,867 | $23.01 |
| 6 | Alaska | $41,969 | $20.18 |
| 7 | Pennsylvania | $40,745 | $19.59 |
| 8 | Washington | $47,857 | $23.01 |
| 9 | Oregon | $47,045 | $22.62 |
| 10 | Idaho | $46,138 | $22.18 |
| 11 | Maine | $42,578 | $20.47 |
| 12 | Iowa | $39,056 | $18.78 |
| 13 | Wyoming | $44,408 | $21.35 |
| 14 | North Carolina | $37,814 | $18.18 |
| 15 | Illinois | $38,746 | $18.63 |
| 16 | Arizona | $40,984 | $19.70 |
| 17 | California | $43,383 | $20.86 |
| 18 | New Jersey | $37,411 | $17.99 |
| 19 | Michigan | $38,098 | $18.32 |
| 20 | Alabama | $37,797 | $18.17 |
| 21 | Kansas | $37,022 | $17.80 |
| 22 | New Hampshire | $36,149 | $17.38 |
| 23 | Massachusetts | $35,775 | $17.20 |
| 24 | Rhode Island | $35,525 | $17.08 |
| 25 | South Dakota | $36,071 | $17.34 |
| 26 | Tennessee | $33,898 | $16.30 |
| 27 | Vermont | $36,836 | $17.71 |
| 28 | Nevada | $36,689 | $17.64 |
| 29 | Montana | $37,679 | $18.11 |
| 30 | Hawaii | $35,212 | $16.93 |
| 31 | Virginia | $38,421 | $18.47 |
| 32 | Nebraska | $34,438 | $16.56 |
| 33 | Connecticut | $35,458 | $17.05 |
| 34 | Arkansas | $34,217 | $16.45 |
| 35 | New Mexico | $35,593 | $17.11 |
| 36 | Ohio | $32,631 | $15.69 |
| 37 | New York | $36,405 | $17.50 |
| 38 | District of Columbia | $33,585 | $16.15 |
| 39 | Texas | $33,986 | $16.34 |
| 40 | Kentucky | $32,069 | $15.42 |
| 41 | Mississippi | $31,572 | $15.18 |
| 42 | Missouri | $32,822 | $15.78 |
| 43 | Delaware | $34,162 | $16.42 |
| 44 | Colorado | $34,430 | $16.55 |
| 45 | Georgia | $27,899 | $13.41 |
| 46 | Maryland | $33,838 | $16.27 |
| 47 | South Carolina | $29,738 | $14.30 |
| 48 | West Virginia | $32,184 | $15.47 |
| 49 | Louisiana | $30,073 | $14.46 |
| 50 | Florida | $27,366 | $13.16 |
| 51 | Oklahoma | $29,252 | $14.06 |
Highest paying cities for kiln operators
The highest-paying cities for kiln operators are Hillsboro, OR, Santa Clarita, CA, and Sioux City, IA.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hillsboro, OR | $47,316 | $22.75 |
| 2 | Santa Clarita, CA | $43,026 | $20.69 |
| 3 | Sioux City, IA | $39,981 | $19.22 |
| 4 | New Albany, IN | $39,486 | $18.98 |
| 5 | El Paso, TX | $35,050 | $16.85 |
| 6 | Denver, CO | $34,525 | $16.60 |
| 7 | Clarksville, TN | $34,191 | $16.44 |
| 8 | Cleveland, OH | $33,449 | $16.08 |
Kiln operator salary details
A kiln operator's salary ranges from $26,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $41,000 at the 90th percentile.
What is a kiln operator's salary?
| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $41,000 | $3,417 | $20 |
| 75th Percentile | $37,000 | $3,083 | $18 |
| Average | $33,268 | $2,772 | $16 |
| 25th Percentile | $29,000 | $2,417 | $14 |
| 10th Percentile | $26,000 | $2,167 | $13 |
Highest paying kiln operator jobs
The highest paying types of kiln operators are petroleum refining firer, dry kiln operator, and calciner operator.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forklift Operator | $34,213 | $2,851 | $16.45 | 213,020 |
| Machine Operator | $32,874 | $2,740 | $15.80 | 96,834 |
| Operator | $37,928 | $3,161 | $18.23 | 159,077 |
Top companies hiring kiln operators now:
Which companies pay kiln operators the most?
Kiln operator salaries at Rosboro and Stimson Lumber are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average kiln operator salary at companies like West Fraser and Porcelain tiles made in USA are highly competitive.
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rosboro | $38,990 | $18.75 |
| 2 | Stimson Lumber | $38,958 | $18.73 |
| 3 | West Fraser | $38,727 | $18.62 |
| 4 | Porcelain tiles made in USA | $38,405 | $18.46 |
| 5 | Reed's | $35,933 | $17.28 |
| 6 | Mohawk Industries | $35,092 | $16.87 |
| 7 | Precision Castparts | $34,952 | $16.80 |
| 8 | General Shale | $34,685 | $16.68 |
| 9 | Hampton Investment Company | $34,321 | $16.50 |
| 10 | Florida Tile | $34,321 | $16.50 |
| 11 | Graymont | $34,007 | $16.35 |
| 12 | Kelly Services | $32,883 | $15.81 |
| 13 | Daltile | $32,347 | $15.55 |
| 14 | NEXTAFF | $32,285 | $15.52 |
| 15 | PrideStaff | $31,454 | $15.12 |
| 16 | NESCO | $30,707 | $14.76 |
| 17 | Randstad North America, Inc. | $30,369 | $14.60 |
Wage gap by gender, race and education
Kiln operator salary trends
The average kiln operator salary has risen by $4,417 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average kiln operator earned $28,851 annually, but today, they earn $33,268 a year. That works out to a 13% change in pay for kiln operators over the last decade.
Compare kiln operator salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Average kiln operator salary over time
Compare kiln operator salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
Kiln operator salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $33,300 | $15.99 | +1.4% |
| 2024 | $32,800 | $15.77 | +2.3% |
| 2023 | $32,000 | $15.40 | +4.0% |
| 2022 | $30,700 | $14.78 | +4.1% |
| 2021 | $29,500 | $14.17 | +1.9% |
Recently added kiln operator salaries
| Company | Job | Location | Date added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interfor Corp | Boiler Kiln Operator Trainee | Perry, GA | 05/28/2025 | $40,091 |
| Vector Technical, Inc. | Kiln Operator and Inspector | Solon, OH | 05/27/2025 | $43,222 |
| Interfor Corp | Boiler Kiln Operator Trainee | Perry, GA | 04/22/2025 | $40,091 |
| Mohawk Industries | Kiln Operator (C Shift) | El Paso, TX | 04/11/2025 | $32,891 |
| Marazzi Group | Kiln Operator (B Shift) | El Paso, TX | 04/11/2025 | $32,891 |
| Dal-Tile Corporation | Kiln Operator (B Shift) | El Paso, TX | 04/10/2025 | $32,891 |
| Kennebeclumber | Kiln Operator | New Hampshire | 02/19/2025 | $41,740 |
| Mohawk Industries | Kiln Operator | El Paso, TX | 02/15/2025 | $33,329 |
| Marazzi Group | Kiln Operator | El Paso, TX | 02/14/2025 | $33,329 |
| Rosboro Company | Kiln Operator | Springfield, OR | 01/23/2025 | $52,634 |
Kiln operator salary FAQs
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