Heat Treaters


Overview

Heat Treaters

Introduction

Heat treaters subject metals to heat, cold, and chemicals to change their properties to make them harder, stronger, less brittle, and more flexible. There are approximately 20,000 heat-treating equipment setters, operators, and tenders employed in the metal and plastics industries.

Quick Facts


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Median Salary

$36,600

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Employment Prospects

Poor

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Minimum Education Level

High School Diploma|Apprenticeship


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Experience

On-the-job training or apprenticeship


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Skills

Math|Mechanical/Manual Dexterity


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Personality Traits

Conventional|Hands On|Technical

Earnings

Heat treaters earn hourly wages, with those working second and third shifts often earning higher wages than first-shift workers. Overtime rates are paid to those who work longer than an eight-hour shift. Heat treating equipment setters, operators, and tenders earned median hourly wages of $18.04 ($37,520 a year for full-time work) in May 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Hourly w...

Work Environment

Although most shops in which heat treaters work are hot and dirty, conditions have been steadily improving. Many employers have installed better ventilation systems, air conditioning, and new equipment. Employers and unions have become more conscious of safety practices. Improved machinery and safety equipment such as respirators, earplugs, and safety glasses have reduced health hazards caused ...

Outlook

Employment for heat treating equipment setters, operators, and tenders-metal and plastic is expected to decline by 12 percent through 2028, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The job outlook for workers in this field will always depend on the market for manufactured metal products, which in turn depends on the strength of the economy. Factors that will affect the job market for heat tre...