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Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Description
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.
Common Tasks
- Read production schedules and work orders to determine processing sequences, furnace temperatures, and heat cycle requirements for objects to be heat-treated.
- Record times that parts are removed from furnaces to document that objects have attained specified temperatures for specified times.
- Set up and operate or tend machines, such as furnaces, baths, flame-hardening machines, and electronic induction machines, that harden, anneal, and heat-treat metal.
- Determine types and temperatures of baths and quenching media needed to attain specified part hardness, toughness, and ductility, using heat-treating charts and knowledge of methods, equipment, and metals.
- Remove parts from furnaces after specified times, and air dry or cool parts in water, oil brine, or other baths.
Required Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Wages
In 2016 the mean hourly wage in California was $18.46 . The hourly rate for this occupation typically paid between $9.90 and $28.80 .
In 2016 the mean annual salary in California was $38,380.08 . The annual salary for this occupation typically paid between $20,598.66 and $59,897.43 .
Occupation Outlook
This occupation employed 1,300 people in California during 2014.
By 2024, there is expected to be a decrease of 15.4% in the number of jobs in California for this occupation, bringing the total number to 1,100.
By 2024, in California, the median hourly rate for this occupation is expected to be $17.00 with the median annual salary reaching $36,349.
