A refractory materials repairer installs and maintains heat-resistant materials in furnaces, kilns, and other high-temperature equipment. It is hands-on, in demand, and you can start with a high school education. Here is what the work involves, what it takes, and how to get in.
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You repair and replace refractory materials that line industrial furnaces, kilns, and other equipment exposed to extreme heat. The work involves handling and moving heavy materials, identifying damage and wear patterns, and making decisions about repair methods. You operate equipment and vehicles to transport materials and position them correctly. You read technical specifications, follow safety protocols, and communicate with team members about project needs. This is physically demanding work in hot, challenging environments where precision and safety matter.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons earn a median of $61,290 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is softer here. Employment is projected to fall 17 percent from 2024 to 2034, though there are still about 100 openings a year from turnover.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Most positions require a high school diploma or equivalent as your starting point. From there, you typically learn on the job through hands-on training with experienced repairers. Some employers offer formal apprenticeships or training programs that combine classroom instruction in materials science, safety, and equipment operation with supervised work experience. You will develop skills in reading comprehension, critical thinking, and active listening as you learn to troubleshoot problems and follow complex procedures. Starting in an entry-level position and progressing as you gain experience is the typical path.
Most people enter this field through on-the-job training or apprenticeships after high school. If you are exploring whether this fits your timeline and interests, Pathly can map the refractory materials repairer, except brickmason path that fits you to map out a step-by-step plan with your counselor.
You are hands-on and practical, drawn to working with tools and equipment in physical spaces. You solve problems by observing and testing, and you take pride in tangible results.
Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).