As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Foundry Melt Tender in the United States is $44,668 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.
However, a Foundry Melt Tender's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Foundry Melt Tender Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $48,140 | $4,012 | $926 | $23 |
| Average | $44,668 | $3,722 | $859 | $21 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,670 | $3,473 | $801 | $20 |
A Foundry Melt Tender's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Foundry Melt Tender's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Foundry Melt Tender | $44,444 |
| Intermediate Level Foundry Melt Tender | $45,031 |
| Senior Level Foundry Melt Tender | $45,549 |
| Specialist Level Foundry Melt Tender | $45,704 |
| Expert Level Foundry Melt Tender | $45,808 |
Foundry Melt Tender salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $49,918. While startup companies pay approximate $42,226.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $42,226 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $44,658 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $48,203 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $49,918 |
Understanding how a Foundry Melt Tender's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $48,140 | $4,012 | $926 | $23 |
| Average | $44,668 | $3,722 | $859 | $21 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,670 | $3,473 | $801 | $20 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Foundry Melt Tender, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Extrusion Operator, Sr. | $54,604 | 22% |
| Injection Molding Machine Operator II | $48,516 | 9% |
| Machine Operator II | $45,476 | 2% |
| Milling Machine Operator II | $52,128 | 17% |
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A Foundry Melt Tender's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Foundry Melt Tender earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Foundry Melt Tender is $56,340.
The highest pay for Foundry Melt Tender is $51,301.
The lowest pay for Foundry Melt Tender is $38,940.
Operates and monitors furnaces used to melt metal for casting processes. Loads metal charges into furnaces, adjusts temperature controls, and observes gauges to maintain proper melt conditions. Weighs alloy materials and samples of molten metal to verify composition and quality specifications. Skims impurities and pours or transfers molten metal to molds or ladles safely. Cleans and maintains furnace equipment and work areas in compliance with safety standards. Requires a high school diploma. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.
The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Foundry Melt Tender roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
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