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Hammer Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

General Information Job ID ATR59798 Posting Job Title Air Hammer Operator Locations NJ S Plainfield Employment Type Full Time Date Posted 07-Jul-2026 Relocation Support No Description & Requirements ...

Helper

Cleveland, OH ยท On-site

$21.41 - $22.91/hr

These individuals assist the Hammer Operator synchronize the operation of forging. In this role, you will be responsible for: * Maintaining stock of bars or billets in forging furnace. * Delivering ...

Helper

Cleveland, OH ยท On-site

$21.41 - $22.91/hr

These individuals assist the Hammer Operator synchronize the operation of forging. In this role, you will be responsible for: * Maintaining stock of bars or billets in forging furnace. * Delivering ...

Hammer Mill Operator

Epes, AL ยท On-site

$15.25 - $20.25/hr

As a Hammer Mill Operator, you will operate and maintain several pellet mills, ensuring optimal feed rates, adjusting rolls/dies, and monitoring pellet quality to meet company standards; assist in ...

Hammer Mill Operator

Epes, AL ยท On-site

$15.25 - $20.25/hr

As a Hammer Mill Operator, you will operate and maintain several pellet mills, ensuring optimal feed rates, adjusting rolls/dies, and monitoring pellet quality to meet company standards; assist in ...

Hammer Mill Operator

Epes, AL ยท On-site

$15.25 - $20.25/hr

As a Hammer Mill Operator, you will operate and maintain several pellet mills, ensuring optimal feed rates, adjusting rolls/dies, and monitoring pellet quality to meet company standards; assist in ...

Hammer Mill Operator

Epes, AL ยท On-site

$15.25 - $20.25/hr

As a Hammer Mill Operator, you will operate and maintain several pellet mills, ensuring optimal feed rates, adjusting rolls/dies, and monitoring pellet quality to meet company standards; assist in ...

Hammer Mill Operator

Epes, AL ยท On-site

$15.25 - $20.25/hr

As a Hammer Mill Operator, you will operate and maintain several pellet mills, ensuring optimal feed rates, adjusting rolls/dies, and monitoring pellet quality to meet company standards; assist in ...

Hammer Mill Operator

Epes, AL ยท On-site

$15.25 - $20.25/hr

As a Hammer Mill Operator, you will operate and maintain several pellet mills, ensuring optimal feed rates, adjusting rolls/dies, and monitoring pellet quality to meet company standards; assist in ...

Hammer Mill Operator

Epes, AL ยท On-site

$15.25 - $20.25/hr

As a Hammer Mill Operator, you will operate and maintain several pellet mills, ensuring optimal feed rates, adjusting rolls/dies, and monitoring pellet quality to meet company standards; assist in ...

Hammer Mill Operator

Epes, AL ยท On-site

$15.25 - $20.25/hr

As a Hammer Mill Operator, you will operate and maintain several pellet mills, ensuring optimal feed rates, adjusting rolls/dies, and monitoring pellet quality to meet company standards; assist in ...

Hammer Mill Operator

Epes, AL ยท On-site

$15.25 - $20.25/hr

As a Pellet Mill Operator, you will operate and maintain several pellet mills, ensuring optimal feed rates, adjusting rolls/dies, and monitoring pellet quality to meet company standards; assist in ...

Forge Hammer Helper

Fontana, CA ยท On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Experience operating forklifts, cranes, or similar equipment preferred. Responsibilities: * Transfer and lift metal parts to and from workstations including furnace, hammer, and anvil using ...

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Hammer Operator information

See salary details

$12

$18

$28

How much do hammer operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for hammer operator in the United States is $18.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by hammer operators, and how can new hires effectively overcome them?

Hammer Operators often face challenges such as maintaining safety in noisy and high-vibration environments, ensuring precise operation of heavy machinery, and minimizing equipment wear and tear. New hires can overcome these challenges by thoroughly familiarizing themselves with safety protocols, consistently wearing protective gear, and participating in regular maintenance checks. Additionally, collaborating closely with supervisors and experienced team members can help new operators quickly learn best practices and troubleshooting techniques, leading to greater efficiency and job satisfaction.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hammer operator?

To thrive as a Hammer Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, physical stamina, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by on-the-job training. Familiarity with industrial forging equipment, safety protocols, and sometimes certifications such as OSHA are typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication stand out as important soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure safety, maintain production quality, and support efficient workflow in heavy manufacturing environments.

What does a hammer operator do?

A Hammer Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining mechanical hammers, often used in construction, metal forging, or pile driving. Their duties include setting up the equipment, monitoring its performance during operation, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. Hammer Operators may also be tasked with minor repairs and adjustments to ensure optimal functionality. The role requires attention to detail and the ability to work in physically demanding environments.

What is a hammer operator?

A hammer operator is a construction worker who operates pneumatic or hydraulic hammers to break concrete, rock, or other materials. They typically work on construction sites, using specialized tools and safety equipment, and may require training or certification in equipment operation. The role involves physical labor and attention to safety protocols.

What is the difference between Hammer Operator vs Jackhammer Operator?

AspectHammer OperatorJackhammer Operator
CertificationsOSHA safety training, equipment operation certificationsOSHA safety training, equipment operation certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, industrial settingsConstruction sites, roadwork, demolition projects
Job DutiesOperating pneumatic or hydraulic hammers for breaking concrete or rockOperating jackhammers for breaking pavement or concrete

Both roles involve operating pneumatic tools in construction and demolition. The main difference lies in the specific equipment: Hammer Operators typically handle larger, stationary hammers, while Jackhammer Operators focus on portable jackhammers. Both require similar certifications and work in comparable environments, often overlapping in construction and roadwork projects.

More about Hammer Operator jobs
Infographic showing various Hammer Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Contract, 1% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 97% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,401 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Air Hammer Operator

Westrock

Plainfield, NJ โ€ข On-site

$16/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 hours ago


Job description

General Information
Job ID
ATR59798
Posting Job Title
Air Hammer Operator
Locations
NJ S Plainfield
Employment Type
Full Time
Date Posted
07-Jul-2026
Relocation Support
No
Description & Requirements
Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate.
GENERAL PURPOSE: Set up and utilize air-operated stripping tool to remove waste from printed, die-cut sheets.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
โ€ข Sets up and utilizes air-operated stripping tool.
โ€ข Removes scrap board from die-cut sheets.
โ€ข Deposits scrap in baler.
โ€ข Stacks die-cut blanks on skids for gluer operations.
โ€ข Exercises care in stacking carton blanks on skids to prevent carton mix-ups.
โ€ข Pushes out internal scrap from cut blanks when necessary, using die hammer and wood punches.
โ€ข Operates power baler to compress scrap board and paper into bales.
โ€ข Operates forklift to move skidded stock into position for stripping.
โ€ข Performs routine and preventative maintenance on all assigned equipment.
โ€ข Informs the stripping lead when supplies or parts are required.
โ€ข Responsible for timely and accurate completion of the quality checklist for each job.
โ€ข Performs other job duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
โ€ข Must have, or be able to obtain, a valid forklift operator license.
โ€ข Must be able to read and comprehend documents such as safety rules, procedures and work instructions.
โ€ข Must pass color vision test.
โ€ข Must be able to maintain good attendance.
โ€ข Must be willing to work overtime as needed; significant overtime may be required during busy periods.
โ€ข Must be able to perform all essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodation.
The starting rate is $16 per hour, depending on your role, level, and location. The benefits for this role may include short-term bonus incentive, health, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and paid sick leave as required by applicable state/local law, 10 days of paid vacation, and 11 days of paid holidays, subject to annual change. Your actual pay will be based on your work location and other factors, such as your skills, experience, and education. To learn more about the specific salary range for your preferred location, please contact your recruiter during the hiring process. You may apply online at www.westrock.com/company/careers and the application window is expected to close by 8/12/2026.
Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.