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Hammer Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ELLWOOD Group, Inc.

Forge/Hammer Operator

Navasota, TX · On-site

Forge Operator - DG80 Complex/Hammer Shop ELLWOOD Texas Forge Navasota is seeking safety-focused Forge Operators to join our forging operations in Navasota, Texas. Forge Operators work as part of a ...

ELLWOOD Groups

Forge/Hammer Operator

Navasota, TX · On-site

Forge Operator - DG80 Complex/Hammer Shop ELLWOOD Texas Forge Navasota is seeking safety-focused Forge Operators to join our forging operations in Navasota, Texas. Forge Operators work as part of a ...

ELLWOOD Group, Inc.

Forge/Hammer Operator

Navasota, TX · On-site

Forge Operator - DG80 Complex/Hammer Shop ELLWOOD Texas Forge Navasota is seeking safety-focused Forge Operators to join our forging operations in Navasota, Texas. Forge Operators work as part of a ...

SIFCO Industries

Helper

Cleveland, OH · 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 ...

SIFCO Industries

Helper

Cleveland, OH

$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 ...

Forge Resources Group

Be Seen First

Post Forge Worker

Dekalb, IL · On-site

$23.50 - $25/hr

This is an entry level position leading to the skilled trade position of Forge Hammer Operator. EXPERIENCE & SKILLS PREFERRED: * Ability to read measuring tools and equipment * Ability to accurately ...

CYNET SYSTEMS

Forge Hammer Helper

Fontana, CA · 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 28, 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 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 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 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 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.

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.
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What job categories do people searching Hammer Operator jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Hammer Operator jobs are:

Hammer Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hammer Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 37% Full Time, 61% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,401 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Forge/Hammer Operator

ELLWOOD Group, Inc.

Navasota, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Ellwood Group rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Join the Mission!
Mastery. Integrity. Craft.
At Ellwood, we believe metal is a pillar of human process. What makes it possible are the people behind it; people who don't just meet the highest standards but define them. And who always respect the stakes at hand.
Check out the links below to see what our day looks like - See what drives us.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yjgsLL6Qoo
https://www.ellwoodgroup.com/careers
Forge Operator - DG80 Complex/Hammer Shop
ELLWOOD Texas Forge Navasota is seeking safety-focused Forge Operators to join our forging operations in Navasota, Texas. Forge Operators work as part of a crew using industrial hammers, presses, furnaces, dies, tools, and material-handling equipment to heat and shape steel into forged parts. Employees are trained to perform multiple crew functions, including blowing scale, applying die lubricant, controlling and positioning heated material with tongs, and operating the forging hammer.
Employees may be assigned to the DG80 Complex or Hammer Shop based on their demonstrated abilities, experience, safety performance, and operational needs. Equipment and specific responsibilities vary by assigned work area.
This is highly physical, fast-paced work. Depending on assignment, operators use long-handled tongs and chain-assisted equipment to control and precisely position extremely heavy heated material. The equipment supports the material's weight, but operators must apply significant physical force and maintain a secure grip. Operators must respond quickly to crew signals and reposition material at the required time while remaining controlled, accurate, and safety-focused.
What You'll Do
  • Work as part of a forge crew to heat, preform, forge, trim, inspect, and move steel parts.
  • Train to perform and rotate through multiple forge-crew functions, including blowing scale from heated material and dies, applying die lubricant, using tongs to control and position heated material, and operating the forging hammer.
  • Assist Hammer Operators, Group Leads, and other crew members with forging operations, equipment setup, and die changes.
  • Use long-handled tongs and chain-assisted equipment to quickly and accurately guide, rotate, reposition, and control extremely heavy heated material in coordination with the Hammer Operator and other crew members.
  • Remove scale from heated material and dies and apply die lubricant at the proper time during the forging cycle.
  • Train to operate the forging hammer, carefully controlling hammer strikes to shape the part according to the required process and coordinating each strike with crew members handling the material.
  • Learn and respond to established hand signals, verbal directions, equipment cues, and the timing of the forging cycle.
  • Rotate among assigned crew stations based on training, demonstrated proficiency, safety performance, and operational needs.
  • Assist with heating, preparing, aligning, and maintaining dies at specified operating temperatures.
  • Operate or assist with forklifts, manipulators, cranes, and other material-handling equipment when assigned and authorized.
  • Inspect forged parts for cracks, mismatch, incomplete fill, scale pitting, surface imperfections, improper trimming, and other visible defects.
  • Use calipers and other assigned measuring tools to verify part requirements.
  • Return material for reheating or additional forging when directed.
  • Complete required equipment inspections and accurately document production and quality information.
  • Report unsafe conditions, equipment problems, process deviations, and potential quality concerns.
  • Package, identify, and move completed parts to the appropriate downstream operation.
  • Maintain a clean work area and follow all PPE, lockout/tagout, safety, quality, and operating procedures.
  • Perform other assigned duties based on production and operational needs.

What We're Looking For
  • High school diploma or GED.
  • Two years of experience in heavy manufacturing, steel, foundry, forging, press operation, industrial production, heavy equipment, or a similar hands-on environment.
  • Forging, forklift, mobile-equipment, high-temperature manufacturing, impact-wrench, or industrial-tool experience is preferred.
  • Ability to safely use industrial tools and work around large machinery, moving equipment, and heated material.
  • Ability to learn a coordinated forging process, follow crew signals, and adjust between fast, controlled material movements and careful hammer operation.
  • Willingness and ability to learn multiple forge-crew stations, including scale blowing, die lubrication, tong operation, and forging-hammer operation.
  • Strong attention to safety, quality, equipment movement, and surrounding crew members.
  • Dependable attendance, reliable transportation, and willingness to learn and work closely with a crew.

Physical Demands and Work Environment
  • Perform physically demanding forging work requiring the safe control and positioning of extremely heavy parts and materials at varying work heights, including work surfaces up to approximately 48 inches.
  • Depending on assignment, repeatedly grip and control long-handled tongs while applying physical force to slightly raise, push, pull, rotate, guide, and position extremely heavy material supported by chain-assisted equipment.
  • Maintain control of supported material and respond safely if it shifts, swings, rolls, binds, or does not align properly.
  • Perform repeated reaching, gripping, pushing, pulling, bending, stooping, balancing, and body positioning throughout the assigned operation.
  • Stand and walk for extended periods while working at a steady and safety-focused pace.
  • Work in an extremely hot and loud heavy-manufacturing environment near steel heated to approximately 2,200°F.
  • Work around furnaces, heated dies, forging hammers, presses, moving equipment, vibration, oil, lubricants, dust, flying scale, sparks, and hot metal particles.
  • Wear all required personal protective equipment throughout the shift, which may include metatarsal safety boots, hard hat, face shield, hearing protection, safety glasses, leather apron, gloves, and long sleeves.

Schedule
Must be flexible and available to work assigned shifts, including a biweekly rotating schedule. Days, evenings, nights, weekends, overtime, and schedule changes may be required based on operational needs.
Why Join ELLWOOD?
ELLWOOD offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including:
  • Starting pay of $19.00 per hour
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance beginning on day one
  • Vested 401(k) retirement plan
  • 10 days of vacation and three sick days
  • On-site clinic
  • Shift differential and overtime opportunities
  • Company-provided uniforms and required PPE
  • Advancement opportunities
  • Additional company-sponsored benefits

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment physical, background check, and drug screening.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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