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Ladle Crane Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Iron Pourer

Pryor, OK ยท On-site

The ability to perform the duties of crane operator, furnace operator or ladle repair are required as needed. This position may be classified as a lead person which will perform job duties as ...

The ability to perform the duties of crane operator, furnace operator or ladle repair are required as needed. This position may be classified as a lead person which will perform job duties as ...

Visually check from pulpit the furnace and other Melt Shop areas for possible problems and unsafe conditions * Assist others when needed or requested (ladle furnace operator, crane operator, etc)

Melt Shop Operator

Youngstown, OH ยท On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Planning, setting up, and monitoring operations for billet pickup by yard crane. * Monitoring ... Operating material guns, managing tap hole sand hopper, and ladle sanding. * Supporting maintenance ...

Planning, setting up, and monitoring operations for billet pickup by yard crane. * Monitoring ... Operating material guns, managing tap hole sand hopper, and ladle sanding. * Supporting maintenance ...

Foundry Worker - Pitman

Canton, OH ยท On-site

$16 - $20.75/hr

Mold is then placed in pit by crane operator. * Pouring of metals requires a great amount of force, especially for the 28 ton ladle. * Responsible for undoing chains at appropriate time.

Foundry Worker - Pitman

Canton, OH ยท On-site

$16 - $20.75/hr

Mold is then placed in pit by crane operator. * Pouring of metals requires a great amount of force, especially for the 28 ton ladle. * Responsible for undoing chains at appropriate time.

Foundry Worker - Pitman

Canton, OH ยท On-site

$16 - $20.75/hr

Mold is then placed in pit by crane operator. * Pouring of metals requires a great amount of force, especially for the 28 ton ladle. * Responsible for undoing chains at appropriate time.

Furnace Operator

Canton, OH ยท On-site

$16 - $19.50/hr

Crane and the furnace are automatically controlled and require minimal keying and push button ... May have to lift 75# pails and pour ladle dope into the hopper. * Can also be required to lift 75 ...

Furnace Operator

Canton, OH ยท On-site

$16 - $19.50/hr

Crane and the furnace are automatically controlled and require minimal keying and push button ... May have to lift 75# pails and pour ladle dope into the hopper. * Can also be required to lift 75 ...

Furnace Operator

Canton, OH ยท On-site

$16 - $19.50/hr

Crane and the furnace are automatically controlled and require minimal keying and push button ... May have to lift 75# pails and pour ladle dope into the hopper. * Can also be required to lift 75 ...

Laborer

Burgettstown, PA ยท On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

... pony ladle, dome, air hammer, pendant control crane, mold furnace, 1300 process programmer and ... To assist in dome assembly and positioning for vacuum degassed heats, assist in operating mold ...

Laborer

Burgettstown, PA ยท On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

... pony ladle, dome, air hammer, pendant control crane, mold furnace, 1300 process programmer and ... To assist in dome assembly and positioning for vacuum degassed heats, assist in operating mold ...

Melt Operator

Erie, PA ยท On-site

$16.25 - $19.75/hr

Operate overhead yard crane and fill charge cars to recipe. Charge the ABB furnace with purchased ... Transfer 6-ton ladle of iron via monorail and pour into Ajax furnace. Repair refractory in ABB ...

Melt Operator

Erie, PA ยท On-site

$16.25 - $19.75/hr

Operate overhead yard crane and fill charge cars to recipe. Charge the ABB furnace with purchased ... Transfer 6-ton ladle of iron via monorail and pour into Ajax furnace. Repair refractory in ABB ...

Showing results 21-40

Ladle Crane Operator information

See salary details

$14

$28

$40

How much do ladle crane operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for ladle crane operator in the United States is $28.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.63 and $33.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a ladle crane operator?

Ladle crane operators are skilled professionals who operate overhead cranes designed to transport molten metal in foundries or steel plants. Their main responsibility is to safely and efficiently move heavy ladles filled with liquid metal between furnaces, casting stations, and other processing areas. They must have a strong understanding of safety protocols, crane mechanics, and the properties of the materials they handle. This role requires attention to detail, quick reflexes, and the ability to communicate effectively with other members of the production team. Ladle crane operators play a critical part in ensuring the smooth and safe operation of metal production facilities.

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

To thrive as a Ladle Crane Operator, you need a solid understanding of crane operation, load management, and safety procedures, often supported by a high school diploma and relevant crane operator certification. Familiarity with industrial control systems, overhead crane controls, and routine maintenance tools is essential. Attention to detail, strong communication, and situational awareness are crucial soft skills for safe and efficient operations. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure the safe handling of molten metal, minimize workplace accidents, and maintain production efficiency in industrial environments.

What are some common challenges faced by a ladle crane operator, and how are they typically addressed on the job?

Ladle Crane Operators often face challenges such as working in high-temperature environments, maintaining precise crane movements during molten metal transfers, and adhering to strict safety protocols. To address these, operators receive thorough training on safety procedures, use specialized protective equipment, and collaborate closely with ground crews and supervisors to ensure coordinated operations. Regular maintenance checks and adherence to communication protocols are also essential to minimize risks and maintain efficiency in the steel production process.

What is the difference between Ladle Crane Operator vs Overhead Crane Operator?

AspectLadle Crane OperatorOverhead Crane Operator
CredentialsTypically requires crane operation certification and sometimes specialized training for handling molten metalRequires general overhead crane certification, often with industry-specific training
Work EnvironmentFound in steel mills, foundries, and metal processing plants, handling molten metalLocated in manufacturing, warehouses, and construction sites, handling various loads
Industry UsagePrimarily used in metal production industriesUsed across multiple industries including manufacturing, construction, and logistics

The main difference between a Ladle Crane Operator and an Overhead Crane Operator lies in their specific work environments and load types. Ladle Crane Operators specialize in handling molten metal in steel mills and foundries, requiring specialized training. Overhead Crane Operators work in diverse industries, managing various loads with standard certifications. Both roles require crane operation skills but differ in their operational focus and safety requirements.

What cities are hiring for Ladle Crane Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Ladle Crane Operator job openings:

What states have the most Ladle Crane Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Ladle Crane Operator jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Ladle Crane Operator jobs?

For Ladle Crane Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Ladle Crane Operator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,350 per year, or $28.1 per hour.

Iron Pourer

Pryor, OK โ€ข On-site

American Castings, LLC
Coal, Metals and Minerals Miningย โ€ขย 11 - 50 employees

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

At AMERICAN Castings we specialize in gray and ductile iron castings. We are a member of the AMERICAN family of iron and steel manufacturers that together has a collective total of more than 500 years of manufacturing experience. The family originated with and was founded as AMERICAN Cast Iron Pipe Company in Birmingham, Alabama in 1905.
We have a wide range of customers and serve diverse markets such as agriculture, construction, energy, mining, and waterworks with in-depth expertise in each field. Our proficiency in engineering and metallurgy, rigorous maintenance and reliability practices and being vigilant about continuous improvement and productivity initiatives helps keep our customers with us year after year and enables us to deliver a quality product at a competitive price.
*SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITION*
Perform all necessary tasks to pour molds in pouring floor and/or automatic molding lines from ladles. Operates power driven trolley and hoist to move ladles to holding furnace where molten metal is poured into the ladle. May weigh and ready alloys and add predetermined quantity of alloy at alloy addition station and take ladle to pouring line. Performs duties to pour into molds from ladles. Check melt for slag and other impurities and remove slag and impurities as necessary. Place pre-heater in ladle when not in use. Ability to maintain proper metal flow and continuity to produce quality castings is required. Visually check color of metal to judge pouring temperature and vary pouring techniques to conform with metal types and casting design to avoid strains, cold shuts, misruns, sand washes, and gas blows. Use and maintain chipping gun. Drive forklift to move pig molds and slag bins. Assist with maintaining records, reline furnace performing brick work, mix refractory materials, and repair and replacement of refractory. Assist with closing and clamping mold. Able to tap a ladle, at the right amount, and kind of metal. The ability to perform the duties of crane operator, furnace operator or ladle repair are required as needed. This position may be classified as a lead person which will perform job duties as assigned. Keep work area clean and orderly. Know safety rules that apply to the safety of others and to personal safety. Perform other work as instructed by supervisor.
*A complete job description is available in Human Resources*