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Ladle Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Furnace Operator

Canton, OH

$16 - $19.50/hr

We are currently seeking a skilled and reliable Furnace Operator to join our team. This is a great ... May have to lift 75# pails and pour ladle dope into the hopper. * Can also be required to lift 75 ...

Furnace Operator

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$15.82 - $35.60/hr

... Operator - SC (Covers Furnace Operator "Trainee", and "B") JOB DIMENSIONS : Job Summary: Under ... Pours metal from furnace to ladle, and from ladle to molds; * Leans furnace; * Charges furnace for ...

Operator LMF Helper

Calvert, AL · On-site

$19.50 - $22.50/hr

This is a unique opportunity to be part of a newly constructed Electric Arc Furnace (EAF), Ladle ... Collaborate with Furnace operator to control and maintain temperature of molten metal coming from ...

Operator LMF Helper

Calvert, AL

$19.50 - $22.50/hr

This is a unique opportunity to be part of a newly constructed Electric Arc Furnace (EAF), Ladle ... Collaborate with Furnace operator to control and maintain temperature of molten metal coming from ...

Production Team Member

Blackwell, OK · On-site

$12 - $14.75/hr

Production team members may fill one of several positions in a lost wax manufacturing facility, including but not limited to, Wax Pattern Treer, Wax Press Operator, Melter, Ladle Helper or Grinder.

Iron Pourer 3rd Shift

Pryor, OK · On-site

$1 - $29.61/hr

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Furnace Operator

Hodges, SC · On-site

$19.75/hr

Furnace Operator in Hodges, SC 2nd Shift 2pm to 10:30pm Pay: $19.75 per hour Full-Time, Biweekly ... Experience in iron pouring, ladle repair, furnace charging and furnace operation. * Must have an ...

METAL HANDLER / FORKLIFT OPERATOR PHB, Inc. located in Fairview, Pennsylvania, has openings for ... Bull ladle operation requires keen eye/hand coordination. Metal handlers must be steady and ...

Melt Shop Operator

Elyria, OH · On-site

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

... to ladle iron pouring preparation. • Collaborate with the manufacturing team to ensure production conformity. • Perform other duties as required. Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities: • ...

Transport molten metal in a ladle from the Melt Department to the Pouring area by fork truck ... Must inform operator or supervisor of any unfavorable pouring conditions such as run-outs, sequence ...

Transport molten metal in a ladle from the Melt Department to the Pouring area by fork truck ... Must inform operator or supervisor of any unfavorable pouring conditions such as run-outs, sequence ...

Melt Shop Operator

Elyria, OH

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

... ladle iron pouring preparation. · Collaborate with the manufacturing team to ensure production conformity. · Perform other duties as required. Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities: · Knowledge of ...

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Ladle Operator information

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$12

$24

$35

How much do ladle operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for ladle operator in the United States is $24.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $30.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Ladle Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Ladle Operator, you need a solid understanding of metallurgy processes, basic math skills, and experience in heavy manufacturing, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with overhead cranes, ladle pouring systems, and safety protocols, as well as OSHA certifications, are commonly required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong communication help ensure safe and efficient operations. These skills are crucial for maintaining product quality and preventing workplace accidents in the demanding environment of metal production.

What are the typical challenges faced by a Ladle Operator and how can they be managed?

Ladle Operators often work in high-temperature environments and must remain vigilant to ensure safety and product quality. One common challenge is managing the precise pouring and transfer of molten metal, which requires careful attention to timing, equipment condition, and temperature control. Effective communication with team members, adherence to safety protocols, and regular equipment inspections help mitigate risks and ensure smooth operations. Staying organized and proactive about potential hazards can make the role both safer and more efficient.

What are Ladle Operators?

Ladle Operators are skilled workers responsible for operating and controlling ladles—large containers used to transport and pour molten metal in foundries or steel mills. They ensure the safe transfer of molten materials from furnaces to molds or other containers, monitoring temperature and flow to maintain quality and safety standards. Ladle Operators must be attentive to safety protocols, as they work with extremely high temperatures and hazardous materials. Their role is critical in the production process, helping to create metal products efficiently and safely.

What is the difference between Ladle Operator vs Furnace Operator?

AspectLadle OperatorFurnace Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety trainingHigh school diploma, safety training
Work EnvironmentSteel mills, foundries, metal plantsSteel mills, metal processing plants
Job ResponsibilitiesHandling and pouring molten metal from ladlesOperating furnaces to melt and refine metals
Industry UsageCommon in steel and metal manufacturingCommon in steel and metal manufacturing

Both Ladle Operators and Furnace Operators work in metal manufacturing environments, handling molten metals and operating specialized equipment. Ladle Operators focus on transferring and pouring molten metal using ladles, while Furnace Operators manage the melting process within furnaces. Understanding these roles helps in choosing the right career path in the metal industry.

What kind of crane operator makes the most money?

Among crane operators, those who operate tower cranes or large mobile cranes tend to earn the highest wages due to the complexity and skill required. Specialized certifications, experience, and working in high-demand industries or locations can also increase earning potential for crane operators.

What does a ladle operator do?

A ladle operator is responsible for controlling and operating ladle equipment used to transport and pour molten metal in foundries or steel mills. They monitor temperature, ensure safety procedures, and maintain equipment to ensure efficient and safe metal pouring processes. This role often requires knowledge of industrial safety standards and may involve working in high-temperature environments.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Ladle operators typically do not earn $4,000 a week; such high weekly pay is more common in specialized trades like commercial pilots, certain sales roles, or skilled trades such as electricians or plumbers with experience. These jobs often require technical skills, certifications, or apprenticeships rather than a college degree. High-paying roles usually involve physical work, technical expertise, or sales commissions.

What kind of jobs in media bring in $150,000 a year?

A Ladle Operator is a manufacturing role and typically does not earn $150,000 annually. High-paying media jobs that can reach this level include senior executive positions such as media directors, producers, or specialized roles like media strategists, often requiring extensive experience, advanced skills, and sometimes advanced degrees. These roles are usually found in large organizations or companies with significant media operations.
More about Ladle Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Ladle Operator jobs? Cities with the most Ladle Operator job openings:
What states have the most Ladle Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Ladle Operator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Ladle Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,869 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

$16 - $19.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Description

Overview:
We are currently seeking a skilled and reliable Furnace Operator to join our team. This is a great opportunity for individuals who enjoy working in a fast-paced environment and are looking to contribute to the success of our organization.


Summary Job Description: Responsible for performing work involving a variety of details to operate induction melting furnaces, weighing alloys, and cleaning runners.


Job Functions and Functional Job Task Elements

Task #1: Obtain order

  • Receives instructions regarding work assignment from supervisor.
  • Preheats furnace if necessary for the required task.
  • This involves opening furnace with hydraulic controls.
  • Crane and the furnace are automatically controlled and require minimal keying and push button operations.
  • Adjusts power input to facilitate melting and temperature control.

Task #2: Prepare Alloys

  • Use a 5# shovel to put various combinations of alloys into 4#pails.
  • Shoveling is done on an occasional basis throughout the day and is usually sustained for 15-20 minutes at the most.
  • Lift pail weighing up to 50# and place it on a scale slightly below knee level.
  • This is done on an occasional basis per hour.
  • Place the pail that has been weighed on a large metal box.
  • Once the box is stacked with 6-12 pails, move the box using a crane and bring it to the furnace deck.
  • Take the pails and then place them on the furnace deck from anywhere between floor to waist level.
  • Raise the lid of the furnace using hydraulic controls and pour the alloys from the metal box into the furnace at floor level-rarely. Most alloys added in hopper.
  • May have to lift 75# pails and pour ladle dope into the hopper.
  • Can also be required to lift 75# bags of alloy mix on an occasional basis per hour as needed.
  • Can also be required to shovel up to 1000#s into a drum. The drum is then moved using a crane.

Task #3: Cleaning and maintenance

  • Required to clean runners on an infrequent basis throughout the day as needed.
  • This involves stepping down into the runner from the furnace deck (approximately 1-2ft) and using a chisel that is 2-3 ft long to clean the solidified metal from the runner, sometimes utilizes a 20# handheld air hammer.
  • This involves using bilateral upper extremities and grating metal off with a moderate amount of force.
  • Can be required to squat, stoop, or kneel when accessing the runner for cleaning/ maintenance tasks.
  • May be required to do minor repair work on runners and on the top of furnace linings and pouring spouts using various hand tools with fine and gross motor coordination.
  • Slagging/cleaning the furnace is done using automatic battery-operated controls. No physical work is involved.
  • Clean ladle-which involves chipping of slag using chipping hammer.

Task #4: Testing and documentation

  • Take a small ladle weighing up to 5 #s and get a sample out of the furnace as needed for testing. Pour the molten metal into test molds. This is done on an infrequent basis throughout the day.
  • Make out reports or post data such as log sheets, preheat time, light-up time, melt time, down time, tests and additions made to heat.


Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may be required to perform other duties as assigned.

If you meet the requirements above and are interested in joining our team, please apply with your updated resume. We look forward to reviewing your application!

Requirements

Shift: 8 hours regular shifts (all 3 shifts) and 10 hours over-time shifts.

Breaks: 30-minute lunch.

Flooring: Cement, wooden platforms, rubber mats.

Lighting: Adequate overhead lighting.

Environment: Foundry shop environment. Need to be careful with other employees while moving overhead cranes in the vicinity.

Safety Equipment: Hard hat, gloves, safety glasses, and steel-toe shoes.

Strength Range: Medium-Heavy strength range.

Tools and equipment: Induction furnace, charging car, radio control crane, slag boxes, magnet, stirring poles, slagger, skimmers, ladles, chains, test ladles, test molds, hand tools such as shovel and hammer, and instruments such as thermocouples, weighing scale, power facto meter, voltmeter, etc.

Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may be required to perform other duties as assigned.

If you meet the requirements above and are interested in joining our team, please apply with your updated resume. We look forward to reviewing your application!


Job Type: Full-time


Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

Schedule:

  • 8 hour shift