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Ladle Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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.

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.

Casting Furnace Operator

Elmore, OH · On-site

$16.50 - $20.25/hr

Operator checks and hot cleans furnace or ladle. * Add charge to furnace. * Rub, rake, skim and tap furnace. * Draw metal samples from furnace or ladle for analysis and calculate types and amounts of ...

Casting Furnace Operator

Elmore, OH · On-site

$16.50 - $20.25/hr

Operator checks and hot cleans furnace or ladle. * Add charge to furnace. * Rub, rake, skim and tap furnace. * Draw metal samples from furnace or ladle for analysis and calculate types and amounts of ...

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 ...

Melt Operator

Erie, PA · On-site

$16.25 - $19.75/hr

Transfer 6-ton ladle of iron via monorail and pour into Ajax furnace. Repair refractory in ABB ... E.D. Must pass a Lift Truck Operator safety training course and maintain a current license. ABOUT ...

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 ...

Melt Operator

Erie, PA · On-site

$16.25 - $19.75/hr

Transfer 6-ton ladle of iron via monorail and pour into Ajax furnace. Repair refractory in ABB ... E.D. Must pass a Lift Truck Operator safety training course and maintain a current license. ABOUT ...

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 ...

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 ...

Perform relief duties trough man, oven charger, and ladle car operator. * Charge pipe in the annealing oven; operate casting machine to produce good quality pipe; assist casting machine operator with ...

Showing results 21-40

Ladle Operator information

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$12

$24

$35

How much do ladle operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 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 is a ladle operator?

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

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 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.

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:

What job categories do people searching Ladle Operator jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Ladle Operator jobs are:

Infographic showing various Ladle Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 38% Full Time, 60% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,869 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Melt Shop Ladle Crane Operator, BRS

Big River Steel LLC

Osceola, IA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Ensure policies, procedures, and all activities are carried out to support BRS goals and objectives inside the Melt Shop on their respective crew assignments.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  1. Ensure Safety, Environmental and Quality requirements are followed and a priority.
  2. Capable of running a cab operated crane in a safe manner.
  3. Communicates well with Operations group in Melt Shop and Caster.
  4. Communicates well with Crane Crew
  5. Knowledge of the crane and its functions and the flow of the shop.
  6. Assist the shop on any crane picks that are needed.
  7. Support other departments as needed to strengthen BRS profitability and continual improvement efforts.
Qualifications:
  1. Detail and safety oriented and self-motivated.
  2. Good insight into team dynamics with strong verbal communication skills.
  3. Ability to work without direct supervision.
  4. Ability to climb several sets of stairs and board crane.
  5. High School diploma or equivalent: college degree a plus.
  6. Minimum of 1 year experience in heavy manufacturing environment and crane experience.
  7. Previous related experience preferred.
Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:
Environment is typical for a steel mill production areas, with extreme temperatures, high noise levels, and dusty/greasy areas. The job requires to climb several sets of stairs to extremely high elevations to sit in a cab for 12 hours at a time. Typical work hours are 12 hour shifts, which rotate days and nights. This results in working some weekends/holidays and overtime.
Supervisory Responsibility:
This position does not supervise others.
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