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Metal Prep Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Technique, Inc.

1st Shift Metal Finishing Prep

Jackson, MI · On-site

$16 - $19.75/hr

Technique is looking for a Metal Finishing Prep to join our team at our Jackson, Michigan facility. This position reports to the Manufacturing Manager in the Technique weld and assembly plant. This ...

Technique Inc

1st Shift Metal Finishing Prep

Jackson, MI · On-site

$16 - $19.75/hr

Technique is looking for a Metal Finishing Prep to join our team at our Jackson, Michigan facility. This position reports to the Manufacturing Manager in the Technique weld and assembly plant. This ...

Allen Industries Inc

Metal Painter

Clearwater, FL · On-site

Prep metal cabinets and signs using electric sanders * Apply bond/filler as needed and sand to finish * Prime and paint using gravity-fed paint guns * Mix custom paint colors * Move signs and ...

Sunshine Auto Sales

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Welding Technician

Appleton, WI · On-site

$15 - $30/hr

... metal prep Light fabrication for dealership needs Welding Skills Needed: MIG welding (primary) Flux core welding TIG welding (a plus, not required) Ability to work with: Mild steel Stainless ...

Sunshine Auto Sales

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Welding Technician

Appleton, WI · On-site

$15 - $30/hr

... metal prep Light fabrication for dealership needs Welding Skills Needed: MIG welding (primary) Flux core welding TIG welding (a plus, not required) Ability to work with: Mild steel Stainless ...

Acro Blue

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Entry Level Metal Fabricator / Material Prep Technician

Woodinville, WA · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

As a key member of the Fabrication team, the Material Prep Technician is responsible for preparing fabricated metal parts by grinding, sanding, and finishing them to meet quality standards. Pay: $24 ...

Fol-Da-Tank

Metal Fabricator

Milan, IL

$17 - $18/hr

The responsibilities of the Metal Fabricator are to cut, bend, using roll bending equipment, drill, grind/prep and paint tubular and flat metals. This individual will work with a wide variety of ...

Fol-Da-Tank

Metal Fabricator

Milan, IL

$18 - $22/hr

The responsibilities of the Metal Fabricator are to cut, bend, using roll bending equipment, drill, grind/prep and paint tubular and flat metals. This individual will work with a wide variety of ...

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All JobsMetal Prep Jobs

Metal Prep information

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$8

$14

$18

How much do metal prep jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for metal prep in the United States is $14.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $15.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What profession makes $400,000 a year?

In the metal preparation industry, highly experienced professionals such as senior metallurgists or specialized inspectors can earn close to or above $400,000 annually, especially with advanced certifications and leadership roles. These positions often require extensive expertise, years of experience, and sometimes management responsibilities within manufacturing or industrial settings.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Jobs in specialized fields such as high-level consulting, executive management, or certain freelance roles like software development or financial trading can pay $2,000 or more per day. These positions often require advanced skills, significant experience, or certifications, and may involve high-pressure environments or project-based work.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A metal prep worker typically does not earn $10,000 a month without specialized skills or experience. High-paying jobs in fields like sales, real estate, or entrepreneurship can reach that level without a degree, but most skilled trades or technical roles, including metal prep, usually pay less unless combined with extensive experience or supervisory responsibilities.

What are some common challenges faced in a Metal Prep role, and how can new hires overcome them?

A common challenge in a Metal Prep role is maintaining precision and consistency while handling repetitive tasks such as cleaning, grinding, or sanding metal surfaces for fabrication or finishing. New hires may also need to quickly learn to identify different metal types and understand the correct preparation techniques for each. To overcome these challenges, it's helpful to pay close attention to safety protocols, seek guidance from experienced team members, and take time to develop strong attention to detail. Continuous training and hands-on experience will help you improve efficiency and accuracy in this role.

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

To thrive as a Metal Prep, you need a solid understanding of metalworking processes, basic math skills, and experience with hand and power tools, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with equipment such as grinders, sandblasters, and measuring devices, as well as knowledge of safety protocols, is typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and the ability to work efficiently both independently and as part of a team are standout soft skills. These skills ensure the proper preparation of metal surfaces, contribute to high-quality finished products, and maintain a safe and productive work environment.

What is a Metal Prep?

A Metal Prep, or Metal Preparation Worker, is responsible for preparing metal surfaces before they are painted, coated, or assembled. This job typically involves cleaning, sanding, grinding, or blasting metal parts to remove rust, scale, oil, or other contaminants. The process ensures that the metal surface adheres properly to paint or coatings and meets quality standards. Metal Prep workers may use hand tools, power tools, or specialized equipment and must follow safety guidelines to prevent injuries.

What is the difference between Metal Prep vs Metal Fabricator?

AspectMetal PrepMetal Fabricator
Required CertificationsOSHA safety training, possibly OSHA 10/30OSHA safety training, possibly OSHA 10/30
Work EnvironmentIndustrial, manufacturing plants, construction sitesIndustrial, manufacturing shops, construction sites
Job ResponsibilitiesSurface preparation, cleaning, grinding, and applying coatingsCutting, welding, assembling metal parts into structures

Metal Prep and Metal Fabricator roles often share similar safety certifications and work environments. However, Metal Prep focuses on surface preparation and finishing, while Metal Fabricators are involved in cutting, welding, and assembling metal components. Both roles are essential in manufacturing and construction industries, but they differ in daily tasks and skill sets.

Why were 92,000 jobs lost?

The loss of 92,000 jobs can be attributed to economic downturns, industry declines, or automation reducing demand for manual labor roles like metal prep. These factors often lead to layoffs in manufacturing and related sectors, impacting employment numbers.
What cities are hiring for Metal Prep jobs? Cities with the most Metal Prep job openings:
What job categories do people searching Metal Prep jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Metal Prep jobs are:
Metal Prep jobs near you
Infographic showing various Metal Prep job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $29,765 per year, or $14.3 per hour.

1st Shift Metal Finishing Prep

Technique, Inc.

Jackson, MI • On-site

$16 - $19.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Technique is looking for a Metal Finishing Prep to join our team at our Jackson, Michigan facility. This position reports to the Manufacturing Manager in the Technique weld and assembly plant. This role is focused on preparing metal surfaces to the highest quality standards, including blueprint reading, general assembly, and operating equipment such as laser etchers, leak test machines, and robotic welders. The employee will ensure all parts meet A-class surface quality requirements prior to coating and shipment.
The ideal candidate has demonstrated experience achieving A-class surface quality standards and is proficient in automotive sanding techniques, defect identification, metal substrate preparation, and weld seam blending. Familiarity with MIL-SPEC or defense/industrial quality standards is a strong plus, along with confidence operating DA sanders, angle grinders, orbital polishers, and hand-sanding blocks at proper speed and pressure.
Responsibilities:
  • A-Class Surface Finishing - Achieve A-class surface quality standards, including zero visible defects, consistent sheen, and inspection-ready results.
  • Automotive Sanding Techniques - Perform dry sanding using progressive grits (80 through 600+), block sanding, and feathering edges on complex contours.
  • Defect Identification & Correction - Identify and correct surface defects such as orange peel, runs, sags, pinholes, scratches, and weld splatter prior to finishing.
  • Metal Substrate Preparation - Prep bare metal, weld joints, and machined surfaces - including degreasing, phosphate treatment, and scuff prep - prior to coating.
  • Weld Seam Blending - Grind, file, and finish weld beads to achieve smooth, seamless transitions that meet visual and dimensional tolerances.
  • Masking & Surface Protection - Precision mask critical areas, hardware, and adjacent assemblies to protect finished surfaces during multi-stage prep operations.
  • Defense/Industrial Quality Standards - Apply familiarity with MIL-SPEC coating requirements, inspection criteria, and documentation practices common in defense manufacturing environments.
  • Power & Hand Tool Proficiency - Operate DA sanders, angle grinders, orbital polishers, files, and hand-sanding blocks with proper speed and pressure control to avoid burn-through.
  • General Assembly - Use hand tools (hammer, chisel, scraper, torque wrench, etc.) to complete general assembly tasks and assemble parts to a blueprint.
  • Machine Operation - Load and operate laser etch machine, leak-testing machine, and robotic welder; must be capable of learning simple machine operating tasks.
  • Forklift Operation - Obtain and maintain forklift license; must be highly proficient at operating a forklift.
  • Packing & Shipping - Pack and prepare finished goods for shipment, ensuring all items meet quality standards prior to release.
  • Other duties as assigned - Perform tasks as assigned by the Manager.

Requirements:
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Demonstrated experience achieving A-class surface quality standards, including zero visible defects and inspection-ready results
  • Proficiency in dry sanding using progressive grits (80 through 600+), block sanding, and feathering edges on complex contours
  • Ability to identify and correct surface defects such as orange peel, runs, sags, pinholes, scratches, and weld splatter
  • Experience prepping bare metal, weld joints, and machined surfaces including degreasing, phosphate treatment, and scuff prep prior to coating
  • Skill in grinding, filing, and finishing weld beads to achieve smooth, seamless transitions that meet visual and dimensional tolerances
  • Precision masking of critical areas, hardware, and adjacent assemblies to protect finished surfaces during multi-stage prep operations
  • Familiarity with MIL-SPEC coating requirements, inspection criteria, and documentation practices preferred
  • Competent use of DA sanders, angle grinders, orbital polishers, files, and hand-sanding blocks with knowledge of proper speed and pressure control
  • Must be able to meet the requirements to be licensed and highly proficient at operating a forklift
  • Ability to read blueprints and attention to detail
  • This is a very active position requiring standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing all day; must be able to frequently lift and/or move items over 50 pounds
  • Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus
  • Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment with exposure to fumes, airborne particles, hazardous chemicals, moving mechanical parts, industrial equipment, vibration, and loud noise
  • No travel required
  • Must be eligible to work in the United States; E-Verify partner employer

Position Type and Expected Hours: Monday-Friday 7:00am-3:30pm
This is a full-time non-exempt position with a minimum of 40 hours per week with overtime as required. Days and hours may vary; flexibility is required. Working overtime and schedule flexibility are essential functions of this position.
About Technique:
Technique is a Michigan-based precision sheet metal and welded assemblies manufacturer serving aerospace, defense, automotive, motorsports, medical, and food processing industries. We specialize in high-speed prototypes, ultra-low volume stampings, tubing, and assemblies for production and emergency-based manufacturing.
Our employees enjoy a work culture that values safety, integrity, teamwork, learning opportunities, and results.
Technique benefits include paid time off, health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, health savings account (HSA), flexible spending account (FSA), 401(k), 401(k) matching, professional development, referral program, paid training, on-the-job training, employee assistance program, and tuition reimbursement.
Benefits:
  • Paid Time Off
  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Disability Insurance
  • Health Savings Account
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) Matching
  • Professional Development
  • Referral Program
  • Paid Training
  • On The Job Training
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Tuition Reimbursement

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Technique is an equal employment opportunity employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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