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Metal Prep Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sunshine Auto Sales

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Welding Technician

Menasha, 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 ...

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 ...

ALS

Metals Prep Technician

Middletown, PA · On-site

Metals Prep Technician Imagine your future with us! At ALS, we encourage you to dream big. When you join ALS, you join a purpose and values-driven team that empowers you to innovate, create, and ...

Sunshine Auto Sales

Be Seen First

Welding Technician

Menasha, 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 ...

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 ...

Dynavac

Temporary Laborer/Helper

Rockland, MA · On-site

$23 - $27/hr

Four - six months of reliable 50 - 60 hour weeks, above-market pay, hands-on grinding, deburring, and metal prep. Benefits include earned sick pay and holiday pay. Compensation Range: $23-$27 per ...

OptiTrack

Metal Finisher

Corvallis, OR · On-site

$18.50 - $22.75/hr

Material Prep * Saw cutting (miter saw, bandsaw) * Quality Control Requirements Required ... Experience with metal finishing * General machine shop experience Benefits EEOC Statement:

OptiTrack

Metal Finisher

Corvallis, OR · On-site

$17.50 - $21.50/hr

Material Prep * Saw cutting (miter saw, bandsaw) * Quality Control Requirements Required ... Experience with metal finishing * General machine shop experience Benefits EEOC Statement:

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Metal Prep information

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$8

$14

$18

How much do metal prep jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 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 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.

What cities are hiring for Metal Prep jobs? Cities with the most Metal Prep job openings:
What states have the most Metal Prep jobs? States with the most job openings for Metal Prep jobs include:
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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 39% Full Time, 59% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 63% Physical, and 37% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,765 per year, or $14.3 per hour.
1st shift Interfold Operator (Mon.-Thurs.) 7am-5:30pm

1st shift Interfold Operator (Mon.-Thurs.) 7am-5:30pm

Trinidad Benham

Lagrange, GA

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Trinidad Benham rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

229th of 380 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Set up and operate the line in order to produce product that meets quality specifications,
maintain the machine systems, make necessary adjustments, and troubleshoot common machine/quality problems.
  • Check the order sheet to determine order to run and specifications for that order.  (Ensure that the right metal is being used)
  • Set up and complete initial thread up of machine.
  • Perform Quality Check at least once each hour.
  • Record the results of each hourly quality check on the Daily Quality Inspection Report
  • Monitor process, correct jams and other problems that occur.
  • Maintain cleanliness and orderliness of line to GMP standards by removing cartons and other trash, removing dust and debris, etc. 
  • Troubleshoot minor quality and machine problems; communicate more complex problems to maintenance.
  • Metal Prep
  • Identify and complete form necessary to provide info on substandard material.
  • Lubricate machinery as needed.
  • Any other duties as requested or required.

Ability to lift up to 35 lbs.  Ability to stand ten hours (twelve during busy season) and walk up and down steps. Able to remove and replace mandrels.
Employee-owned
 Advancement Opportunities
 Weekly pay
 Insurance coverage that includes medical, dental, vision and life insurance and flexible spending accounts
 401(k) with employer match
 Paid holidays and competitive vacation/sick pay plans
 Tuition assistance program 
 Employee stock ownership program (ESOP) 

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