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Metal Shear Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Break Press/Shear Operator

Bernalillo, NM · On-site

$17.50 - $23/hr

Set up, operate, or tend machines to saw, cut, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic material. Test and adjust machine speeds or actions, according to product ...

Sheet Metal Fabricator/Welder

Carmel, NY · On-site

$19 - $25.50/hr

This job would involve setting up and operating brake press, plasma table, hydraulic sheet metal shear, using basic hand tools as well as using measuring tools. Drawings for sheet metal are limited ...

Sheet Metal Fabricator/Welder

Carmel, NY · On-site

$19 - $25.50/hr

This job would involve setting up and operating brake press, plasma table, hydraulic sheet metal shear, using basic hand tools as well as using measuring tools. Drawings for sheet metal are limited ...

Sheet Metal Fabricator

Clearwater, FL · On-site

$16.50 - $22.25/hr

Work may involve any of the following: setting up and operating fabricating machines to cut, bend ... Set up and operation of sheet metal shear. Must be able to calculate best cut to minimize scrap.

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Job Overview We are seeking a skilled Architectural Sheet Metal Fabricator / Machine Operator to ... Ability to operate metal fabrication equipment (folders, shears, roll formers) * Ability to read ...

Classified Welder

Columbia, TN · On-site

$23 - $29/hr

Work may involve any of the following: setting up and operating fabricating machines to cut, bend ... Set up and operation of sheet metal shear. Must be able to calculate best cut to minimize scrap.

Machine Operator - Shear

Dallas, TX · On-site

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

Fabrication Shear Machine Operator Build a Career, Not Just a Job Join Mestex At Mestex, we dont just fabricate metal we build long-term careers. Many of our employees have been with us for years ...

Classified Welder

Columbia, TN · On-site

$23 - $29/hr

Work may involve any of the following: setting up and operating fabricating machines to cut, bend ... Set up and operation of sheet metal shear. Must be able to calculate best cut to minimize scrap.

Rebar Fabricator I

Columbus, OH · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

... lift and position metal bars for bending operations. Reposition work-pieces for initial and ... Assists shear operators in clearing sheared materials from storage racks or to supply stock length ...

Rebar Fabricator

Omaha, NE · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

... metal bars for bending operations. * Reposition workpieces for initial and subsequent bends ... Assists shear operators in clearing sheared materials from storage racks or to supply stock length ...

... shear operator | production operator | machinery operation | factory worker | manufacturing technician | machine shop | metal fabrication | production worker | rotating shifts | swing shift | day ...

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Metal Shear Operator information

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$13

$19

$25

How much do metal shear operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for metal shear operator in the United States is $19.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Metal Shear Operator do?

A Metal Shear Operator is responsible for operating machines that cut metal sheets, plates, or bars into specific sizes and shapes. They set up, adjust, and maintain shearing equipment to ensure precise cuts according to specifications. Operators also inspect materials before and after cutting to ensure quality, follow safety protocols, and may assist with loading and unloading metal materials. Their role is essential in manufacturing and fabrication industries where accurate metal cutting is required.

What is the difference between Metal Shear Operator vs Metal Fabricator?

AspectMetal Shear OperatorMetal Fabricator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma, technical training or apprenticeship
Work EnvironmentFactories, manufacturing plants, metalworking shopsWorkshops, manufacturing facilities, construction sites
Job FocusOperating shearing machines to cut metal sheetsAssembling, welding, and fabricating metal parts
Tools & EquipmentMetal shears, CNC machinesWelding equipment, hand tools, cutting tools

While Metal Shear Operators focus on operating machinery to cut metal sheets precisely, Metal Fabricators handle a broader range of tasks including assembling and welding metal parts. Both roles require knowledge of safety procedures and metalworking techniques, but Metal Fabricators typically have more diverse responsibilities in the fabrication process.

What are some common challenges faced by Metal Shear Operators on the job?

Metal Shear Operators often encounter challenges such as handling heavy materials safely, ensuring precise cuts to minimize waste, and maintaining equipment to prevent downtime. The role requires strong attention to detail, as incorrect measurements or machine settings can lead to costly errors. Additionally, operators must frequently collaborate with team members, such as material handlers and quality inspectors, to ensure production runs smoothly and finished pieces meet specifications.

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

To thrive as a Metal Shear Operator, you need a solid understanding of metal types, measuring techniques, and machine operation, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant manufacturing experience. Familiarity with industrial metal shearing machines, calipers, micrometers, and adherence to safety protocols is essential. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and effective communication help ensure precision and safe workflow. These skills and qualities are important to maintain efficiency, product quality, and workplace safety in a manufacturing environment.
More about Metal Shear Operator jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Metal Shear Operator jobs? The most popular types of Metal Shear Operator jobs are:

Break Press/Shear Operator

Amfabsteel Inc

Bernalillo, NM • On-site

$17.50 - $23/hr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

  • Examine completed workpieces for defects, such as chipped edges or marred surfaces and sort defective pieces according to types of flaws.
    Measure completed workpieces to verify conformance to specifications, using micrometers, gauges, calipers, templates, or rulers.
    Set stops on machine beds, change dies, and adjust components, such as rams or power presses, when making multiple or successive passes.
    Start machines, monitor their operations, and record operational data.
    Set up, operate, or tend machines to saw, cut, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic material.
    Test and adjust machine speeds or actions, according to product specifications, using gauges and hand tools.
    Install, align, and lock specified punches, dies, cutting blades, or other fixtures in rams or beds of machines, using gauges, templates, feelers, shims, and hand tools.
    Read work orders or production schedules to determine specifications, such as materials to be used, locations of cutting lines, or dimensions and tolerances.
    Position guides, stops, holding blocks, or other fixtures to secure and direct workpieces, using hand tools and measuring devices.
    Position, align, and secure workpieces against fixtures or stops on machine beds or on dies.
    Load workpieces, plastic material, or chemical solutions into machines.
    Adjust ram strokes of presses to specified lengths, using hand tools.
    Clean and lubricate machines.
    Mark identifying data on workpieces.
    Clean work area.
    Plan sequences of operations, applying knowledge of physical properties of workpiece materials.
    Operate forklifts to deliver materials.
    Lubricate workpieces with oil.
    Turn controls to set cutting speeds, feed rates, or table angles for specified operations.
    Scribe reference lines on workpieces as guides for cutting operations, according to blueprints, templates, sample parts, or specifications.
    Place workpieces on cutting tables, manually or using hoists, cranes, or sledges.
    Turn valves to start flow of coolant against cutting areas or to start airflow that blows cuttings away from kerfs.
    Thread ends of metal coils from reels through slitters and secure ends on recoilers.
    Grind out burrs or sharp edges, using portable grinders, speed lathes, or polishing jacks.
    Remove housings, feed tubes, tool holders, or other accessories to replace worn or broken parts, such as springs or bushings.
    Replace defective blades or wheels, using hand tools.
    Set blade tensions, heights, and angles to perform prescribed cuts, using wrenches.
    Select, clean, and install spacers, rubber sleeves, or cutters on arbors.
    Hand-form, cut, or finish workpieces, using tools such as table saws, hand sledges, or anvils.
    Preheat workpieces, using heating furnaces or hand torches.
    Sharpen dulled blades, using bench grinders, abrasive wheels, or lathes.
    Hone cutters with oilstones to remove nicks.

Offers of employment are contigent upon passing an HPE (Human Performance Exam) that tests the capability of likely physical requirements of the specific position.


About Amfabsteel

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Architectural and structural metals manufacturing

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Bernalillo, NM, US

Year founded

1983