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Metals Buyer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Overview Consider joining Metal Exchange as a Recycled Metals Buyer at our St. Louis, MO location. This fast-paced buying position is primarily focused on purchasing non-ferrous metals directed at ...

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Scrap Metal Buyer

Oakland, CA · On-site

$75K - $150K/yr

... Metals Company Oakland, CA Aaron Metals is seeking a Scrap Metal Buyer to join our team. This role is focused on purchasing non-ferrous scrap, working with suppliers, and supporting daily yard ...

Recycling / Metals Processing Description We are seeking a knowledgeable and dependable Metal Buyer to join our Hillsboro facility. This position plays a key role in the purchasing, sorting, and ...

Recycling / Metals Processing Description We are seeking a knowledgeable and dependable Metal Buyer to join our NE Portland facility. This position plays a key role in the purchasing, sorting, and ...

Buyer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Prior scrap metal buyer or scrap metal trader experience is a MUST. Represent the Sims Metal division in acquiring scrap metal, including pricing of material, pricing and coordinating transportation ...

Buyer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Prior scrap metal buyer or scrap metal trader experience is a MUST. Represent the Sims Metal division in acquiring scrap metal, including pricing of material, pricing and coordinating transportation ...

Sims Metal (Sims) is a global leader in metal recycling. With facilities across the globe, Sims ... Experience Required * 2 -4 years of scrap metal buyer experience in the metals recycling industry ...

Sims Metal (Sims) is a global leader in metal recycling. With facilities across the globe, Sims ... Experience Required * 2 -4 years of scrap metal buyer experience in the metals recycling industry ...

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Showing results 1-20

Metals Buyer information

See salary details

$34.5K

$68.4K

$102.5K

How much do metals buyer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for metals buyer in the United States is $68,384.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,000.00 and $79,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Jobs that can pay $2,000 a day include high-level roles such as specialized metals buyers working in large-scale industrial or commodity trading companies, often requiring extensive experience, negotiation skills, and industry knowledge. Other high-paying roles may include freelance consultants, project managers in large construction or manufacturing projects, or executive positions in related fields. These roles typically demand advanced skills, certifications, and a strong professional network.

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

A Metals Buyer can potentially earn $10,000 or more per month through commissions and high-volume transactions, especially in large-scale industrial or commodity markets. Success in this role often depends on industry knowledge, negotiation skills, and experience, rather than formal education or degrees.

What does a Metals Buyer do?

A Metals Buyer is responsible for sourcing and purchasing various types of metals or metal products needed by a company, such as steel, aluminum, copper, or specialty alloys. They evaluate suppliers, negotiate prices and contracts, and ensure that materials meet quality standards and are delivered on time. Metals Buyers play a crucial role in managing supply chains and controlling costs for manufacturers, construction firms, and other industries that rely heavily on metal materials.

What is the highest paying scrap metal?

For a metals buyer, the highest paying scrap metals are typically precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum, which can fetch premium prices. Other valuable scrap metals include copper, aluminum, and stainless steel, with copper often commanding the highest prices among common industrial metals. Prices fluctuate based on market demand and purity levels, so staying updated on current market rates is essential for maximizing profit.

What is the difference between Metals Buyer vs Metals Purchasing Coordinator?

AspectMetals BuyerMetals Purchasing Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires purchasing or supply chain certifications, experience in metals industrySimilar credentials, often with additional administrative or coordination training
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, negotiating with suppliers, analyzing market trendsOffice setting, coordinating purchase activities, supporting procurement processes
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in manufacturing, construction, and metals trading companiesCommon in procurement departments within similar industries
Search & Comparison IntentPeople compare to understand roles in metals procurement and buyingOften compared to Metals Buyer to clarify responsibilities and scope

The main difference between a Metals Buyer and a Metals Purchasing Coordinator lies in their scope of responsibilities. Metals Buyers focus on negotiating prices, purchasing decisions, and market analysis, while Metals Purchasing Coordinators handle administrative tasks, order processing, and supporting procurement activities. Both roles require similar credentials and are integral to metals procurement in manufacturing and trading industries.

What are some typical challenges Metals Buyers face when sourcing materials, and how can they address them?

Metals Buyers often encounter challenges such as price volatility, quality inconsistencies, and supply chain disruptions when sourcing metals. To address these issues, successful buyers develop strong relationships with reliable suppliers, stay updated on market trends, and negotiate flexible contracts to manage price fluctuations. Additionally, they may collaborate closely with logistics and quality assurance teams to ensure timely delivery and maintain standards, which helps minimize risks and maintain production schedules.

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

To thrive as a Metals Buyer, you need strong analytical skills, negotiation abilities, and a solid understanding of supply chain and procurement processes, often supported by a degree in business or a related field. Familiarity with procurement software such as SAP or Oracle, as well as knowledge of commodity markets and relevant certifications like CPM or CPSM, is advantageous. Excellent communication, relationship-building, and decision-making skills help you excel in vendor management and cross-functional collaboration. These competencies are crucial for optimizing purchasing strategies, ensuring cost-effective sourcing, and maintaining reliable metal supplies for manufacturing or distribution.

How much do buyers get paid?

Metals buyers typically earn an average salary ranging from $40,000 to $70,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and the size of the company. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced buyers with certifications or specialized knowledge can earn higher salaries. Compensation often includes benefits such as health insurance and bonuses based on procurement performance.
More about Metals Buyer jobs
Infographic showing various Metals Buyer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $68,384 per year, or $32.9 per hour.
Recycled Metals Buyer

Recycled Metals Buyer

Metal Exchange

Saint Louis, MO • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Overview

Consider joining Metal Exchange as a Recycled Metals Buyer at our St. Louis, MO location.  This fast-paced buying position is primarily focused on purchasing non-ferrous metals directed at markets and products that fit within one or more of our business units. As a Buyer, you will need to build and maintain strong relationships with our current and prospective trading partners. The Buyer must understand the dynamics of the market as well as costs associated with the transactions so that the profitability is well planned and executed. The position requires an understanding of various market pricing components and management of the associated risks.  

A successful Buyer will be personable and capable of soliciting, developing, and growing relationships with our trading partners. The Buyer will also possess analytical skills to make decisions that are good for Metal Exchange and our trading partner. Negotiating skills that combine the characteristics of a good relationship, a professional and well-developed strategy, a sense of fairness, and a good understanding of our needs, are essential. Any commercial disputes that arise must be resolved in a timely and amicable manner, particularly in the scrap business where they periodically arise, requiring the negotiation skills. We are looking for safe and dedicated individuals to help us serve these customers! 

Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Maintains current supplier relationships and acquires new ones, to gain additional market share.  
  • Visits current and prospective suppliers at their facilities. Performs inspection of materials to ensure quality. 
  • Negotiates agreements to maximize margins for Metal Exchange, while understanding the associated risks. 
  • Consistently increases the total number of accounts handled and volumes of business concluded. 
  • Provides customer service by efficiently and economically resolving quality claims and/or other discrepancies between Metal Exchange, the buyers, and the sellers. 
  • Develops knowledge of metal markets and the tools necessary to compete in the trading business (terminal markets, tolls, formula pricing, hedging, etc.) 
  • Completes a three-month training program before calling on suppliers. This includes working in a scrap yard, training from senior traders, and visits to manufacturing facilities. 
  • Becomes familiar with current metal prices by receiving, reviewing, and analyzing price sheets daily. 
  •  Enters in data accurately and timely. This will include accurate entry of contracts, hedge requests, and order changes into Metal Exchange's business trading system.  
  • Performs responsibilities in an assertive and professional way. Remains driven while in the pursuit of opportunities - both domestically and internationally and is willing to travel a minimum of 25% of the time. 
  • Attends industry events to keep up with current market trends. Develops and maintains relationships with industry partners, customers, and contacts. 
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications

Ideal Candidate Will Have:

Education  

  • Required: Bachelor's degree 

Experience  

  • 0-3 years of business or metal experience  

Other Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Highly motivated, self-driven, and eager to learn and apply new skills 
  • Ability to work with others and be a part of a team  
  • Proficient negotiation techniques and strategies 
  • Demonstrates astute business acumen and sound judgement 
  • Self-starter, a strong drive, and intellectual curiosity 
  • Strong communication skills and ability to effectively disseminate information in a clear and concise manner  
  • Ability to travel up to 25% of the time 
  • Must be eligible to work in the United States, visa sponsorships are not available 
  • Regular attendance is required
  • Candidates must meet pre-employment screening requirements, including background checks and drug screenings
  • Must live in or be willing to relocate to St. Louis, MO
About Us

Perks of the Job

  • Medical, dental and vision insurance
  • Disability and life insurance
  • 401(k) with matching contribution
  • Generous allotment of paid vacation and paid holidays
  • Enterprise-wide winter break between Christmas and New Year's holidays
  • Competitive wages plus performance-based bonus opportunities
  • Ongoing training and professional development
  • Ample opportunity for career growth and advancement
  • Paid time off for all new parents

Why Our People Love Working Here

  • Purpose-driven, friendly, open, and respectful culture
  • Highly engaged workforce - as indicated by best-in-class engagement scores
  • NEW FOR 2026! Summer Hours- Hybrid work schedule from Memorial Day through Labor Day, consisting of 3 in-office days and 2 remote days per week
  • NEW FOR 2026! Up to 10 remote workdays permitted between Labor Day and Memorial Day during normal business hours
  • Shared core values of safety, integrity, caring and growth
  • Leaders committed to building more diverse, inclusive teams
  • On-Demand pay via DailyPay
  • Robust recognition and reward program
  • Community Impact opportunities including additional time off to volunteer and charitable match up to $250 per employee
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Complimentary refreshment bar with beverages and snacks
  • Employee discount program with hundreds of partner brands
  • Wellness incentive program
  • Regular employee celebrations and events
Who We Are

Celebrating 50 years in 2024, MX Holdings is a global leader in the purchasing, processing, and manufacturing of non-ferrous metals, primarily Aluminum. Enabled by our breadth of experience and deep expertise, we are proud to deliver top-quality products and services to customers across our family of brands - including Metal Exchange and Pennex.

But it's not just what we do that sets us apart, it's how we do it. Safety. Integrity. Caring. Growth. These core values are embodied by each member of our team; guiding every action we take and decision we make. Whether it's driving innovation within our industry, making the impossible possible for our customers, providing a safe, respectful workplace for employees or supporting our local communities, our purpose is clear. We are dedicated to impacting our world in a positive way.

If you are a like-minded individual with a strong ability to problem solve, collaborate and effectively communicate, MX Holdings may be the perfect place for you to grow your career.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

We welcome people of different backgrounds, abilities and perspectives. To ensure our business and culture continue to be inclusive of all people, we never discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age or marital status, veteran or disability status. MX Holdings and our family of companies are proud to be equal opportunity employers. Additionally, all your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. Should you have any questions or require special assistance completing your application, please email jobs@metalexchange.com.

Qualified Applicants must be legally authorized for employment in the United States and not require employer sponsored work authorization now or in the future for employment in the United States. 

Our salary ranges are primarily determined by role, level, and location. The range provided for each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. 

Confidentiality Agreement Required: Yes

Posted Min Pay RateUSD $55,718.00/Yr.Posted Max Pay RateUSD $69,648.00/Yr.Employment Type: FULL_TIME