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Pipe Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pipe Trainee

Maize, KS · On-site

$21.50 - $27.50/hr

Extrusion Operator is responsible for running extrusion machines, packing and moving pipe to storage location. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: include the following. Other duties may be ...

Pipe Trainee

Maize, KS

$21.50 - $27.50/hr

Extrusion Operator is responsible for running extrusion machines, packing and moving pipe to storage location. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: include the following. Other duties may be ...

Pipe Trainee

Maize, KS · On-site

$21.50 - $27.50/hr

Extrusion Operator is responsible for running extrusion machines, packing and moving pipe to storage location. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: include the following. Other duties may be ...

Pipe Trainee

Maize, KS · On-site

$21.50 - $27.50/hr

Extrusion Operator is responsible for running extrusion machines, packing and moving pipe to storage location. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: include the following. Other duties may be ...

$22.25 - $28.50/hr

Extrusion Operator is responsible for running extrusion machines, packing and moving pipe to storage location. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: include the following. Other duties may be ...

Communicates with the operator about the alignment of the pipe by using hand signals to ensure the proper depth * Digs trenches with trenching tools. * Understands trench safety requirements, soil ...

Salary: $18-$23/hour Company Overview Southeast Pipe is a community-minded pipeline company ... S. Summary We are seeking a CCTV Operator to join our team at Southeast Pipe in Patterson, GA. In ...

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Pipe Operator information

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$17

$25

$36

How much do pipe operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for pipe operator in the United States is $25.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $32.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Pipe Operators?

Pipe Operators are skilled workers responsible for controlling and monitoring the flow of materials, such as water, oil, gas, or chemicals, through pipelines in industrial or municipal systems. They operate valves, pumps, and other equipment to regulate pressure and flow, conduct inspections, and perform routine maintenance to ensure safe and efficient operations. Pipe Operators also document system performance and respond to emergencies or leaks to prevent environmental hazards. Their work is critical in industries like utilities, oil and gas, and water treatment.

What is the difference between Pipe Operator vs Pump Operator?

AspectPipe OperatorPump Operator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety training, sometimes certificationsHigh school diploma, safety training, sometimes certifications
Work EnvironmentFactories, refineries, chemical plantsRefineries, water treatment plants, industrial sites
Industry UsageOil & gas, chemical manufacturingOil & gas, water management, industrial processing
Job FocusHandling pipes, ensuring flow, maintenanceOperating pumps, controlling flow, monitoring equipment

Both Pipe Operators and Pump Operators work in industrial environments like refineries and chemical plants, requiring safety training and similar certifications. While Pipe Operators focus on managing pipelines and ensuring proper flow through pipes, Pump Operators operate and monitor pumps to control fluid movement. Their roles are complementary but distinct, with each specializing in different aspects of fluid handling within the same industries.

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

To thrive as a Pipe Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, with additional technical training being advantageous. Familiarity with pipe-laying equipment, hydraulic systems, and safety protocols is essential, and certifications such as OSHA or NCCER can be required. Problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication help Pipe Operators excel on construction sites and during system installations or repairs. These skills and qualifications ensure pipe systems are installed safely and efficiently, minimizing risks and ensuring project success.

What are the most common challenges faced by Pipe Operators during installation and maintenance projects?

Pipe Operators often face challenges such as working in confined spaces, managing heavy equipment safely, and ensuring that pipes are correctly aligned and installed according to specifications. Environmental factors like weather and underground conditions can also complicate tasks. Effective communication with team members, attention to safety protocols, and adaptability are crucial for overcoming these challenges and maintaining project efficiency.
More about Pipe Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Pipe Operator jobs? Cities with the most Pipe Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Pipe Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,016 per year, or $25.5 per hour.
MPIM Machine Operator - 2nd Shift

MPIM Machine Operator - 2nd Shift

McWane, Inc.

Madison Heights, VA

$16.50 - $20.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Company Description

What We Live By......

The McWane Way is a core philosophy outlined by the founder J.R. McWane in 1920.  Today It encompasses Teamwork, Excellence, Leadership, Environment, Communication, Accountability, Safety and Trust.  All team members at every level are expected to know and work by these principles, values, and behaviors.  Most importantly, every team member is expected to be able to answer this question, "What does this mean for me?"  This is the all-important question because behavior is the best evidence of a living principle.  Join the McWane team on the journey to The McWane Way.

Who We Are......

McWane Inc. has a newly created division, McWane Plant and Industrial (MPI). This new division, based in Birmingham, AL, combines all Plant and Industrial Products in a single customer-focused package. We offer comprehensive solutions through an experienced team of professionals specifically focused on these two special markets. Our Mission is to be the Plant and Industrial supplier who is "easiest to do business with".  We will make it easier to engineer, specify, and order components for plants.  We will provide greater support for smoother delivery, cost-effective installation, and start-up. Most importantly, we will build strong relationships with design engineers, contractors, plant operations teams and project owners to assure we are their first-choice supplier for both new construction and future upgrades.

At MPI, you will be part of a fast-paced, collaborative, start-up where you can see, firsthand, how your work translates into positive results.

Job Description

Position: 

Machine Operator I 

Reports to 

Branch Manager 

Pay 

Starting Rate:  $20.81

24-month wage progression 

Hours: 3:00PM - 12:00AM 

Description 

McWane Plant and Industrial (MPI) is seeking an experience Machine Operator to join our Job Shop Fabrication and Machining operation. The Machine Operator is responsible for measuring, threading adjusting flange fit, and facing the flange on piece of ductile or steel pipe.  Position will be required to use all types of manual machine tools such as lathes and threaders.  Work also includes operation of the machines and crane to move pipe in and out of machining centers. 

Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent desired 

  • Previous experience with machinery is desired 

Scope of Responsibilities 

  • 1st Responsibility - Ensuring personal safety and the safety of your team members. 

  • Assists supervisors and managers in maintaining a safe and healthy work environment. 

  • Wears appropriate PPE which may include fall protection, respiratory protection, hearing protection, foot, hand, head and eye protection. 

  • Responsible for cleanliness of the assigned work area as well as maintaining a safe and clean work environment. 

  • Proactively promotes the McWane Way principles. 

  • Follow all processes and procedures associated with the Clear Water Safety Management Program. Advise management of any deviations from this program. 

  • Identify fabrication requirements for each piece of pipe 

  • Place pipe in machine, center the pipe, and tighten for work.  After the pipe is in place, the operator will machine tapered threads into the pipe.  During this process, the machine operator is responsible for verifying measurements, such as thread depth and correct taper. 

  • After the threads are cut the operator tests the flange to make sure it screws onto the pipe properly. 

  • Applies glue on pipe and flange and uses the machine to tighten the flange onto the pipe. 

  • For Threaders - Remove pipe from machine and move to next processing operation. 

  • For Lathes - run the cutting tool across the surface of the face of the flange to flush fit the flange onto the pipe 

  • Operator I will work with pipe and flanges primarily from 3" to 6" in diameter, and lengths from 4 inches to 18 feet long. 

  • Operator will be proficient with quality and able to meet prescribed production output objectives for the work center. 

  • Good with math, able to read a tape measure and micrometer 

  • Ability to understand machinery processes 

  • Consistent attendance, ability to get to work on time, every day 

  • Team player, willingness to work when needed, help and volunteer across a variety of different machines  

  • Positive, enthusiastic, and helpful 

Work Environment: 

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls. 

  • The employee is required to communicate both verbally and written in English.  

  • Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. 

  • Must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. 

  • Must be able to meet and adhere physical requirements as well as adhere to wearing the appropriate PPE (steel toed boots, safety glasses and hearing protection)  

  • Must be able to work in dust and fumes.   

  • Will be required to work overtime and extended hours depending on customer and company demands.  

  • Must be able to work outside in all types of weather conditions and tolerate being exposed to loud noises.  

  • Must have some knowledge of industrial tools, their uses, and maintenance.  

  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus and determine and distinguish color. 

  • Must have the ability to operate a forklift and obtain certification. 

Additional Information

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.

McWane is a Federal VEVRAA contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all employment practices. McWane will not discriminate against any applicant for employment because of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran or service member status, marital status, citizenship status (In IL - sex, including same sex, ancestry, order of protection status, physical or mental disability, military status, pregnancy, unfavorable discharge status, genetic information), (In IA - gender identity), (In CA - gender identity or expression, and genetic information) or any other category protected by federal, state or local law.

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.  Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities.  To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. McWane Plant & Industrial. is an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. It is the Company's policy to provide equal opportunity for all qualified persons and to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, or any other legally protected status. We maintain a drug-free workplace and reserve the right to perform substance abuse testing as needed.

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.
McWane is a Federal VEVRAA contractor, and an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all employment practices. McWane will not discriminate against any applicant for employment because of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran or service member status, marital status, citizenship status (In IL - sex, including same sex, ancestry, order of protection status, physical or mental disability, military status, pregnancy, unfavorable discharge status, genetic information), (In IA - gender identity), (In CA- gender identity or expression, and genetic information) or any other category protected by federal, state or local law.