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Plasma Cutter Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

PrideStaff East Sacramento

Plasma Operator

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

The Plasma Operator will operate plasma cutting machines to produce metal or aluminum products that meet high quality standards. The ideal Plasma Operator has multiple years of previous experience as ...

VPE Thermal LLC

$24 - $28/hr

Load and unload cutting table * Interpret Engineering Drawings * Forklift and rig parts into correct orientation for Plasma Cut * Ability to work long hours on feet wearing breathing respirators and ...

Total Security Solutions

Fabricator

West Sacramento, CA · On-site

$75 - $90/hr

Running the water jet, plasma cutter, and cutting torch for precision cuts and clean fit-ups * Operating saws, grinders, drill presses, chop saws, band saws, impact drivers, and the rest of the shop ...

Total Security Solutions Inc.

Fabricator

West Sacramento, CA · On-site

$19.25 - $25.25/hr

Running the water jet, plasma cutter, and cutting torch for precision cuts and clean fit-ups * Operating saws, grinders, drill presses, chop saws, band saws, impact drivers, and the rest of the shop ...

TAE

Sr Scientist, Plasma Control

Irvine, CA · On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

This role bridges fusion energy science and plasma physics with advanced non-linear control concepts making use of cutting-edge control technology, especially FPGA-based architectures of embedded ...

ASSA ABLOY

Fabrication Welder

Baldwin Park, CA · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

Perform basic MIG welding, grinding, plasma cutting, and general fabrication to support component preparation Pick, cut, and prepare materials according to simplified fabrication sheet instructions ...

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Plasma Cutter information

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$7

$16

$19

How much do plasma cutter jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for plasma cutter in California is $16.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a plasma cutter?

Plasma cutters are skilled professionals who use specialized equipment to cut through electrically conductive materials such as steel, aluminum, brass, and copper. They operate plasma cutting torches, which generate a high-temperature plasma arc to melt and sever metal with precision. Plasma cutters are commonly employed in manufacturing, construction, automotive repair, and metal fabrication industries. Their work requires attention to detail, safety awareness, and knowledge of various cutting techniques to ensure clean, accurate cuts.

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

To thrive as a Plasma Cutter, you need strong mechanical aptitude, a keen eye for detail, and a solid understanding of fabrication drawings, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with plasma cutting machines, CNC systems, and safety protocols is typically required, and certifications like OSHA or welding credentials are often valued. Manual dexterity, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team set outstanding plasma cutters apart. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure precision, safety, and efficiency in metal fabrication environments.

What are some common safety challenges faced by plasma cutters, and how are they typically addressed in the workplace?

Plasma cutters often encounter safety challenges such as exposure to intense heat, ultraviolet light, and metal fumes. Workplaces address these risks by providing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including welding helmets, flame-resistant clothing, gloves, and proper ventilation systems. Regular training on equipment handling and adherence to safety protocols are also standard practices. Being vigilant about maintaining a clean and organized workspace helps minimize accidents and ensures a safer environment for everyone on the team.

What is the difference between Plasma Cutter vs Welder?

AspectPlasma CutterWelder
Required CredentialsCertification in plasma cutting, technical trainingWelding certification (e.g., AWS), technical training
Work EnvironmentFabrication shops, construction sites, industrial settingsFabrication shops, construction sites, manufacturing facilities
Industry UsageMetal cutting and fabricationMetal joining and assembly

Both Plasma Cutters and Welders work in metal fabrication environments and often require technical certifications. While Plasma Cutters focus on cutting metal with high-temperature plasma arcs, Welders join metals together through various welding techniques. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job role in the metalworking industry.

How much does a plasma cutter make?

A plasma cutter operator typically earns between $35,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Skilled operators with certifications and experience in industrial settings may earn higher wages and additional benefits.

What are popular job titles related to Plasma Cutter jobs in California?

For Plasma Cutter jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Plasma Cutter jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Plasma Cutter jobs in California are:

Plasma Cutter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plasma Cutter job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 35% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,849 per year, or $16.3 per hour.

Oxy-Fuel/Plasma Cutting Technician, Maritime

Anduril Industries

Santa Ana, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Anduril rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 76,812 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

ABOUT THE TEAM

Anduril's Maritime Manufacturing Technology Team is responsible for rapidly developing and implementing manufacturing technologies, processes, and materials for cutting-edge defense hardware. The team is developing deployable static and moving surfaces, undersea and sea to air vehicles, and scaling these products in our new manufacturing facilities.

ABOUT THE JOB

We are seeking an experienced Cutting/Fabrication Technician to join the team working in a cutting-edge production environment to advance the state-of-the-possible in maritime manufacturing. You will play a key role in delivering our products to our customers by working hands-on with our engineering team on a multi-disciplinary workflow. This role will include fabricating high-quality parts in a cutting-edge production system as well as building assemblies to support the production floor.

WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Read and interpret technical drawings and CAD models.
  • Program/set-up/operate CNC water jets, oxy-acetylene cutters, plasma cutters, and shears.
  • Design/spec out and implement various work holding and fixture methods.
  • Troubleshoot issues and make adjustments during the manufacturing process.
  • Perform quality control both during and at completion of the manufacturing process.
  • Help lead the organization, machine maintenance and cleanliness of the work area.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • 5+ years' experience as a cutting/fabrication technician.
  • Experience with CAD software like Siemens NX (Unigraphics).
  • Experience with CNC water jets, oxy-acetylene, and plasma machines.
  • Experience with manual cutting and grinding tools (hand-grinders, plasma torches, etc.).
  • Experience with Fanuc, Omax, and Siemens controls.
  • High level of familiarity with various alloys, metals, plastics, etc.
  • Knowledgeable in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
  • Proficient in using precision measuring tools (calipers, micrometers, protractors, tape measures).
  • Can own the completion of an assigned manufacturing task from start to finish.
  • Ability to flex between R&D fabrication and production tasks.
  • Able and willing to jump in on production assembly integration tasks as needed.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs unassisted.
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experience working with exotic materials like Inconel, Monel, Titanium, and HY-80 up to 4-6" thick.
  • General fabrication experience (shearing, forming, welding).
  • Experience using CAM software.
  • Prior work with architecture and infrastructure engineering partners and/or general contractors to build, improve or modify machining systems.
  • Hobbyist fabricator, welder, builder.

Working at Anduril

About Anduril, in their own words

From Anduril

As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.

What Anduril employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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