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Plasma Cutter Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Boone Steel

Press Break/Plasma Table Operator

Walton, KY · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Boone Steel is 48 year old metal supply company that performs value added services such as plasma cutting, break press, shear, saw cutting and metal fabrication. We make a priority of customer ...

Rumpke Consolidated Companies

Welder

Louisville, KY · On-site

$18.75 - $25/hr

Cut steel using a plasma cutter, circular saw, band saw, chop saw, torch or nibbler * Perform related work such as flame cutting, bending, forming, beveling, notching of metal and plastic parts

Rumpke

Industrial Service Technician

Louisville, KY · On-site

Cut, weld, and grind steel components using a plasma cutter, torch, and Mig and Arc welding equipment. * Bends steel components using a break and shear. * Fabricates steel components on compactors ...

Rumpke

Industrial Service Technician

Lexington, KY · On-site

Cut, weld, and grind steel components using a plasma cutter, torch, and Mig and Arc welding equipment. * Bends steel components using a break and shear. * Fabricates steel components on compactors ...

SPAN TECH LLC

Production Floater

Glasgow, KY

$20.49 - $30.05/hr

Welds using MIG/TIG on steel, aluminum, and stainless steel; reads blueprints; produces quality parts with proper PPE (hood, respirator); operates saws, mill, sander, plasma cutter, torch, and hand ...

TalentClout

Welder

Florence, KY

$25 - $32/hr

Perform welding operations using GMAW, GTAW, FCAW, and plasma cutting equipment as required by each job. Fit and assemble components, ensuring proper alignment, weld preparation, and structural ...

CYNET SYSTEMS

Industrial Welder

Florence, KY · On-site

$52K - $66K/yr

Apply knowledge of GMAW, GTAW, FCAW, and plasma cutting. * Apply techniques of flame straightening. * Assist and direct other Welders in welding assemblies and techniques. * Follow procedures as set ...

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Plasma Cutter information

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$6

$14

$17

How much do plasma cutter jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for plasma cutter in Kentucky is $14.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.55 and $15.87 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 Kentucky?

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

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

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

Plasma Cutter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plasma Cutter job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 63% Full Time, 35% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,789 per year, or $14.3 per hour.

Machine Operator - Plasma Operator

Wastequip

Mount Sterling, KY • On-site

$14 - $16.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Wastequip rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

270th of 491 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

Job Description:

WQ Mount Sterling is looking for an experienced Plasma operator. You will be joining a skilled manufacturing Team working in the Garbage Truck/Container industry. This role will involve setting up and operating our Plasma cutting table for various sheet metal thicknesses from 0.078" to 3.5" plate steel and aluminum. You will be responsible for changing consumables on the machines, ensuring quality and efficiency throughout the machining process.
Key Responsibilities

  • Plasma Operation: Sets up machine by retrieving and loading large heavy plates of steel using overhead crane, downloading program(s), entering parameters of job, selecting type of cut, and cutting first piece. Operates cut table by monitoring cutting and adjusting heat in torches, pre-heat times, and pierce rate.
  • Material Handling: Unloads skeleton and parts using overhead crane, jib crane and/or lifting magnets. Cleans and deburrs all cut parts to be free of slag and burrs.
  • Multi-Tasking:
    • Performs first-piece and in-process inspection by checking material thickness and dimensions of part per blueprint using calipers, tape measure and/or calculator.
    • Cleans burn table and performs minor preventive maintenance such as checking coolant levels, gases and changing or adjusting them as needed.
    • Operator will change consumable oxyfuel tips as needed.
    • Completes Plasma operator maintenance log.
  • Other Duties: Perform additional tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

Key Qualifications:

  • At least 3-5 years' operating and setting up a Plasma Cutter
  • Ability to use measuring devices Ruler, Caliper, Hard Gauges as well as read and understand prints
  • Must be able to work by alone as well as in a Team setting
  • Ability to work overtime when needed


Company Benefits:

2 Medical Plan Options - Base HSA (High Deductible) and Buy-Up

Medical Plans

Prescription (Rx) Insurance

Health Savings Account (HSA)

2 Dental Plan Options - Base Dental and Buy-Up Dental Plans

Vision Insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA's)

Health Care FSA

Dependent Care FSA

Company Paid Base Life Insurance

Company Paid Accident, Death & Dismemberment Insurance

Company Paid Business Travel Accident Insurance

Company Paid Disability Insurance

Short-Term Disability (STD) and Base Long-Term Disability (LTD)

Insurance

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Voluntary Hospital, Accident & Critical Illness (Cancer) Insurance

401(K) Retirement Plan with 50% Company Match

Voluntary Pet Insurance

Vacation and Personal/Sick Time

Paid Grandparent Leave

Paid Bonding Leave

Adoption Assistance

Education Assistance (Tuition Reimbursement)

About Wastequip

Wastequip got its start in 1989 with containers and compactors. But, today, we have evolved into so much more than just a manufacturer of high-quality steel containers and compactors. We are the waste industry's only All-in-One solutions provider - from carts and containers to collect waste to hoists and trash trucks to move the waste to parts, service and technology to keep your operation running smoothly.

While we're proud to be North America's leading manufacturer of waste handling equipment, we are equally proud to be a driving force for enhanced sustainability across the waste industry. We are consistently striving to improve our own operations while making it easier for our customers to do the right thing - building a brighter future for all.

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