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Salvage Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ReBuilding Center

Salvage Material Handler

Portland, OR · On-site

$19/hr

This is a hands-on, physically active role for someone who enjoys working with materials, people, and purpose. Salvage Material Handlers help keep reusable building materials in circulation by ...

ReBuilding Center

Salvage Material Handler

Portland, OR · On-site

$19/hr

This is a hands-on, physically active role for someone who enjoys working with materials, people, and purpose. Salvage Material Handlers help keep reusable building materials in circulation by ...

Lkqcorp

Salvage Yard Worker

Toledo, OH · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Join the LKQ Family! We're looking for motivated individuals to join our team at LKQ Corporation. With opportunities for growth, competitive benefits, and a supportive work environment, LKQ is the ...

LKQ Corporation

Salvage Yard Worker

Toledo, OH · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Join the LKQ Family! We're looking for motivated individuals to join our team at LKQ Corporation. With opportunities for growth, competitive benefits, and a supportive work environment, LKQ is the ...

LKQ Corporation

Salvage Yard Worker

Toledo, OH · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Join the LKQ Family! We're looking for motivated individuals to join our team at LKQ Corporation. With opportunities for growth, competitive benefits, and a supportive work environment, LKQ is the ...

Lkqcorp

Salvage Yard Worker

Toledo, OH · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Join the LKQ Family! We're looking for motivated individuals to join our team at LKQ Corporation. With opportunities for growth, competitive benefits, and a supportive work environment, LKQ is the ...

ReBuilding Center

Salvage Material Handler

Portland, OR · On-site

$19/hr

Salvage Material Handler This is a hands-on, physically active role for someone who enjoys working with materials, people, and purpose. Salvage Material Handlers help keep reusable building materials ...

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Salvage Worker information

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$12

$23

$31

How much do salvage worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for salvage worker in the United States is $23.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.91 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a salvage worker?

Salvage workers are professionals who recover usable materials, parts, or items from buildings, vehicles, shipwrecks, or other structures that are being demolished, dismantled, or scrapped. They assess the value of materials, safely remove them, and prepare them for resale, recycling, or proper disposal. Their work often involves using hand and power tools, working in hazardous environments, and following strict safety procedures. Salvage workers play a key role in waste reduction and the reuse of valuable resources.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a salvage worker?

To thrive as a Salvage Worker, you need physical stamina, mechanical aptitude, and a basic understanding of safety protocols, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with power tools, heavy machinery, and hazardous materials handling certifications (such as OSHA 10) are often required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and adaptability are valuable soft skills in this role. These qualifications are important to ensure efficiency, safety, and effective recovery of valuable materials in often challenging environments.

What are common safety challenges faced by salvage workers, and how can they be managed?

Salvage Workers often encounter hazards such as sharp debris, unstable structures, and exposure to hazardous materials while recovering usable items from damaged sites. To manage these risks, strict adherence to safety protocols—including wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, helmets, and steel-toed boots—is essential. Teamwork and clear communication are also key, as Salvage Workers frequently coordinate with supervisors and other crew members to ensure safe and efficient operations. Regular safety training and site assessments help to further minimize accidents and maintain a secure work environment.

What is the difference between Salvage Worker vs Demolition Worker?

AspectSalvage WorkerDemolition Worker
CertificationsOSHA safety training, equipment operationOSHA safety training, equipment operation
Work EnvironmentRescue sites, salvage yards, disaster areasConstruction sites, building demolition projects
Industry UsageDisaster recovery, salvage operationsBuilding teardown, renovation projects
Common Search IntentSalvage Worker vs Demolition WorkerSalvage Worker vs Demolition Worker

Salvage Workers focus on recovering valuable materials from damaged or abandoned structures, often working in disaster zones or salvage yards. Demolition Workers, on the other hand, specialize in safely tearing down buildings and structures. While both roles require safety certifications and involve physical labor, Salvage Workers emphasize recovery and preservation, whereas Demolition Workers concentrate on dismantling structures efficiently.

More about Salvage Worker jobs

Who are the top companies hiring for Salvage Worker jobs?

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What are popular job titles related to Salvage Worker jobs?

For Salvage Worker jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Salvage Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Salvage Worker job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 68% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 30% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,095 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

Automotive Salvage Yard Worker

Baltimore, MD • On-site

Potomac German Auto, LLC
1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Potomac German Auto, LLCexternal

$19/hr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Description

Perform work outdoors in the yard; draining fluids and removing parts from vehicles in preparation for setting the vehicles in the yard.

  • Remove all fluids, lubricants and components (ie: converters) as required in a safe and efficient manner to prep vehicles for setting in the yard.
  • Works primarily outdoors removing vehicle parts from salvage cars. Parts can include but not limited to quarter panels, doors, lids, hoods, axles, and suspension pieces
  • Setting vehicles in the yard as assigned. Recording information on vehicles set accurately and in a timely manner.
  • May operate a forklift or loader to assist in moving vehicles from process to the yard
  • Clean out debris from vehicles before they go into processing areaPull out batteries to be tested to be resold. Bring charged batteries to the retail area
  • Work with Loader Operator to stage vehicles or pull vehicles in yard properly
  • Walk the yard and place debris in the cars being removed from the yard
  • Dismantle tires
  • Maintain a safe and clean work environment
  • Ensure all EPA and OSHA regulations are being met
  • Wear all required PPE
  • Comply with established company policies and procedures.
  • Initiate and supports the continual improvement of the companies quality improvement system
  • Assume other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Basic Qualifications:

  • High School graduate or G.E.D. equivalent desired.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

  •  General knowledge and ability to perform relatively simple work.
  •  Must be able to work in cooperation with others.
  •  Must be attentive to detail and ensure accuracy in work assignments.
  •  Must be able to communicate effectively with others.
  •  Must have the flexibility to work variable schedules, including weekends

Essential Physical Demands/Work Environment:

  •  This position requires individuals to constantly be on their feet except when operating machinery.
  •  Should not have any lifting restrictions and must not be afraid of heights.
  •  They must be able to stand for long periods, sit, walk, push, pull, bend, climb and be able to move/lift up to 75 pounds regularly.
  •  They must be able to climb ladders, stairs and withstand heights of more than 15 feet.
  •  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts.
  •  This position is works outdoors in all weather conditions with no coverage.
  •  Should be able to tolerate high and low temperature levels.
  •   The noise level in the work environment is moderately loud.




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