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Scrap Handler Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Optimus Steel LLC

Scrap Yard Operator

Tomball, TX · On-site

$26.76/hr

Material Handler- Scrap Yard Operators load and unload materials as needed with hydraulic material handlers. Material may be loaded or unloaded from truck, rail, or barge. Overhead Crane- Scrap Yard ...

Scrapworks

Material Handler Operator

Beaumont, TX

$22 - $25/hr

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience running material handlers, excavators, or similar heavy equipment in a scrap, demolition, or industrial environment. You'll work alongside shredder crew ...

PHB Corporation

Metal Handler

Fairview, PA · On-site

METAL HANDLER / FORKLIFT OPERATOR PHB, Inc. located in Fairview, Pennsylvania, has openings for ... This includes transporting hot, bar, ingot, & scrap metal to and from inspection and die cast ...

PHB Corp

Metal Handler

Fairview, PA

METAL HANDLER / FORKLIFT OPERATOR PHB, Inc. located in Fairview, Pennsylvania, has openings for ... This includes transporting hot, bar, ingot, & scrap metal to and from inspection and die cast ...

TT&E Iron & Metal, LLC

Material Handler

Garner, NC

$15 - $18/hr

Material Handler - Scrap Metal Industry Position Summary: The Material Handler is responsible for the safe and efficient handling, sorting, and movement of scrap metal materials within the yard or ...

Gerdau

Scrap Yard Worker

Minot, ND · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Operate loaders and/or material handlers to load and unload scrap material in accordance with Gerdau and customer quality standards. * Inspect incoming scrap to ensure it meets quality and ...

TT&E Iron & Metal, Inc.

Material Handler

Garner, NC

$15 - $18/hr

Material Handler - Scrap Metal Industry Position Summary: The Material Handler is responsible for the safe and efficient handling, sorting, and movement of scrap metal materials within the yard or ...

TT&E Iron & Metal, LLC

Material Handler

Garner, NC

$15 - $18/hr

Material Handler - Scrap Metal Industry Position Summary: The Material Handler is responsible for the safe and efficient handling, sorting, and movement of scrap metal materials within the yard or ...

TT&E Iron & Metal, LLC

Material Handler

Garner, NC · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Material Handler - Scrap Metal Industry Position Summary: The Material Handler is responsible for the safe and efficient handling, sorting, and movement of scrap metal materials within the yard or ...

Gerdau

Scrap Yard Worker

Minot, ND

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Operate loaders and/or material handlers to load and unload scrap material in accordance with Gerdau and customer quality standards. * Inspect incoming scrap to ensure it meets quality and ...

WFA Staffing Group

Be Seen First

Material Handler

Richfield, WI · On-site

$22/hr

Material Handler - 1st Shift We are seeking a reliable and experienced Material Handler for a first ... Remove scrap pallets and unusable materials from production areas * Transport scrap materials to ...

Kenmore Envelope

Material Handler

Henrico, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

This includes keeping pallets clear from aisles, paper and scrap clear from the floors. Third a material handler should assist bailing in bringing full cages from sheetfed, die cutting and folding.

Kenmore Envelope

Material Handler

Richmond, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

This includes keeping pallets clear from aisles, paper and scrap clear from the floors. Third a material handler should assist bailing in bringing full cages from sheetfed, die cutting and folding.

HiFyve

Material Handler

Saint Louis, MO

$20/hr

Material Handler HiFyve is hiring a Material Handler in the Manufacturing industry in St. Louis, MO ... Weigh and record A-grade product and scrap on production sheets * Move finished goods to storage ...

Dynamic Manufacturing

Material Handler II

Hillside, IL

$16.50 - $20/hr

Receives scrap baskets from plants, weighs them, and prepares them for shipment to the scrap yard ... Shipping and Receiving Material Handler Job Qualifications * Good communication skills * Warehouse ...

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Scrap Handler information

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$9

$17

$24

How much do scrap handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for scrap handler in the United States is $17.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are scrap handlers?

Scrap handlers are professionals who operate specialized machinery to move, sort, and process scrap metal and other recyclable materials in scrapyards, recycling centers, or industrial sites. They are responsible for safely handling and transporting materials, often using equipment such as cranes, forklifts, or excavators designed for heavy-duty work. Scrap handlers help ensure that materials are efficiently sorted and prepared for recycling or disposal, contributing to environmental sustainability and resource recovery. Their work requires knowledge of safety protocols and familiarity with various types of scrap materials.

What are some common challenges faced by Scrap Handlers in their daily work, and how can they be managed?

Scrap Handlers often encounter challenges such as safely operating heavy machinery, sorting materials efficiently, and maintaining a clean work environment amidst dust and debris. Effective communication with team members and adherence to safety protocols are crucial for minimizing risks and ensuring smooth operations. Regular training and staying alert during shifts can help manage these challenges, while teamwork plays a key role in meeting production targets and maintaining workplace safety.

What is the difference between Scrap Handler vs Forklift Operator?

AspectScrap HandlerForklift Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; OSHA safety trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; OSHA forklift certification
Work EnvironmentScrap yards, recycling facilities, industrial sitesWarehouses, manufacturing plants, shipping docks
Industry UsageHeavy industry, recycling, metal processingLogistics, warehousing, manufacturing

Scrap Handlers and Forklift Operators both work in industrial environments and require safety certifications. However, Scrap Handlers focus on managing scrap materials in recycling and metal yards, while Forklift Operators primarily handle material movement within warehouses and factories. Understanding these differences helps employers and job seekers find the right fit for their skills and industry needs.

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

To thrive as a Scrap Handler, you need physical stamina, attention to safety, and basic knowledge of materials handling, often supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job training. Familiarity with forklifts, cranes, balers, and sometimes certifications in equipment operation are typically required. Strong teamwork, reliability, and attention to detail help ensure efficiency and workplace safety. These skills and qualities are vital for maintaining safe, organized, and productive scrapyard or recycling operations.
More about Scrap Handler jobs
What states have the most Scrap Handler jobs? States with the most job openings for Scrap Handler jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Scrap Handler jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Scrap Handler jobs are:
Scrap Handler jobs near you
Infographic showing various Scrap Handler job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $37,374 per year, or $18 per hour.
Scrap Yard Operator

Scrap Yard Operator

Optimus Steel LLC

Tomball, TX • On-site

$26.76/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

This position reports to scrap yard management and the melting supervisor. Responsibilities include operation of locomotives, railcar movements (switching) and the operation of material handling equipment and overhead cranes. This is a 24/7 shift position with work performed outdoors in all weather conditions.
Scrap Yard Operators support all scrap delivery and consumption including initial quality and environmental inspection, weighing, data entry, recordkeeping and reporting and inventory management. Pre use inspection and responsible management of equipment is required.
Rail - Scrap Yard Operators are responsible for safe rail movement to support plant operations. Including strategic and timely movement of scrap to the melt shop and providing railcars for all other operational needs.
Material Handler- Scrap Yard Operators load and unload materials as needed with hydraulic material handlers. Material may be loaded or unloaded from truck, rail, or barge.
Overhead Crane- Scrap Yard Operators use overhead cranes to load charge buckets for the furnace. Based on melt schedule and scrap recipes they are key in loading buckets to meet grade requirements. They are responsible for communication of upcoming scrap needs to ensure the prompt delivery of scrap grades to support production.
Requirements
Requirements
• High School diploma/GED
• 2+ years working in an industrial environment
• Experienced in working in extreme weather conditions
• Able to climb, bend, stand or lift items
• Strong Mechanical aptitude
• Must be able to pass a written test, face to face interview and a hands-on assessment
• Use of tools and equipment: Overhead crane, hydraulic material handler, locomotive, rail cars, computer, handheld radio rail scales
Wages & Benefits
Optimus Steel has a competitive benefit package.
Medical/Prescription
Dental, Vision, Health & Dependent Care FSA
401K, Company match
Basic Life/Accident Insurance
Employee Assistance Program
Salary Description
$26.76 Per-hour

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