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Scrap Metal Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Torch Operator

Shelbyville, IN ยท On-site

$15/hr

Established in 1978, United Scrap Metal ("USM") has grown from $200 and a rental truck into one of the largest full-service recyclers in the country. Today, the USM team continues to pioneer ...

Scale Operator - OS

Indianapolis, IN ยท On-site

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

Ensure compliance with all state and local laws as it pertains to purchasing scrap metal. * Greet returning customers and assist new ones to ensure repeat business. * Safely direct truck and customer ...

Scale Operator - OS

Indianapolis, IN ยท On-site

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

Ensure compliance with all state and local laws as it pertains to purchasing scrap metal. * Greet returning customers and assist new ones to ensure repeat business. * Safely direct truck and customer ...

Equipment Operator

East Chicago, IN ยท On-site

$18.50 - $25.25/hr

The Equipment Operator is responsible for the processing of scrap metals using various tools and equipment including front end loaders. Summary of Responsibilities: * Ensure adherence to safety ...

As Facility Manager over the River Metals yard, you'll own the safety, efficiency, and day-to-day rhythm of a high-volume scrap metal operation - keeping equipment running, teams aligned, and the ...

OmniSource Drives diesel powered truck and trailer combination to pick-up, transport, and deliver scrap metal in a safe and timely manner focusing on safety and customer service. * Hook and unhook ...

Showing results 21-40

Scrap Metal information

See Indiana salary details

$12

$17

$21

How much do scrap metal jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for scrap metal in Indiana is $17.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.58 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a scrap metal worker do?

Scrap metal workers are professionals who collect, sort, process, and recycle various types of metal materials that are no longer in use. Their work involves separating ferrous and non-ferrous metals, preparing metals for resale or recycling, and sometimes operating heavy machinery for cutting or baling metals. They play an important role in the recycling industry by helping to reduce waste, conserve natural resources, and support environmental sustainability.

What are common safety challenges faced by scrap metal workers on the job?

Scrap metal workers often encounter safety challenges such as handling sharp or heavy materials, exposure to hazardous substances, and operating heavy machinery. To address these risks, workers must follow strict safety protocols, use personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves and steel-toed boots, and participate in regular safety training. Many facilities also have established procedures for proper material sorting and equipment operation to minimize accidents and injuries. Staying vigilant and adhering to these guidelines helps ensure a safer work environment for everyone involved.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a scrap metal worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Scrap Metal Worker, you need knowledge of metal types, safe handling procedures, and basic mechanical skills, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with tools like metal cutters, forklifts, and weighing scales, as well as certifications such as OSHA safety training, are typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and strong physical stamina are important soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure efficient, safe processing and sorting of scrap materials, minimizing workplace accidents and maximizing material value.

What is the difference between Scrap Metal vs Scrap Metal Worker?

AspectScrap MetalScrap Metal Worker
CredentialsNone specific, often self-taught or on-the-job trainingMay require OSHA safety certifications or specialized training
Work EnvironmentRecycling yards, scrapyards, industrial sitesHandling, sorting, and processing scrap metal at scrapyards or recycling facilities
Industry UsageRefers to the material or industry sectorRefers to the job role or occupation

Scrap Metal refers to the material or industry involved in recycling metal waste, while Scrap Metal Worker is the individual performing tasks like sorting, processing, and handling scrap metal. The worker role requires specific safety certifications and hands-on skills, whereas the term Scrap Metal broadly describes the material or industry sector.

How much money do scrap metal workers make?

Scrap metal workers typically earn an average annual salary ranging from $30,000 to $50,000, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the job. Skilled workers who operate heavy equipment or have certifications may earn higher wages, and the job often involves physical labor in outdoor environments.

What are popular job titles related to Scrap Metal jobs in Indiana?

For Scrap Metal jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Scrap Metal jobs in Indiana look for?

The top searched job categories for Scrap Metal jobs in Indiana are:

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Scrap Metal jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Scrap Metal job openings:

Infographic showing various Scrap Metal job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,643 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Operations Supervisor

United Scrap Metal Inc

Shelbyville, IN โ€ข On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Over the last forty years, United Scrap Metal (“USM”) has grown from $200 and a rental truck into one of the largest full-service recyclers in the country. Today, the team continues to pioneer innovative, solutions-driven recycling programs through ethical and sustainable practices. This has earned them both National acclaim and recognition with the achievement of several dozen awards. With 700+ team members across 11 locations nationally, the company’s commitment to excellence is reflected in an outstanding client retention rate across several thousand customers throughout North America. This substantial growth is further supported by strong consumer partnerships who recognize a consistent delivery of high quality non-ferrous and ferrous material via truck, container, rail and barge shipment. Equally as important, is the expansion of the team’s focus on philanthropy, sustainability, diversity, and safety / compliance. A unique mission exists in making a positive impact in the lives of others, throughout the communities in which they live, work and service. USM is proud to make a difference for its clients, consumers and local communities as it continues to drive forward into the next forty years and beyond.

Position Overview

The Operations Supervisor supports the Operations Manager overseeing and directing the various Operations Team Members who are responsible for sorting and separating raw materials. This individual’s main priority will be to initiate process improvement and leadership of his or her area of assigned responsibility. Reports directly to the Operations General Manger and oversees his or her specific department of team members.

Summary of Responsibilities

  • Operates the facility in full compliance with USM’s Safety Program, EPA Regulations, & OSHA Standards; coordinates any other facets of the program with outside safety consultants while helping to facilitate ongoing training with an in-house safety liaison
  • Develops the strategic thought process and intuition of the key team members who lead each department; this will encompass developing a thorough operator training program in the future.
  • Implements policy in reference to attendance, punctuality, and equipment damage and disciplines, when necessary, if expectations are not met
  • Understands our feedstock by given customer segments: Manufacturing, Demo & Contractors, Facility, Scrap Recyclers, Recycling Center, Obsolete / Repair Service Centers and Utilities
  • Coordinates cost effective preventative maintenance, and overall upkeep of operations; upholds pre-inspection system standards and other proactive measures
  • Establishes low turnover due to a superior workforce.
  • Supports development of risk mitigation initiatives
  • Coordinates efficient day to day operations, scheduling and staffing logistics of his or her area of responsibility
  • Identifies challenges, increases efficiencies and oversees the entire operation
  • Creates and manages performance management and improvement tracking systems
  • Assists with team member relations.
  • Supports companywide communication and strategic initiatives (ISO 14001 / RIOS)
  • Ensures team member safety, welfare, wellness, health reporting and services
  • Must demonstrate competency in all aspects of the job and company objectives
  • Demonstrates understanding of company policies, rules and trainings
  • Other duties as assigned

The Operations Supervisor contributes to the accomplishment of Operations practices and objectives that will create a team oriented and high-performance culture. The following represent a more detailed description of the expectations for the individual in this role:

Scope and Responsibility of Position: Develops a cohesive team that facilitates delivering marketing commitments on a consistent basis; coordinates all maintenance activities related to machinery, plant equipment / building, and spare parts; develops a production schedule that helps maximize throughput while reducing cost per pound; strives to minimize downtime, with the exception of required maintenance related activity; participates in Night Shift “checks and balances”, ensuring coordinating activities and crossover.

Leadership Role: Leads by example; provides training, support, and positive reinforcement to all team members; provides cross training, nurturing, and feedback that enable individuals to rapidly develop; executes timely employee reviews of all personnel; exhibits professional communication at all levels within organization; possesses a sense of urgency related to completing all committed orders on a timely basis; provides critical feedback on material recoveries and processing limitations; execution needs to be cognizant of our SWOT’s (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, & Threats); builds a related network that can be leveraged for expertise, guidance, opportunity, and outsourcing knowledge is beneficial.

Meet or Exceed Department Goals: Efficient production and timely delivery of quality products; consistent low-cost production in a safe environment; activities aligned with Operations Manager in regards to capital projects and overall operations; works with Operations Manager to develop concise cost structures and production standards while establishing an incentive program that rewards operational excellence.; consistently delivers production numbers in our current reporting format; executes prompt/accurate receiving reports and load recoveries; understands our material disposition and commodity markets.

Desired Characteristics

  • Fluency in English; working knowledge / basic communication in Spanish
  • College degree or equivalent related job experience preferred
  • Experience in the metal industry/ manufacturing / heavy industrial environment preferred
  • Possess a basic understanding of how a company operates financially
  • Ability to be “hands on” while training and supporting direct reports
  • Participates in personal ongoing development
  • The Company desires a candidate who has shown a stable job history, dependable attendance practices and whose references can state is a trustworthy individual
  • Ability to work in various environmental conditions such as extreme heat or dusty, dirty and/or wet conditions
  • Candidate must pass a pre-employment physical, background and credit check
  • Able to fulfill flexible scheduling requirements as determined by the manager and / or business needs of the operation

Minimum Safety Training Requirements

  • Basic on-the-job training that satisfies the Primary Objectives of the specific position (as noted above)
  • US-SOP-01 United in Safety Manual
  • US-F11 QEH&S Policy
  • US-SOP-03 Team Member Handbook

We strive to demonstrate our Core Values in all positions at USM:

Trust ● Commitment ● Loyalty ● Passion ● Respect● Service ● Performance

USM is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive

consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. USM will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. USM is a Zero Impairment Workplace. USM provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify your Talent Acquisition contact or another member of our People Experience Team. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.