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Scrap Metal Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Heavy Equipment Operator/Material Handler

Bay City, MI

$15.50 - $18.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Process and prepare scrap metal material for shipping per instructions. * Perform daily inspection and basic preventive maintenance on equipment. * Direct customers within the facility and help ...

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Experienced Metal Straightener

Kingsford, MI · On-site

$27 - $38/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

We are looking for a Full Time Experienced Metal Straightener to join our team! Location : Shelby ... Track record of low scrap/rework rates * Reliable, safety-conscious, comfortable in an industrial ...

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Experienced Metal Straightener

Shelby Township, MI · On-site

$27 - $38/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

We are looking for a Full Time Experienced Metal Straightener to join our team! Location : Shelby ... Track record of low scrap/rework rates * Reliable, safety-conscious, comfortable in an industrial ...

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Experienced Metal Straightener

Shelby Township, MI · On-site

$27 - $38/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

We are looking for a Full Time Experienced Metal Straightener to join our team! Location : Shelby ... Track record of low scrap/rework rates * Reliable, safety-conscious, comfortable in an industrial ...

Be Seen First

Experienced Metal Straightener

Kingsford, MI · On-site

$27 - $38/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

We are looking for a Full Time Experienced Metal Straightener to join our team! Location : Shelby ... Track record of low scrap/rework rates * Reliable, safety-conscious, comfortable in an industrial ...

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Experienced Metal Straightener

Detroit, MI · On-site

$27 - $38/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

We are looking for a Full Time Experienced Metal Straightener to join our team! Location : Shelby ... Track record of low scrap/rework rates * Reliable, safety-conscious, comfortable in an industrial ...

Be Seen First

Experienced Metal Straightener

Detroit, MI · On-site

$27 - $38/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

We are looking for a Full Time Experienced Metal Straightener to join our team! Location : Shelby ... Track record of low scrap/rework rates * Reliable, safety-conscious, comfortable in an industrial ...

Administrative Scrap Associate

Pinconning, MI · On-site

$15 - $18.50/hr

Administrative Scale Buyer (Metals, Auto Division) The Administrative Scale Buyer serves as a front ... This role is responsible for inspecting, weighing, grading, and purchasing scrap material from ...

Administrative Scrap Associate

Bay City, MI

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

Administrative Scale Buyer (Metals, Auto Division) Reports to: Recycling Center Coach Overview The ... This role is responsible for inspecting, weighing, grading, and purchasing scrap material from ...

Administrative Scrap Associate

Bay City, MI · On-site

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

Administrative Scale Buyer (Metals, Auto Division) Reports to: Recycling Center Coach Overview The ... This role is responsible for inspecting, weighing, grading, and purchasing scrap material from ...

Showing results 21-40

Scrap Metal information

See Michigan salary details

$11

$15

$19

How much do scrap metal jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for scrap metal in Michigan is $15.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $17.16 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 Michigan?

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

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Scrap Metal jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Scrap Metal job openings:

Infographic showing various Scrap Metal job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,647 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator/Material Handler

OmniSource

Bay City, MI

$15.50 - $18.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


OmniSource rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

65th of 91 rated recycling and waste


Job description

SubsidiaryOmniSourceOverview

At OMNI we believe having the right people in the right place will always remain our greatest asset. Our employees create value for our customers and ultimately drive our success. 

 

We work SAFELY.

Providing a safe working environment is a critical element of our core values.

Our PEOPLE

We respect and value one another and work together as one team.

We act with INTEGRITY.

We interact with our customers, our employees, and our stockholders with honesty and integrity.

We demonstrate SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY.

We strive to make our communities better places to live, work, and grow.

We are seeking a motivated and dedicated Heavy Equipment Operator to join our team.   In this role, you will be responsible to Operate heavy material handling equipment in a safe manner at all times.

Responsibilities

What You Will Do

  • Operate material handling crane to move material within the facility.
  • Load and unload trucks / trailers of material with crane or other material handling equipment.
  • Process and prepare scrap metal material for shipping per instructions.
  • Perform daily inspection and basic preventive maintenance on equipment.
  • Direct customers within the facility and help customers unload material.
  • All other duties as required.
Qualifications

What We Look For

  • Prior experience operating Material Handling equipment, preferred.
  • Ability to work in all types of weather conditions.
  • Must be highly self-motivated.
  • A clear understanding and adherence to safety regulations, without exception.
  • Team player dedicated to the organization.
  • Knowledge of scrap metals is required.

What We Offer

  • Competitive Base Pay + Weekly Incentive Bonus Opportunities
  • Full Medical, Dental, and Prescription Insurance Plans
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) with Annual Company Contribution
  • Annual Bonus (Profit-Sharing)
  • 401(k) Plan with Company Match up to 50%
  • Annual Stock Award ($2,200 every November)
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan with 15% Company Match
  • Paid Vacation
  • 10 Paid Holidays
  • Company-paid Uniforms
  • ...and many more!

If you are looking for a rewarding opportunity where you can contribute to the success of a dynamic team and grow your skills, we encourage you to apply today!

#GLDMI20260604

Steel Dynamics, Inc., and all affiliated entities are equal opportunity employers. 

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

What OmniSource employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


OmniSource logo

About OmniSource

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Founded in Fort Wayne, IN in 1943, OmniSource, LLC has grown to become one of North America’s largest processors, distributors, and managers of scrap and secondary metals. We collect, process, and resell a wide variety of scrap metal. The company ships over 5 million gross tons of recycled steel and 1 billion pounds of nonferrous and stainless-steel scrap annually. Our primary collection and processing facilities are concentrated in the Midwest, the South, and the Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. But our reach stretches across North America, utilizing a wide-ranging fleet of trucks, containers, railcars, and barges to collect and haul metals. We expect to continue to expand OmniSource’s footprint, deploying our processing assets to cover new geographical territories, opening new facilities, and making targeted acquisitions. Supplementing our company-operated scrap collection sites, we also acquire metals from industrial scrap generators with which we have established strategic partnerships. We have designed and installed customized metals-recycling programs, some of which we manage and operate, for manufacturing companies nationwide.

Industry

Coal, metals and minerals mining

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Fort Wayne, IN, US

Year founded

1943

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