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Scrap Shear Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Machine Operator - Shear Piping Technology & Products Inc. Houston, TX Description About Piping ... Maintain accurate production records, including quantities cut, scrap generated, and material used.

Forging Operator

Surgoinsville, TN · On-site

$13.25 - $17/hr

Removes scrap, waste, debris, etc. and moves it to proper containers and areas of plant. * Act as backup shear operator when needed. Keeps equipment and work area in clean and orderly condition at ...

Warehouse Laborer

Hanover, PA · On-site

$16 - $17/hr

Operating heavy equipment such as forklifts, bobcats, and mobile shears. * Torch cutting and processing scrap materials. * Inspecting materials and maintaining quality standards. * Loading and ...

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Scrap Shear Operator information

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$13

$19

$25

How much do scrap shear operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for scrap shear operator in the United States is $19.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a scrap shear operator?

Scrap Shear Operators are skilled workers responsible for operating shearing machines that cut and process scrap metal into specific sizes for recycling or further processing. They monitor equipment, ensure safety protocols are followed, and perform routine maintenance on the machines. Operators may also inspect the quality of the cut material and coordinate with other team members in a recycling or metal processing facility. This role is essential for efficient scrap metal management and recycling operations.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a scrap shear operator?

A Scrap Shear Operator should have a solid understanding of machine operation, mechanical aptitude, and basic math skills, often acquired through on-the-job training or vocational programs. Familiarity with industrial shear machines, safety protocols, and sometimes forklift or crane certifications are typically necessary. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to work collaboratively are valuable soft skills in this role. These abilities are crucial for maintaining safety, maximizing efficiency, and ensuring the accurate processing of scrap materials in a fast-paced environment.

What are common challenges faced by scrap shear operators and how can they be managed?

Scrap Shear Operators often encounter challenges such as handling irregularly shaped or heavy scrap materials, maintaining equipment in harsh environments, and adhering to strict safety protocols. To manage these, operators should follow proper lifting techniques, conduct routine maintenance checks, and stay updated on safety training. Working closely with team members, including crane operators and supervisors, also helps ensure efficient workflow and minimizes downtime. Being proactive about equipment issues and clear communication are key to overcoming daily obstacles in this role.

What is the difference between Scrap Shear Operator vs Metal Cutter Operator?

AspectScrap Shear OperatorMetal Cutter Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety certificationsHigh school diploma, safety certifications
Work EnvironmentIndustrial scrapyards, recycling plantsManufacturing facilities, metal fabrication shops
Industry UsageRecycling, scrap metal processingMetal fabrication, manufacturing

The Scrap Shear Operator and Metal Cutter Operator roles share similar credentials and safety requirements. However, Scrap Shear Operators primarily work in scrap yards focusing on cutting and processing scrap metal, while Metal Cutter Operators are more involved in manufacturing environments cutting various metal materials. Both roles require safety certifications and involve operating heavy machinery, but their work settings and specific tasks differ.

What states have the most Scrap Shear Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Scrap Shear Operator jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Scrap Shear Operator jobs?

For Scrap Shear Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Scrap Shear Operator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Full Time, 50% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,315 per year, or $19.4 per hour.

Machine Operator - Shear

Houston, TX • On-site

Piping Technology & Products
Oil and Gas Extraction • 501 - 1,000 employees

$18 - $21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

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Piping Technology & Products rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Machine Operator - Shear

Piping Technology & Products Inc. Houston, TX

Description

About Piping Technology & Products (PT&P)

PT&P is a trusted leader in the design and manufacturing of engineered products for piping

systems, proudly serving industries like oil & gas, power, and chemicals since 1978.

Headquartered in Houston, we’re known for innovation, quality, and customer commitment.

Join our team and help deliver solutions that keep critical infrastructure running safely and

efficiently.


Position Summary

The Shear Operator sets up and operates shearing machines and related equipment to cut metal

plate, sheet, or bar stock to specified dimensions. This role reads work orders and blueprints,

makes precise measurements, and ensures finished pieces meet dimensional tolerances and

quality standards while following all safety procedures.

Requirements

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate mechanical or hydraulic shears to cut metal stock to specified lengths,

widths, and angles.

• Read and interpret work orders, blueprints, and cut sheets to determine correct dimensions,

tolerances, and quantities.

• Measure and mark material using tapes, squares, calipers, and other precision measuring

tools.

• Adjust blade clearance, back gauge, and hold-downs to achieve accurate, clean cuts.

• Inspect finished cuts for accuracy and conformance to specifications; flag or correct out-of-

tolerance pieces.

• Select, load, and safely handle metal stock using overhead cranes, forklifts, or other

material-handling equipment as needed.

• Perform routine maintenance and minor adjustments on shearing equipment; report

mechanical issues promptly.

• Maintain accurate production records, including quantities cut, scrap generated, and material

used.

• Follow all safety protocols, including proper use of machine guards, lockout/tagout

procedures, and personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Keep the work area clean, organized, and free of hazards in accordance with 5S or similar

standards.

• Collaborate with supervisors, quality control, and other operators to meet production

schedules.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.


Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred

• Previous experience operating shears or similar metal-fabrication equipment in a

manufacturing or industrial setting preferred

• Minimum 1 – 4 years of experience in manufacturing, testing, or industrial environment

preferred

• Basic understanding of mechanical aptitude and understanding of pressure systems

• Basic understanding of hand and power tools

• Strong attention to detail and safety awareness

• Strong communication, attendance, and reliability

• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team


Physical Requirements

• Must be able to stand for prolonged periods (8+ hours)

• Must be able to lift, push, pull, or carry up to 50 lbs. independently

• Frequent bending, stooping, reaching, and manual handling of materials required

• Good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity

• Ability to tolerate noise, heat, and dust in a manufacturing environment

• Visual acuity to read measuring tools, drawings, and detect quality defects

• Must pass initial and ongoing physical or occupational health screenings and fitness for duty

test (e.g., lifting assessment, vision test, hearing test, etc.)

• Must be able to wear required PPE, including steel-toe boots, gloves, safety glasses, and

hearing protection


Work Environment

Manufacturing floor with exposure to moving mechanical parts, sharp materials, and moderate

to loud noise. May be exposed to hot or cold environments depending on season. Work schedule

may include overtime, weekend shifts, or on-call schedules as needed.

Company Description

PT&P is a trusted leader in the design and manufacturing of engineered products for piping systems, proudly serving industries like oil & gas, power, and chemicals since 1978. Headquartered in Houston, we’re known for innovation, quality, and customer commitment. Join our team and help deliver solutions that keep critical infrastructure running safely and efficiently


What Piping Technology & Products employees say

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