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Scrap Yard Worker Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Container Yard Technician

Indianapolis, IN ยท On-site

$15.50 - $18.75/hr

Process scrap carts, including salvaging parts and recording serial numbers. * Maintain a clean ... Why Youll Love Working With Us * A supportive, family-oriented team environment. * Opportunities ...

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 ... Operate & maintain heavy equipment including but not limited to front end loaders, manlift, yard ...

Scale Operator - OS

Indianapolis, IN ยท On-site

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

Inspect scrap that has been unloaded into the yard; including checking for non-conforming materials ... Working knowledge in Outlook, Excel and Word. SAI is a plus. * Self-motivated, team player ...

Scale Operator - OS

Indianapolis, IN

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

Inspect scrap that has been unloaded into the yard; including checking for non-conforming materials ... Working knowledge in Outlook, Excel and Word. SAI is a plus. * Self-motivated, team player ...

Scale Operator - OS

Indianapolis, IN ยท On-site

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

Inspect scrap that has been unloaded into the yard; including checking for non-conforming materials ... Working knowledge in Outlook, Excel and Word. SAI is a plus. * Self-motivated, team player ...

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Scrap Yard Worker information

See Indiana salary details

$10

$16

$21

How much do scrap yard worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for scrap yard worker in Indiana is $16.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.62 and $18.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a scrap yard worker do?

A scrap yard worker is responsible for sorting, processing, and managing recyclable materials such as metal, electronics, and other salvageable items. They often operate machinery to break down large items, ensure materials are separated correctly, and maintain safety standards in the yard. Scrap yard workers may also assist customers with unloading materials and ensure that hazardous items are handled properly. Their work helps recycle valuable resources and reduce environmental waste.

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

To thrive as a Scrap Yard Worker, you need a basic understanding of material handling, physical fitness, and safety awareness, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with forklifts, cranes, scales, and sometimes certifications like OSHA safety training are commonly required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication help individuals stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are essential for maintaining workplace safety, efficiently sorting materials, and ensuring smooth yard operations.

What are some common safety challenges faced by scrap yard workers, and how are they typically addressed?

Scrap Yard Workers often encounter safety challenges such as handling sharp materials, operating heavy machinery, and exposure to hazardous substances. To address these risks, scrap yards implement strict safety protocols, provide personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, helmets, and steel-toed boots, and offer regular safety training. Workers are also encouraged to follow proper procedures when sorting and moving materials, and to report any unsafe conditions immediately. These measures help create a safer work environment and minimize accidents.

What is the difference between Scrap Yard Worker vs Recycle Plant Worker?

AspectScrap Yard WorkerRecycle Plant Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; safety certificationsHigh school diploma; safety and equipment operation certifications
Work EnvironmentOutdoor scrapyards, industrial settingsIndoor recycling facilities, processing plants
Industry UsageScrap metal, automotive, construction materialsPlastic, paper, electronic waste processing

Scrap Yard Workers primarily handle scrap metal and operate in outdoor scrapyards, focusing on sorting and loading materials. Recycle Plant Workers operate in indoor facilities, processing various recyclable materials. Both roles require safety certifications and involve manual labor, but they differ in environment and material focus.

How much do scrap yard workers make?

Scrap yard workers typically earn between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of tasks. Entry-level positions may pay closer to minimum wage, while experienced workers or those with specialized skills can earn higher wages. Overtime and benefits can also affect overall compensation.

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Scrap Yard Worker job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,405 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Shift Supervisor - Portage, IN

Scrap Metal Services, LLC

Portage, IN โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

SMS Mill Services, LLC is a leader in the steel mill services industry prioritizing recycling and environmental/workers' safety and handling all operations with integrity. SMS in Portage, IN is seeking a highly skilled and safety-focused Shift Supervisor for our site located on NLMK Steel Mill. This is a nights-only position. Focused mainly on weekend activity with some weekdays involved.
SMS provides a comprehensive range of services for steel mill customers. We partner with our customers to design custom, cost-effective solutions, which focus on adding value and achieving goals for the operation and the environment. Our range of services includes, but is not limited scrap yard management, finished or semi-finished product services, melt shop services, logistics/transportation support, and slag processing.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
  • Maintaining a safe work environment.
  • Develop, train and schedule a working team of operational personnel.
  • Lead shift operations
  • Hold pre-shift safety meeting
  • Coordinated yard movements
  • Schedule and coordinate production flow.
  • Document production
  • Manage service and communications to customer as needed.
  • Supports teams to solve problems and explore opportunities to improve the operations.
  • Maintaining necessary paperwork and files
  • Knowledge of applicable safety and environmental regulations and ability to implement the appropriate related programs and controls.
  • Other duties as directed by Site Manager.

Skills, Abilities and Experience Required:
  • Leadership experience in steel mill, scrap processing or related Mill Service / support business
  • Supervisory Skills
  • Intermediate computer skills - EXCEL IS A MUST!
  • Mechanical aptitude
  • Basic knowledge of quality control procedures
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Sitting, standing walking for an extended period of time
  • Tolerating noise and temperature variations
  • Lifting up to 50lbs.
  • OSHA 10 or 30 General Industry preferred

SAFETY
  • Strictly adhere to all company health, safety, and environmental standards
  • Follow all safety guidelines and protocol, including wearing of all PPE
  • Provide a safe environment for all employees, customers, and visitors
  • Adhere to all local, state and federal OSHA and environmental regulations as outlined by the company

Competencies:
  • Uncompromising commitment to safety.
  • Hands-on, visible leadership style.
  • Strong organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
  • Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with diverse stakeholders.

What we can Offer:
  • A comprehensive compensation package to commensurate with experience including bonuses
  • Benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, company-paid life insurance, etc. offered on day 1!
  • 401(k) with 4% matching, 100% vested as of first contribution
  • Paid holidays, 4 weeks paid vacation
  • Work in a dynamic, collaborative, progressive, and high-performing team.
  • Opportunities to grow and learn with the industry.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Job Type: Full-time
  • Position is exempt
  • Nights only. Weekends, some weekdays.

SMS Mill Services, LLC is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. SMS Mill Services, LLC makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.