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Shear Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Metalex

Press/Shear Operator & Set-Up

Libertyville, IL · On-site

$20.95 - $23.80/hr

Responsible for making quality production parts, setting up and operating shearing, blanking, notching, piercing, and metal forming operations on various products and different types of machines.

McNichols

Machine Operator

Elk Grove Village, IL

$16.75 - $20/hr

The Machine Operator/Fabricator is responsible for operating cutting equipment such as large band saws, hydraulic shears, panel saws and cold saws to cut bar grating, sheet metal, sheet wire ...

McNichols Co

Machine Operator

Elk Grove Village, IL · On-site

$16.75 - $20/hr

The Machine Operator/Fabricator is responsible for operating cutting equipment such as large band saws, hydraulic shears, panel saws and cold saws to cut bar grating, sheet metal, sheet wire ...

Aerotek

Machine Operator

Northbrook, IL

$20 - $23/hr

Machine Operator We are seeking a skilled Machine Operator to join our team. The ideal candidate ... Set up and operate power shears to cut metal objects such as plates, sheets, slabs, billets, or ...

Ryerson Holding Corporation

Line Operator

Portage, IN · On-site

$15.25 - $18.75/hr

Line Operator Req Id: 2674 Workplace Type: On-Site Job Shift: 2nd Brand: Central Steel & Wire Job ... Operates manual shear for sample testing * Identifies non-conforming materials * Performs data ...

T C Industries

Multi Machine Operator II

Crystal Lake, IL · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

... punch & shear presses, forklift, Combi Lift and saws. Shifts: 2nd or 3rd Up to 29 hours per week ... maintenance, operating, shut down and lockout tag-out. 7. Use lift truck, pneumatic hand hoist ...

T C Industries

Multi Machine Operator II

Crystal Lake, IL · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

... punch & shear presses, forklift, Combi Lift and saws. Shifts: 2nd or 3rd Up to 29 hours per week ... maintenance, operating, shut down and lockout tag-out. 7. Use lift truck, pneumatic hand hoist ...

Marino\WARE

Operator 1

East Chicago, IN · On-site

$18.20/hr

The production operators are responsible for operating his/her line, safely and efficiently. They ... shears, cut off saw, and other equipment as applicable. Ensure that all orders are processed and ...

Marino\WARE

Operator 1

East Chicago, IN · On-site

The production operators are responsible for operating his/her line, safely and efficiently. They ... shears, cut off saw, and other equipment as applicable. Ensure that all orders are processed and ...

Marmon

Machine Operator

Lincolnwood, IL

$17 - $20.25/hr

... shears, and drill presses in order to cut, file, fit, punch, ream, rivet, form, and/or assemble ... Press Operator, Machine Operator, Maker/Packer. We are looking for a skilled Machine Operator to ...

MarinoWARE

Operator 1

East Chicago, IN · On-site

$18.20/hr

The production operators are responsible for operating his/her line, safely and efficiently. They ... brake, shears, cut off saw, and other equipment as applicable. • Ensure that all orders are ...

Marmon Holdings, Inc.

Machine Operator

Lincolnwood, IL · On-site

$17 - $20.25/hr

... shears, and drill presses in order to cut, file, fit, punch, ream, rivet, form, and/or assemble ... Press Operator, Machine Operator, Maker/Packer. We are looking for a skilled Machine Operator to ...

Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc.

Equipment Operator

East Chicago, IN · On-site

$18.50 - $25.25/hr

The Equipment Operator is responsible for the processing of scrap metals using various tools and ... shear, and or yard switch tractor. * Operate & maintain baler and remove finished bales from the ...

SIG Combibloc

Slitting Operator

Northlake, IL · On-site

$20.50 - $24/hr

Slitting Operator Posting Start Date: 7/9/26 Main Location: Northlake,IL Requisition ID: 53140 YOU ... Understanding different slitting methods, including rotary slitting, razor slitting, or shear ...

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All JobsShear Operator JobsShear Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL

Shear Operator information

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$26

How much do shear operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for shear operator in Chicago, IL is $19.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.84 and $21.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

Shear operators typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are usually associated with executive roles, specialized surgeons, or successful business owners. Most skilled trades, including shear operators, have lower average wages, though experience and industry demand can increase earnings. High-paying jobs in manufacturing or industrial settings may reach six-figure salaries for top-level positions or those with advanced certifications.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

A Shear Operator can potentially earn around $4,000 per week with experience, especially in high-demand industries like manufacturing or steel processing. These roles often require technical skills, safety certifications, and experience operating heavy machinery, but typically do not require a college degree. High-paying skilled trades and specialized industrial roles are common pathways to such earnings without a degree.

What does a shear operator do?

A shear operator operates machinery that cuts or shapes metal, such as a shear or guillotine, by applying force to cut sheets or plates to specified sizes. They set up, adjust, and maintain the equipment, ensuring safety protocols are followed in a manufacturing or fabrication environment.

What is a Shear Operator job?

A Shear Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining power shears or cutting machines to trim, cut, or shear metal or other materials to specified dimensions. They read work orders, adjust machine settings, and ensure precise cuts while maintaining safety standards. Shear Operators also inspect finished pieces for accuracy, perform routine maintenance on equipment, and may assist in material handling or production workflows. This role requires attention to detail, mechanical skills, and adherence to workplace safety regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Shear Operator position, and why are they important?

To excel as a Shear Operator, you need proficiency in reading blueprints, measuring materials, and operating industrial shearing machines, often backed by a high school diploma or equivalent. Experience with metalworking machinery, basic mechanical maintenance, and industry safety certifications like OSHA are frequently required. Detail orientation, good hand-eye coordination, and effective teamwork are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure precise material cutting, safe workplace practices, and efficient production workflows.

What are some typical challenges that Shear Operators face in their daily work?

Shear Operators often work with heavy materials and must pay close attention to detail to ensure precise cuts and minimize waste, which can be physically demanding and mentally focused work. They may also have to adapt quickly to changing production schedules and handle minor equipment troubleshooting as issues arise. Working effectively as part of a team with other machine operators, welders, and supervisors is essential. Staying up-to-date on safety protocols and regular equipment maintenance is another challenge, but it helps ensure both personal and team safety on the job.

What are the most commonly searched types of Shear Operator jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Shear Operator jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Shear Operator jobs in Chicago, IL? For Shear Operator jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Shear Operator jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Shear Operator job openings:
Shear Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Shear Operator job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,563 per year, or $20 per hour.

Press/Shear Operator & Set-Up

Metalex

Libertyville, IL • On-site

$20.95 - $23.80/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY: Responsible for making quality production parts, setting up and operating shearing, blanking, notching, piercing, and metal forming operations on various products and different types of machines.

Schedule:

1 openings on 1st Shift

2 openings on 2nd Shift


DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

A. Perform set up, safety inspection and machine operations as required in a safe manner.

B. Read and interpret drawings and routings to determine requirements such as size of material, type of material and the quantity to be made.

C. Involves making adjustments to setups to make quality parts.

D. Parts should be checked for defects (burrs, missing holes, cracks, etc.) from previous operations during present operation.

E. Required to report hours and production quantities in the applicable system.

F. Use the safest procedure for handling, stacking and moving the material with a cart, hand truck or forklift as necessary.

G. Perform hourly and first piece quality inspections and tracking of material utilizing appropriate measuring instruments and tools.

H. Adherence to standard operating procedures.

I. The move ticket filled out complete and attached to the load.

J. Comply with all health and safety procedures.

K. Adhere to basic housekeeping of work area; i.e., wood, scrap metal, garbage, liquid spills.

L. Required to train other employees.

M. Assume additional duties as assigned by Supervisor or Department Assistant.


REQUIRED SKILLS and KNOWLEDGE:

A. 1+ years’ experience in machine operation, set up, mechanical position within a manufacturing environment preferred. High level of mechanical aptitude required.

B. Understanding of quality requirement and of ISO 9001:2015 procedures.

C. Knowledge of labor cards, routing and move tickets.

D. Experience working with Lean Manufacturing Principles and Concepts preferred.

E. Knowledge of department procedures and applicable system transactions.

F. Able to read and understand blueprints, diagrams and work instructions.

G. Knowledge of company policies, shop and safety rules.

H. Verbal and written communication in English.

I. Knowledge on the care and use of inspection devices/tools.

J. Basic computer and math skills.

K. Exceptional attention to details.

L. Strong motivation, high energy and ability to work independently or with a team.

M. As required, ability to perform repetitive bending, kneeling, and lift cumbersome and or heavy objects (up to 50 lbs).


Benefits:

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO, 401k, LTD, STD

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