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Smelter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The smelter processes copper concentrate primarily from our company's Arizona copper mines and is the most significant source of sulfuric acid for our North American leaching operations.Arizona ...

The smelter processes copper concentrate primarily from our company's Arizona copper mines and is the most significant source of sulfuric acid for our North American leaching operations.Arizona ...

Warrick Smelter is looking for a professional to provide safe and efficient execution of assigned work as scheduled, supervise crew time, provide problem analysis for equipment history and ...

E & I 1

Columbus, MT · On-site

$42.83/hr

Metallurgical Complex (Primarily Smelter) - Columbus, MT Schedule: Rotating - 5x4x4x5 Day Shift: 6:00am - 6:00pm Night Shift: 6:00pm - 6:00am J ob Responsibilities and Duties: * Install, troubleshoot ...

Metallurgical Complex (Primarily Smelter) - Columbus, MT Schedule: Rotating - 5x4x4x5 Day Shift: 6:00am - 6:00pm Night Shift: 6:00pm - 6:00am J ob Responsibilities and Duties: * Install, troubleshoot ...

E & I 1

Columbus, MT · On-site

$42.83/hr

Metallurgical Complex (Primarily Smelter) - Columbus, MT Schedule: Rotating - 5x4x4x5 Day Shift: 6:00am - 6:00pm Night Shift: 6:00pm - 6:00am J ob Responsibilities and Duties: * Install, troubleshoot ...

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How much do smelter jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for smelter in the United States is $26.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $30.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

A smelter can potentially earn around $4,000 a week with experience, overtime, and high-paying shifts, especially in industrial or mining environments. Such roles often require physical stamina, safety training, and technical skills but may not require a college degree. High-paying skilled trades like welding or specialized equipment operation can also reach this income level without a degree.

What do smelter workers do?

Smelter workers operate and monitor equipment used to extract metals from ore through high-temperature processes. They perform tasks such as maintaining furnaces, ensuring safety protocols, and inspecting equipment to ensure efficient metal production in a hazardous environment. Knowledge of safety standards and technical skills are essential for this role.

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

In the United States, high-paying roles such as executive positions (CEOs, CFOs), successful entrepreneurs, and certain specialized medical professionals can earn $500,000 or more annually. Skilled trades like a senior smelter or plant manager in large industrial facilities may also reach this level with experience and bonuses, but such salaries are typically reserved for top-tier leadership or highly experienced specialists. Achieving this income often requires advanced skills, extensive experience, and sometimes ownership or profit-sharing arrangements.

What are the typical shift patterns and work conditions for a Smelter?

Smelters commonly work in industrial environments with shift patterns that may include days, nights, weekends, and holidays to keep production running continuously. The work is often physically demanding and usually takes place in high-temperature areas, requiring the use of personal protective equipment for safety. You'll typically be part of a team collaborating closely with furnace operators, maintenance personnel, and quality inspectors. If you value hands-on work in an active setting and appreciate structured routines, this role offers a dynamic work environment with opportunities to advance into supervisory or specialized technical roles over time.

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

To thrive as a Smelter, you need a solid understanding of metallurgy, materials handling, and workplace safety, often supported by a high school diploma or vocational training in metalworking. Familiarity with furnaces, casting equipment, and safety monitoring systems is critical, and some positions may require certifications in industrial safety or hazardous materials handling. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help smelters excel in a demanding industrial environment. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality metal production processes essential to manufacturing and construction industries.

What is a smelter job?

A smelter job involves operating and maintaining equipment used to extract metals from ore through high-temperature processes. Workers in this role often monitor furnaces, handle hazardous materials, and follow safety protocols to ensure efficient metal production. It typically requires knowledge of metallurgy, safety training, and physical stamina.

What does a Smelter do?

A Smelter operates furnaces and equipment to extract metal from ore or other materials. They monitor temperature, adjust chemical mixtures, and ensure the proper melting and refining of metals like iron, copper, or aluminum. Smelters also follow strict safety protocols to handle molten materials and hazardous chemicals. The job requires physical stamina, attention to detail, and knowledge of metallurgy and industrial processes.

More about Smelter jobs
What cities are hiring for Smelter jobs? Cities with the most Smelter job openings:
What states have the most Smelter jobs? States with the most job openings for Smelter jobs include:
Infographic showing various Smelter job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $54,791 per year, or $26.3 per hour.
Smelter Diagnostic Mechanic I

Smelter Diagnostic Mechanic I

Freeport McMoRan

Claypool, AZ • On-site

$29 - $39/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Freeport-McMoRan rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 137 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 32 rated mining


Job description

At Freeport-McMoRan, we are committed to providing an employment package that recognizes excellence, encourages safe production and a culture supported by our core values. Here, you'll find a collaborative environment where safety is a top priority, all opinions are valued, and people are empowered to grow in their career. Apply Today.

Where You Will Work Our Miami smelter and rod plant is nestled just 90 miles east of Phoenix. The smelter processes copper concentrate primarily from our company's Arizona copper mines and is the most significant source of sulfuric acid for our North American leaching operations.Arizona's Globe-Miamihistoric mining district offers natural beauty and a rich mining heritage. The Tri-Town of Globe, Claypool and Miami offers convenient shopping locales, including Walmart, Safeway, Fry's and other local stores

Here, our employees and their families can connect with the outdoors and enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere. Visit Globe-Miami.com to learn more. This position is not eligible for Freeport-McMoRan immigration work visa sponsorship

Description Highly skilled mechanic who safely performs diagnostic, maintenance, installation, and repair of equipment and related process systems in a Smelter. Perform diagnostic, replacement and repairs to include but not limited to the following systems: Anode plant, mold plant, converter, acid plant, hydraulic and conveyor systems. Perform component diagnostic, replacement and repairs to include but not limited to plant equipment, Gear boxes, pumps, fans, conveyor belts, bearings, pulleys, gas lines, piping waterlines, (conveyor) conveyor table, trough finders, return idlers, shovels and cables.

Prioritize and make decisions regarding equipment repair as needed. Perform mechanical and lubrication preventative maintenance. Train and mentor other employees.

May operate equipment such as: forklifts, cranes, boom trucks, loaders and small mobile equipment May be required to proficiently perform welding tasks. Perform as a Fill-in Supervisor as required. Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications Minimum Requirements: Two (2) years' experience in mechanical/maintenance crafts (including welder, boilermaker, machinist or facility maintenance/construction) or a combination of education and experience in industrial mechanical repair and maintenance. Must have completed academic and practical competencies required (this includes Line of Progression requirements for internal employees where LOP Exists) and have experience demonstrating the required mechanical aptitude. FPM Diagnostic Mechanic I: The selected candidate shall demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge and technical skills while achieving 35% score on a written assessment where required.

This exam is based on technical skills/abilities and/or academic knowledge; as well as safety. Must be able to demonstrate proficient basic welding skills. Ability to understand and apply verbal and written work and safety-related instructions and procedures in English Ability to communicate in English with respect to job assignments, job procedures and applicable safety standards Ability to work in extreme temperatures Ability to read blueprints Preferred Qualifications: Previous experience operating larger than 20-ton mobile crane Certified in welding SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Weld) 3&4G structure plate test Experience in pipe fitting and fabrication Able to read an interpret fabrication drawings Previous experience in chemical manufacturing and/or processing industry in a smelting environment Ability to demonstrate proficiency in repair and diagnosing pumping systems including, but not limited to - Positive Displacement Pumps, Centrifugal Pumps, Pneumatic Pumps, Vertical Pumps Previous hands-on experience maintaining, repairing, and replacing screw conveyors, bucket elevators, and heavy rotating equipment Experience and strong understanding of installing conveyor belts (mechanical splice clips & lace, vulcanized splice) Experience and strong understanding of troubleshooting, repairing and proper replacement of conveyor gearboxes and motors Experience and strong understanding of troubleshooting, repairing and proper replacing bearings, seals, pulleys, troughing idlers, impact idlers, training idlers, return idlers, scrappers, belt drive systems, chain drive systems, couplings, and belt counterweight systems Experience on basic lubrication and sampling Experience in troubleshooting and repairing hydraulic systems Experience in troubleshooting and repairing pneumatic systems Experience in Laser Alignment of Pumps, Motors, gearboxes, and fans Familiar with RCM technology in Vibration Analysis, Tribology, Thermography, Nondestructive testing, Laser Alignment and Fan Balancing What We Offer You The estimated pay range for this role is currently$29.00 - $39.00/hour

This range reflects base salary only and does not include bonus payments, benefits or retirement contributions. Actual base pay is determined by experience, qualifications, skills and other job-related factors. This role is eligible for additional discretionary and incentive payment considerations based on company and individual performance.

More details will be shared during the hiring process. Click here to view a sample of Total Rewards Estimate for this role. Affordable medical, dental and vision benefits Company-paid life and disability insurance 401(k) plan with employer contribution/match Paid time off, paid sick time, holiday pay, parental leave Tuition assistance Employee Assistance Program Discounted insurance plans for pet, auto, home and vehicle Internal progression opportunities Learn more about our competitive and comprehensive benefits package.

What We Require Candidates may be required to pass a medical exam. Candidates must pass all required training and/or testing. Employees may be required to work a non-standard schedule, which may include shift work (other than day shift) at a 24/7, 365-day operation.

Freeport-McMoRan promotes a drug/alcohol-free work environment using mandatory pre-employment drug testing and on-going drug and alcohol testing, as allowed by applicable laws. Equal Opportunity Employer Please be advised that Freeport-McMoRan will never request payment for job-related expenses from applicants. If you receive any suspicious emails, please disregard them, and report the incident to HRSC@fmi.com.


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