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Torch Cutter Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Pacific Coast Iron & Metals

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Heavy Equipment Dismantler/Torch Cutter

Salinas, CA · On-site

$23 - $26/hr

Dismantling vehicles and equipment with hand tools, air tools, and oxygen/acetylene torch cutting * Cutting of Garbage trucks, industrial machinery, and farm equipment * Moving vehicles and equipment ...

Urgent

Volvo Group

Shop Technician/Welder

Corona, CA · On-site

Perform torch cutting and air arc gouging for removal, repair, preparation, and fabrication of components. Perform excavator thumb mounting, fit-up, positioning, and welding. Perform buildup, welding ...

Volvo Group

Shop Technician/Welder

Corona, CA · On-site

Welding and fabrication responsibilities include light fabrication, torch cutting, air arc gouging, excavator thumb mounting and welding, and hydraulic shear attachment buildup and repair. • This ...

Star Staffing

Maintenance Mechanic

Stockton, CA · On-site

$34 - $40/hr

Conduct pipe fitting, torch cutting, and layout work on various materials. * Support preventive maintenance programs, inspections, and documentation. * Collaborate with engineering, production, and ...

Star Staffing - Petaluma

Maintenance Mechanic

Stockton, CA · On-site

$34 - $40/hr

Conduct pipe fitting, torch cutting, and layout work on various materials. * Support preventive maintenance programs, inspections, and documentation. * Collaborate with engineering, production, and ...

Swinerton Incorporated

Journeyman Laborer

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$21.50 - $23.50/hr

Use of wrecking bars, sledgehammers, torch cutting, electrical and air power tools, axes, and shovels as well as operate heavy equipment * Ensure demolition is safe and all electrical power is ...

Swinerton Incorporated

Equipment Operator

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Use of wrecking bars, sledgehammers, torch cutting, electrical and air power tools, axes, and shovels as well as operate heavy equipment * Ensure demolition is safe and all electrical power is ...

SA Recycling

Welder

Anaheim, CA

$18 - $19/hr

Oxy-fuel Torch Cutting equipment, mechanics tools • Physical Demand Level: Moderate to Heavy • Work Capacity: Welder Work Capacity • Sensory Demands: Hearing, vision, touch, smell and taste • ...

SA Recycling

Welder

Anaheim, CA

$18 - $19/hr

Oxy-fuel Torch Cutting equipment, mechanics tools • Physical Demand Level: Moderate to Heavy • Work Capacity: Welder Work Capacity • Sensory Demands: Hearing, vision, touch, smell and taste • ...

The Brock Group

CRC LB

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

... torch cutting; must be able to work with journeymen to install vales, traps and strainers; and must have basic rigging experience; recommended to be enrolled in the NCCER program. Location ...

SA Recycling

Welder

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

Oxy-fuel Torch Cutting equipment, mechanics tools • Physical Demand Level: Moderate to Heavy • Work Capacity: Welder Work Capacity • Sensory Demands: Hearing, vision, touch, smell and taste • ...

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All JobsTorch Cutter JobsTorch Cutter Jobs in California

Torch Cutter information

See California salary details

$12

$19

$25

How much do torch cutter jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for torch cutter in California is $19.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $25.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a torch cutter?

A torch cutter prepares scrap metal and cuts it down to size using industrial cutting machines. In this career, you cut and trim metal used in building structures at construction sites. Your responsibilities also include maintaining safety procedures and servicing cutting equipment. You use flame-cutting equipment to weld metal to fill holes, build pipelines, and create metal products. Other duties include interpreting operating procedures and other work instructions. Torch cutters spend a lot of time on their feet working in a strenuous environment, so you should have ample physical endurance.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a torch cutter?

To thrive as a Torch Cutter, you need strong mechanical aptitude, understanding of metal properties, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent with relevant vocational training. Familiarity with oxy-fuel cutting equipment, safety protocols, and sometimes certifications like OSHA are commonly required. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and the ability to work independently are vital soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications ensure precise, safe, and efficient cutting operations in industrial environments.

What safety protocols should I be aware of when working as a torch cutter?

As a torch cutter, adhering to strict safety protocols is essential due to the risks associated with handling high-temperature equipment and combustible materials. Daily responsibilities include wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as flame-resistant clothing, gloves, eye protection, and face shields. You’ll also need to routinely inspect your tools and work area to ensure proper ventilation and the removal of flammable objects. Collaborating with your team to follow lockout/tagout procedures and staying updated on safety training can significantly reduce the risk of accidents. Employers often provide regular safety briefings and may require certification in safe cutting practices.

What is the difference between Torch Cutter vs Welder?

AspectTorch CutterWelder
CertificationsOSHA safety training, torch operation certificationsWelding certifications (e.g., AWS, CWI)
Work EnvironmentIndustrial settings, metal fabrication shops, construction sitesManufacturing plants, construction sites, repair shops
Job RoleUses oxy-fuel torches to cut metalJoins metal pieces using welding techniques
Tools & EquipmentOxy-fuel torches, cutting tablesWelding machines, protective gear

While both Torch Cutters and Welders work with metal in industrial environments, Torch Cutters specialize in cutting metal using oxy-fuel torches, whereas Welders focus on joining metal pieces through welding techniques. Certifications, work settings, and tools differ, but both roles are essential in metal fabrication and construction industries.

How much does a torch cutter make?

A torch cutter's average salary ranges from $35,000 to $60,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and industry. Skilled torch cutters with certifications and experience in industrial environments can earn higher wages, especially with overtime or specialized tools.
More about Torch Cutter jobs

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Torch Cutter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Torch Cutter job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 54% Full Time, 43% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,927 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Dismantler/Torch Cutter

Salinas, CA • On-site

Pacific Coast Iron & Metals
See more jobs at Pacific Coast Iron & Metalsexternal

Urgent

$23 - $26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

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Job description

Job's location is at: 340 Obata Court, Gilroy, CA, USA, Los Banos, CA 93635


Pacific Coast Iron and Metals is looking for two people to join our growing team as Dismantlers. These are full-time, year-round jobs that do require working on Saturdays, with Sundays and a fixed day off during the week. We value our team members and realize that the only way we can be successful is if they are. If you have previous Dismantler or automotive experience, we encourage you to apply. We are a smoke-free workplace, so smoking, vaping, and chewing are not allowed in our facilities or trucks and on any of our equipment.

Benefits:

  • Kaiser HMO Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Chiropractic & Acupuncture Insurance
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Sick Leave
  • Paid Holidays
  • Bereavement Leave
  • Yearly Bonus Opportunity
  • Monthly Safety Lunch Opportunities

Responsibilities Include:

  • Dismantling vehicles and equipment with hand tools, air tools, and oxygen/acetylene torch cutting
  • Cutting of Garbage trucks, industrial machinery, and farm equipment
  • Moving vehicles and equipment with forklifts and front-end loaders
  • Removing fluids such as oils, antifreeze, gas, diesel, brake fluids, and power steering fluids
  • Sorting of ferrous and nonferrous metals
  • Cleaning of vehicles, equipment, and facilities
  • Removing rims, tires, batteries, and catalytic converters
  • Other work as assigned

Desired Qualifications:

  • Previous experience with oxygen/acetylene torches
  • Previous automotive experience
  • Ability to lift 75lbs
  • Previous Dismantling Experience (but not required)
  • Proper tool knowledge
  • Time management skills
  • Great written and oral communication
  • Outstanding attitude towards safety

Job Type: Full-time

Salary:

$23.00 - $26.00 per hour

Schedule:

  • 8-hour shift
  • Saturdays are required

Supplemental pay types:

  • Bonus opportunities

Education:

  • High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

  • Automotive or Diesel repair: 4 years
  • Oxygen/Acetylene torch 4 years

Language:

  • English/Spanish (Preferred)

License/Certification:

  • Driver's License (Required)

Company Description

We are a privately owned Waste, Recycling and Transportation Company who values our team members.