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Torch Cutter Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Welder

Woodburn, OR

$20 - $26.50/hr

Experience with basic welding tools (drill press, band saw, iron worker, cutting torch); Mechanical aptitude; Engineering/Structural aptitude; Creativity and ability to think outside of the box; Must ...

Welder

Woodburn, OR · On-site

$20 - $26.50/hr

Experience with basic welding tools (drill press, band saw, iron worker, cutting torch); Mechanical aptitude; Engineering/Structural aptitude; Creativity and ability to think outside of the box; Must ...

Welder

Woodburn, OR · On-site

$20 - $26.50/hr

Requirements: • High School Diploma; • 1 year minimum welding experience; • Experience with basic welding tools (drill press, band saw, iron worker, cutting torch); • Mechanical aptitude; • ...

Lab Technician

Portland, OR

$20.25 - $26.75/hr

Cut steel plate samples using Oxy-fuel, plasma torch and CNC robot plasma cutter * Prepare and identify samples accurately and clearly and forwards to lab for testing * Requires ability to work in an ...

Cut steel plate samples using Oxy-fuel, plasma torch and CNC robot plasma cutter * Prepare and identify samples accurately and clearly and forwards to lab for testing * Requires ability to work in an ...

Possess a mechanical aptitude; ability to use a large variety of hand tools and basic knowledge of power tools, forklifts, welding equipment, and cutting torch. * Ability to work overtime as ...

Possess a mechanical aptitude; ability to use a large variety of hand tools and basic knowledge of power tools, forklifts, welding equipment, and cutting torch. * Ability to work overtime as ...

Possess a mechanical aptitude; ability to use a large variety of hand tools and basic knowledge of power tools, forklifts, welding equipment, and cutting torch. * Ability to work overtime as ...

Possess a mechanical aptitude; ability to use a large variety of hand tools and basic knowledge of power tools, forklifts, welding equipment, and cutting torch. * Ability to work overtime as ...

Woodworker

Portland, OR · On-site

$24 - $25/hr

Possess a mechanical aptitude; ability to use a large variety of hand tools and basic knowledge of power tools, forklifts, welding equipment, and cutting torch. * Ability to work overtime as ...

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Torch Cutter information

See Portland, OR salary details

$13

$20

$27

How much do torch cutter jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for torch cutter in Portland, OR is $20.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $27.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Torch cutters can earn around $4,000 per week with experience, strong skills in operating cutting equipment, and working in industrial or manufacturing environments. High-paying roles often require certifications, safety training, and the ability to work long or irregular hours. Such positions are typically found in construction, manufacturing, or specialized trades that value skill over formal education.

What is the job description of a torch cutter?

A torch cutter operates cutting torches, such as oxy-fuel or plasma cutters, to cut metal materials according to specifications. The job involves setting up equipment, reading blueprints, and ensuring safety protocols are followed in a manufacturing or construction environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Torch Cutter, and why are they important?

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 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.

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

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 welding jobs pay $50 an hour?

Torch cutters, a specialized welding role, can earn around $50 an hour depending on experience, certifications, and project complexity. High-paying welding jobs often require advanced skills, certifications, and work in industrial or construction environments. Salaries vary by region and industry demand.

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.

How much does a torch cutter make?

Torch cutters typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and industry. Skilled torch cutters with certifications and experience in industrial environments may earn higher wages or overtime pay.

What are torch cutters?

Torch cutters, also known as oxy-fuel cutters, are skilled workers who use a torch powered by a mix of fuel gases and oxygen to cut through metal materials, such as steel. They read blueprints or work orders to determine the layout and dimensions of the cuts required. Torch cutters are typically employed in manufacturing, construction, shipbuilding, and metal recycling industries. Their work requires precision, safety awareness, and knowledge of different metals and cutting techniques.
What are popular job titles related to Torch Cutter jobs in Portland, OR? For Torch Cutter jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Torch Cutter jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Torch Cutter jobs in Portland, OR are:
Infographic showing various Torch Cutter job openings in Portland, OR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,043 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

$36.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

The Neil Jones Food Company is an industry leader, processing superior quality fresh-packed, vine-ripened California tomatoes and Pacific Northwest fruit. Headquartered in Vancouver, Washington, NJFC has been providing our nation’s discerning foodservice, retail, industrial and institutional customers with the finest quality canned and pouched products for over 50 years. NJFC operates three production facilities: Northwest Packing in Vancouver, WA.; San Benito Foods, in Hollister, CA; and Toma-Tek in Firebaugh, CA.

We are looking for a Boiler Operator II – Mechanic to be responsible for the control and monitoring of boiler operations to provide steam for industrial food processing machinery. Performs water quality tests and adjusts chemical feed rates to maintain proper boiler water chemistry. This role will be responsible for maintaining accurate, up to date utility and boiler operational logs and ensuring that the response time to any utility failure is adequate for minimal production downtime at our fruit and juice concentrates processing plant, Northwest Packing plant in Vancouver, WA.

For additional information, please see our “About Us” video, Our Story - Neil Jones Food Company

Key Responsibilities:

  • Responsible for startup, operation and shut down of all required support utilities for boiler operations, including soft water systems, evaporator condensate recovery system, compressed air systems, related electrical systems, and natural gas supply.
  • Responsible for maintenance, start up, operation, monitoring and documentation of boiler systems, water chemistry, pressures, temperatures, output, gas flow, charts, records and other critical points.
  • Operates & monitors up to four boilers at any given time.
  • Performs tasks that involve welding, torch cutting, hydraulics, and pneumatics.
  • Ensures that preventative maintenance on equipment is executed in a timely manner and properly documented.

Requirements:

  • Requires a High School Diploma; bachelor’s degree in engineering, technology or technical science is preferred; or equivalent combination of training and experience.
  • Minimum of three years’ experience in the process of supplying heat and/or power by means of an automatic boiler system in an Industrial Evaporation and Food Processing environment and pipe fitting.
  • Welding with either (STICK), (TIG) and/or (MIG) welders and pipe fitting (all size pipe).
  • Requires Cooling Tower maintenance experience, a background maintaining chemistry balance, and knowledge in gas handling, air compressors and water treatment.
  • Ability to pass a pre-employment drug test, work extended hours, weekends, and any shift assigned during the fresh pack season, typically July – early November.

Compensation:

The hourly union wage is $30.79.

Benefits:

  • Pension & Supplemental 401(k)
  • Medical, Dental, & Vision coverage
  • Company paid Life and AD&D insurance
  • 10 paid vacation days, 10 paid holidays, and separate sick time
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Numerous other voluntary products available
  • Convenient location, 2 miles west of downtown Vancouver
  • Free parking

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA)

The Neil Jones Food Company participates in E-Verify

E-Verify Participation

If You Have the Right to Work, Don't Let Anyone Take It Away

We are an Equal Opportunity and Fair Chance Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, citizenship status, genetic information, military or veteran status, and other protected status under applicable law. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.