Scrap Metal Technician

Career Guide

A Scrap Metal Technician sorts, processes, and prepares scrap metal for recycling. The role focuses on safe material handling, identifying metal types, operating yard equipment, and keeping accurate weights and records so material can be shipped and reused.

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Key Responsibilities

Receive and unload incoming scrap material
Sort scrap by metal type and quality
Remove non metal contamination such as plastics and rubber
Cut or size material using approved tools
Prepare loads for shipping and pickup
Weigh materials and record amounts
Operate yard equipment such as forklifts and magnets when certified
Inspect material for prohibited items such as pressurized containers
Follow safety procedures and wear required protective equipment
Keep the work area clean and organized
Support inventory counts and basic yard reporting
Report equipment issues and safety hazards to supervisors

Top Skills for Success

Safety Awareness

Attention to Detail

Reliability

Teamwork

Basic Math

Metal Identification

Scrap Grading

Material Sorting

Equipment Operation

Torch Cutting

Load Securement

Hazard Recognition

Scale Operation

Documentation

Environmental Compliance Awareness

Forklift Operation

Lockout Tagout Awareness

Personal Protective Equipment Use

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Scrap Yard Lead

Equipment Operator

Scale Operator

Safety Coordinator Quality Inspector

Transition Opportunities

Recycling Plant Operator

Maintenance Technician Warehouse Supervisor Logistics Coordinator

Industrial Production Technician

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Metal IdentificationScrap GradingForklift OperationTorch CuttingHazard RecognitionDocumentationEnvironmental Compliance Awareness

Development SuggestionsBuild skills through employer training, safety courses, and supervised practice. Prioritize equipment certifications, learn common metal categories and grades used in your yard, and practice accurate weighing and record keeping. Ask to shadow experienced technicians during sorting, grading, and load preparation.

Market Intelligence Report

Scrap Metal Technician is part of the Utilities Operations category.Explore our market intelligence report to see how AI and hiring demand are shifting for these roles.

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Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry LevelUSD 32,000 to 42,000 per year

Mid LevelUSD 42,000 to 55,000 per year

Senior LevelUSD 55,000 to 70,000 per year

Growth Trend

Stable demand with steady hiring driven by construction, manufacturing, and recycling. Demand often increases in regions with active demolition, automotive, and industrial activity.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

Sims MetalSchnitzer Steel IndustriesNucorGerdauSA RecyclingOmniSource

Industry Sectors

Metal recycling yardsAuto salvage operationsDemolition and dismantling contractorsSteel mills and foundriesManufacturing plants with internal recyclingWaste and recycling services

Recommended Next Steps

Complete safety training focused on hazard recognition and protective equipment use

Pursue forklift certification through an approved program

Learn the site specific scrap grading rules and common metal categories

Practice accurate weighing, labeling, and record keeping on the scale process

Request cross training on equipment operation after meeting safety requirements

Build a track record of clean sorting and low contamination rates

Create a simple resume highlighting safety, reliability, and hands on equipment experience