Also called: Scrapyard Worker, Metal Recycler, Scrap Buyer
Buys, sorts, cuts, and bales scrap metal from cars, buildings, and appliances so it can be melted into new steel and aluminum.
You run a magnet crane or torch at a scrapyard, sort copper from brass by sight and spark, weigh loads people bring in, and feed cars into a giant shredder. Scrap metal is one of the oldest and biggest recycling businesses.
Estimate; experienced scrap buyers/traders earn more.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
High school diploma, about 0 years after high school. On-the-job training; crane and torch certifications.
Ways in: On-the-job training, Certification. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Growing about average.
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. Sensor sorters and AI identify metal grades; cutting, torching and crane work stay human.
Age 18+. One way to start: Apply at scrap yards for yard laborer or sorter jobs; torch and crane training come later
Classes: Welding CTE, Chemistry.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.