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What is a torch operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a torch operator. For example, did you know that they make an average of $18.6 an hour? That's $38,691 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 7% and produce 56,900 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreTorch OperatorUS Average
Salary
3.0

Avg. Salary $38,691

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
8.3

Growth rate 7%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
8.7
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.78%

Asian 2.24%

Black or African American 14.45%

Hispanic or Latino 15.79%

Unknown 4.26%

White 62.47%

Gender

female 5.45%

male 94.55%

Age - 44
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44
Stress level
8.3

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.8

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
3.8

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Torch operator career paths

Key steps to become a torch operator

  1. Explore torch operator education requirements

    Most common torch operator degrees

    High School Diploma

    43.7 %

    Diploma

    14.9 %

    Certificate

    14.9 %
  2. Start to develop specific torch operator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Rail Cars46.60%
    Torches38.21%
    Plate Steel9.55%
    CAD5.64%
  3. Complete relevant torch operator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New torch operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a torch operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real torch operator resumes.
  4. Research torch operator duties and responsibilities

    • Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
    • Enter all data in AS400 for shipping.
    • Operate various plasma equipment and hand torches to create items detail in blueprints.
    • Perform specialized production line and quality control duties in a professional production environment specializing in plastic extrusion.
  5. Prepare your torch operator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your torch operator resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a torch operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable torch operator resume templates

    Build a professional torch operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your torch operator resume.
    Torch Operator Resume
    Torch Operator Resume
    Torch Operator Resume
    Torch Operator Resume
    Torch Operator Resume
    Torch Operator Resume
    Torch Operator Resume
    Torch Operator Resume
    Torch Operator Resume
  6. Apply for torch operator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a torch operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first torch operator job

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Average torch operator salary

The average torch operator salary in the United States is $38,691 per year or $19 per hour. Torch operator salaries range between $31,000 and $47,000 per year.

Average torch operator salary
$38,691 Yearly
$18.60 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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