Price trends for electric motors by grade

over the last 30 days

In the last month in the Electric Motors category: price is up for 5 grades, price is steady for 4 grades, and price is down for 1 grade.

How Have Prices Moved Over the Last 52 Weeks?
Over the past year, the category average ranged from $0.17 to $0.29.
Jun '25Sep '25Dec '25Mar '26Today
How Yard Prices Track the Exchange (COMEX)
Average discount to the exchange for this category: ~94.3% (-$4.74/ lb). Based on 10 grades with exchange data. Normal range for this category: 90%–99%.
✓ All 10 grades are within normal market range

U.S. National Price Benchmark — Electric Motors in Texas

Local scrap yards in Texas sometimes post their prices with a short delay. To keep you informed of what your metal is worth right now, we use U.S. national averages as a reference. The secondary metals market responds to exchange moves in sync across the country — use this national benchmark when negotiating with local buyers. Electric Motors prices across the U.S. →

Electric Motors scrap prices by grade in Texas

Here is the Electric Motors data we have on file for Texas. Local yards don't always update their online prices daily — if your grade isn't listed, use the National Benchmark above as leverage when negotiating with local buyers.

+5.6% / 90 days
Automotive Starters U.S. national average
Avg. Price:$0.50/ lbRange: $0.45 – $0.55/ lb
Trend for 90 days: +5.6%
View Details
+6.7% / 6 mo.
Automotive Alternators U.S. national average
Avg. Price:$0.48/ lbRange: $0.35 – $0.60/ lb
Trend for 6 mo.: +6.7%
View Details
Copper Transformers U.S. national average
Avg. Price:$0.45/ lbRange: $0.35 – $0.55/ lb
Trend for 90 days: +1.4%
View Details
Copper Electric Motors Based on 3 yards
Avg. Price:$0.38/ lbRange: $0.35 – $0.40/ lb
Trend for 30 days: 0.0%
View Details
+7.7% / 90 days
Automotive AC Compressors U.S. national average
Avg. Price:$0.30/ lbRange: $0.25 – $0.35/ lb
Trend for 90 days: +7.7%
View Details
+8.7% / 6 mo.
Avg. Price:$0.25/ lbRange: $0.20 – $0.30/ lb
Trend for 6 mo.: +8.7%
View Details
+67.5% / 30 days
Aluminum & Dirty Motors U.S. national average
Avg. Price:$0.16/ lbRange: $0.10 – $0.22/ lb
Trend for 30 days: +67.5%
View Details
Scrap Engines & Transmissions U.S. national average
Avg. Price:$0.14/ lbRange: $0.10 – $0.18/ lb
Trend for 30 days: -13.8%
View Details
Aluminum & Steel Transformers U.S. national average
Avg. Price:$0.13/ lbRange: $0.10 – $0.15/ lb
Trend for 30 days: 0.0%
View Details
Avg. Price:$0.10/ lbRange: $0.10 – $0.10/ lb
Trend for 30 days: 0.0%
View Details

Scrap yards paying the most for electric motors in Texas

Live prices from local scrap yards in Texas. Compare offers and find the buyer paying the most.

💼 Scrap yard owners: Post your buy prices and get more customers
By price
By date
Updated 5/17/2026

Best Scrap Yard Prices in Livingston, Texas - Eastex Recycling

Point Blank, Texas2 grades on price list
Electric Motor
$0.35/ lb|🠅 $0.03 (9%)
Compressors
$0.30/ lb|🠇 $0.05 (14%)
Updated 3/22/2026

Orange Recycling - Scrap Yard in Texas

Orange, Texas1 grade on price list
Electric Motor
$0.39/ lb|🠅 $0.05 (15%)
Updated 2/17/2026

Cleveland Recycling Inc.

Cleveland, Texas2 grades on price list
SMALL EC MOTORS
$0.30/ lb|🠅 $0.10 (50%)
SEALED UNITS (COMPRESSOR)
$0.20/ lb|🠅 $0.05 (33%)
Updated 2/17/2026

Decatur Iron & Metal Recycling

Decatur, Texas1 grade on price list
Electric Motors
$0.25/ lb
Updated 2/17/2026

Port Arthur Recycling - Get Best Scrap Prices in Texas

Port Arthur, Texas1 grade on price list
Electric Motors
$0.40/ lb|🠅 $0.06 (18%)
Updated 2/17/2026

Allstar Recycling

Pinehurst, Texas1 grade on price list
Ballasts
$0.10/ lb|🠇 $0.05 (33%)

Don't see your scrap yard in Texas? List it for free.

Hundreds of sellers in your area search for current scrap prices every day. Post your buy prices and start getting calls.

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Price chart: electric motors grades and COMEX Copper exchange data

The chart shows average yard buyout rates and COMEX Copper exchange data for your selected electric motors grade. When the exchange moves up and local yard prices lag, they typically follow within a few trading days — a signal to hold if you can. When both lines drop, sell now before yards update their offers downward. Switch grades using the selector above the chart.

Calculate the value of your electric motors lot

Selling a mixed load? Pick the grades below — a weight field appears after you select at least one grade, then the calculator estimates your haul's value from current average prices Texas.

Select a metal above to estimate value

Compare electric motors grades and their value

Electric motor pricing correlates with COMEX Copper because the primary value driver is the copper winding content. Aluminum-wound motors track LME Aluminum instead. Identifying your material correctly before selling is the single most effective step to maximize your payout.

GradeExchange (100%)Yard Price (per lb)Grade Quality
Aluminum & Dirty Motors $1.60/ lb LME$0.16/ lb
High Grade10%
Scrap Engines & Transmissions $1.60/ lb LME$0.14/ lb
High Grade9%
Aluminum & Steel Transformers $1.60/ lb LME$0.13/ lb
High Grade8%
Automotive Starters $6.49/ lb COMEX$0.50/ lb
High Grade8%
Automotive Alternators $6.49/ lb COMEX$0.48/ lb
High Grade7%
Copper Transformers $6.49/ lb COMEX$0.45/ lb
Mid Grade7%
Copper Electric Motors $6.49/ lb COMEX$0.38/ lb
Mid Grade6%
Automotive AC Compressors $6.49/ lb COMEX$0.30/ lb
Mid Grade5%
Sealed Unit Compressors (Appliance) $6.49/ lb COMEX$0.25/ lb
Low Grade4%
Light Ballasts & Power Supplies $6.49/ lb COMEX$0.10/ lb
Low Grade2%

📊 What determines the value of electric motors:

  • Copper electric motors: The benchmark grade — 100% copper windings. Largest volume class at most yards. Priced by the pound with COMEX Copper as basis.
  • Aluminum & dirty motors: Mixed or aluminum-wound motors with attached housings and debris — discounted vs. clean copper motors.
  • Copper transformers: Larger, heavier copper coils — often bring a premium per pound vs. standard motors because of higher copper density.
  • Aluminum & steel transformers: Aluminum-wound; priced at aluminum motor rates, significantly below copper transformers.
  • Automotive alternators & starters: Priced as a separate motor category — payout per unit rather than per pound at some yards.
💡 Tip: Ask your yard whether they buy motors 'as-is' or 'cut open' — sometimes dismantling the motor yourself yields more money per pound of copper.