How to hire an air hammer operator

How to hire an air hammer operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step air hammer operator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write an air hammer operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new air hammer operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring an air hammer operator, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   Hiring the perfect air hammer operator also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   This list shows salaries for various types of air hammer operators.

   Type of Air Hammer Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Air Hammer Operator	Construction laborers and helpers perform many tasks that require physical labor on construction sites.	$12-37
   Construction Labour	When it comes to Construction Labour, responsibilities will always revolve around physical work on construction sites. Most of the tasks will vary daily, depending on what kind of structure is required... Show more	$11-20
   Construction Apprentice	Construction apprentices are individuals who are trained by experienced professionals for entry-level tasks involving the trade of construction work on the job. Their complimentary training experience helps them to become skilled in a specific trade by combining hands-on work and classroom learning, as they apply the lessons learned through working... Show more	$15-33

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Safety Rules

   Responsibilities:

   • Operate, monitor, maintain and troubleshoot a multi-million dollar wastewater treatment facility and its process.
   • Manufacture metal fabrication using Ce co Stamp/Drop hammer and dyes.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your air hammer operator job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. An air hammer operator can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, air hammer operators' average salary in idaho is 66% less than in alaska.
   • Seniority. Entry-level air hammer operators 66% less than senior-level air hammer operators.
   • Certifications. An air hammer operator with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in an air hammer operator's salary.

   Average air hammer operator salary

   $45,522yearly

   $21.89 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level air hammer operator salary

   $26,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 27, 2025

4. Writing an air hammer operator job description

   An air hammer operator job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of an air hammer operator job description:

   Air hammer operator job description example

   GENERAL PURPOSE: Set up and operate the
   air-operated stripping tool. Responsible
   for all aspects of performance including productivity, quality, and spoilage
   
   ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
   
   Reviews the job ticket, determines how many different structures are on the load and how many carts/skids will be required.
   
   Clears workstation before and after each run and picks up and destroys all foreign material.
   
   Empties all waste receptacles located within the blue line area.
   
   Sets up and operates air-operated stripping tool.
   
   Removes scrap board from die-cut sheets.
   
   Stacks die-cut blanks on skids/carts for gluer operations.
   
   Separates combination-run cartons onto individual skids/carts.
   
   Offloads and separates combination cartons run through the blanking die cutters.
   
   Exercises care in stacking carton blanks on skids/carts to prevent carton mix-ups.
   
   Pushes out internal scrap from cut blanks when necessary using die hammer and wood punches.
   
   Disposes of extra cartons and loads after completion of carton stripping jobs.
   
   Disposes of extra cartons from gluing department (in gray bins) as required.
   
   Operates power baler to compress scrap board and paper into bales.
   
   Feeds loose bales back through the baler as needed in a timely manner.
   
   Deposits scrap bales and paper skids in the appropriate recycle trailer in a timely fashion.
   
   Operates forklift to move skidded stock into position for stripping.
   
   Performs routine and preventative maintenance on all assigned equipment.
   
   Informs the supervisor when supplies or parts are required.
   
   Responsible for timely and accurate completion of all ISO forms and quality checks for each job
   
   Performs job duties in accordance with all federal, state, local, and company safety rules.
   
   Performs other job duties as assigned.
   
   QUALIFICATIONS:
   
   Must have knowledge of printing terminology and practices.
   
   Must
   have ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules,
   operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
   
   Must
   pass basic reading test.
   
   Must pass
   color vision test.
   
   Must
   pass color hue test.
   
   Must have the ability to meet and/or pass the
   minimum requirement on a mechanical test or have demonstrated mechanical
   aptitude through prior work experience.
   
   Must
   have ability to perform basic arithmetic including addition, subtraction,
   multiplication, and division.
   
   Must be able to maintain good attendance.
   
   Must be willing to work overtime as needed;
   significant overtime may be required during busy periods.
   
   Must be able to perform all essential functions
   of this job with or without reasonable accommodation.
   
   \#MI
   
   WestRock is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to create and
   maintain a diverse workforce where everyone feels valued, respected, and
   included. WestRock does not discriminate on the basis of race, color,
   religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual
   orientation, gender identity, or any other basis protected by federal, state or
   local law.
   
   Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
   
   The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find air hammer operators for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any air hammer operators they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level air hammer operators with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your air hammer operator job on Zippia to find and attract quality air hammer operator candidates.
   • Use niche websites such as constructionjobs.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with air hammer operator candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new air hammer operator

   Once you've selected the best air hammer operator candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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