How to hire an assembler and forklift operator

How to hire an assembler and forklift operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step assembler and forklift 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 assembler and forklift operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new assembler and forklift operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

Post an assembler and forklift operator job for free, promote it for a fee

Post free

1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the assembler and forklift operator you need to hire. Certain assembler and forklift operator roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

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

   Yes

   No

   An assembler and forklift operator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, assembler and forklift operators from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list shows salaries for various types of assembler and forklift operators.

   Type of Assembler And Forklift Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Assembler And Forklift Operator	Material moving machine operators use machinery to transport various objects. Some operators move construction materials around building sites or excavate earth from a mine... Show more	$12-18
   Production Assembler	An assembler is responsible for the arrangement of multiple parts to create an entirely new component, following the client's specifications or blueprint instructions. Assemblers must be able to interpret schematics well, as well as being able to operate mechanical equipment and hand tools to improve the efficiency and accuracy of the job... Show more	$12-18
   Forklift	The primary job of a forklift operator is to operate and manage forklifts used for moving, locating, relocating, stacking, and counting merchandise in various settings, such as construction sites and warehouses. As a forklift operator, you will unload shipments properly and safely, and stack and store them in their designated areas... Show more	$12-18

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Part Numbers
   • Assembly Line
   • Safety Standards
   • SIT
   • Unload Trailers
   • Load Trucks
   • Pallet Jack
   • RF Scanner
   • CNC
   • Quality Checks
   • Quality Standards
   • Air Tools
   • Hoists
   • Transport Materials

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
   • Perform routine maintenance on CNC machines and other equipment.
   • Operate CNC machine make sure that proper shapes are cut from metal and plastic.
   • Assemble snowplows and components with the help of hoists and pneumatic and battery operate power tools.
   • Perform specialized production line and quality control duties in a professional production environment specializing in plastic extrusion.
   • Move inventory in support of logistics management.

   More assembler and forklift operator duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your assembler and forklift operator job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. An assembler and forklift operator salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, assembler and forklift operators' average salary in alabama is 33% less than in north dakota.
   • Seniority. Entry-level assembler and forklift operators earn 33% less than senior-level assembler and forklift operators.
   • Certifications. An assembler and forklift operator with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in an assembler and forklift operator's salary.

   Average assembler and forklift operator salary

   $15.63hourly

   $32,500 yearly

   ---

   Entry-level assembler and forklift operator salary

   $26,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 31, 2026

   Average assembler and forklift operator salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Washington	$37,242	$18
   2	Massachusetts	$34,460	$17
   3	California	$32,784	$16
   4	Ohio	$32,312	$16
   5	Pennsylvania	$31,951	$15
   6	New York	$31,371	$15
   7	Tennessee	$29,660	$14
   8	Texas	$28,889	$14
   9	Kentucky	$28,871	$14
   10	Georgia	$28,552	$14
   11	Florida	$27,401	$13
   12	Alabama	$26,148	$13
   13	Mississippi	$25,781	$12

   Average assembler and forklift operator salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	FIS	$35,048	$16.85	6
   2	TERRA Staffing Group	$32,783	$15.76	1
   3	Elwood Staffing	$32,654	$15.70
   4	Aerotek	$32,585	$15.67	1,340
   5	Area Temps	$32,563	$15.66	33
   6	Kelly Services	$32,429	$15.59	231
   7	Monroe Staffing	$32,064	$15.42
   8	ManpowerGroup	$31,772	$15.28	350
   9	First Option Recruiting	$30,613	$14.72
   10	Randstad North America, Inc.	$29,587	$14.22	8

4. Writing an assembler and forklift operator job description

   A job description for an assembler and forklift operator role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's an assembler and forklift operator job description:

   Assembler and forklift operator job description example

   Pay : $18+/hr

   1st Shift : The position requires an estimated (not guaranteed) minimum 48 hours per week on the job. Monday through Thursday are 10-hour days and Friday is an 8-hour day.

   6:00 am to 4:00 pm (Monday to Thursday) and 7:00 am to 3:00 pm (Friday)

   Saturdays- Upon request

   Primary responsibilities:

   • This position's function is to contribute to the packaging machinery assembly process and material handling process.
   • Additional duties include being forklift driver, shipping clerk and “Jack of all Trades” for the packaging department.
   • This position needs an individual that is capable of entry-level skills in machine assembly, entry level of mechanic and some painting skills (touch up paint with spray can), the ability to material handle with a forklift, and handle the necessary documents for shipments in and out of the company including UPS type deliveries.

   Secondary responsibilities:

   This position frequently works with other corporate individuals and departments to concept, implement and carry out routine duties and special projects of benefit the corporation. These projects and duties can be maintenance of the premises, facilities and company vehicles and can also involve (for certain highly reliable authorized employees) expediting orders, placing purchase orders for items needed for the corporation both internally and for projects. These Secondary responsibilities can and frequently do require hands-on work necessary to get the job done.

   Position Requirements:

   • Attendance is a vital requirement of the job. Showing up on time, clearheaded and ready to work is necessary.
   • The position requires 1 to 2 years’ experience and a general knowledge of procedures and responsibilities in a company that is highly dependent on technical expertise.
   • This position requires a valid driver’s license free of excessive “legal penalty points” for moving violations etc. and any major crashes and/or trouble (DUI) that could cause excessive cost and/or legal exposure to the company.
   • This position requires lifting of up to the legally allowed weight periodically (50lbs. as of 2022). Lifting, bending, crouching etc. are typically required on a day-to-day basis.

   *No individual, at the time of hiring, is expected to have all the above-mentioned skills required for the job. The company expects to provide training and experience to develop an individual's skill level.

   If you feel you have the above qualifications, please apply for immediate consideration.

   EverStaff offers employees Medical, Dental, Vision, Accident, Life, Disability and Cancer insurance coverage.

   All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, protected veteran status or any other protected status under the law. EverStaff is an equal opportunity employer (M/F/D/V/SO/GI)

   INDM

   Edit job Status: Open View public job page

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right assembler and forklift operator for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your assembler and forklift operator job on Zippia to find and recruit assembler and forklift operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit assembler and forklift operators, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates 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 assembler and forklift operator

   Once you've selected the best assembler and forklift 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.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new assembler and forklift operator. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are 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.)

   Sign up to download full list

   Sign up

How much does it cost to hire an assembler and forklift operator?