How to hire an Assembler

How to hire an assembler, step by step

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

What does an Assembler do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the assembler you need to hire. Certain assembler 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's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, assemblers 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.

   The following list breaks down different types of assemblers and their corresponding salaries.

   Type Of Assembler	Description	Hourly Rate
   Assembler	Assemblers and fabricators assemble finished products and the parts that go into them. They use tools, machines, and their hands to make engines, computers, aircraft, ships, boats, toys, electronic devices, control panels, and more.	$11-18
   Assembling Machine Operator	An assembling machine operator's role is to ensure the efficiency of assembly machines by setting or positioning the necessary components according to their sequence. Moreover, they must monitor the materials that the device produces, implement corrective measures if necessary, make sure that the machine is in good condition to maintain a safe working environment, and coordinate with the managers or supervisors should there be any issues... Show More	$11-18
   Manufacturing Assembler	A manufacturing assembler is primarily responsible for assembling products according to technical guidelines and schematics, preparing them for public releases. Their responsibilities revolve around adhering to the directives of managers and supervisors, operating tools and devices, coordinating with quality-control officers and other manufacturing staff, and performing quick and efficient repairs on any materials or products... Show More	$10-17

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common Skills:

   • Assembly Line
   • Part Numbers
   • Dexterity
   • Basic Math
   • Math
   • Sub Assemblies
   • Quality Standards
   • Safety Procedures
   • Hand Tools
   • Tape Measure
   • Mechanical Assembly
   • Assembly Process
   • Quality Checks
   • Troubleshoot

   Check All Skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Utilize various hand tools, electronic measuring calipers, electrical meter gauges, and power tools.
   • Used math and reading skills to assemble speakers on assembly line while using various machines to create a finish product.
   • Attach slings, ropes, and cables to objects such as pipes, hoses, and bundles.
   • Assemble interior parts for Toyota automobiles.
   • Use of PLC software to program and de-bug small automate work cells.
   • Perform leak checks on HVAC, hydraulic systems, coolant system and fuel system.

   More Assembler duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your assembler job description helps attract top candidates to the position. An assembler salary can be affected by several factors, such as geography, experience, seniority, certifications, and the prestige of the hiring company.

   For example, the average salary for an assembler in North Carolina may be lower than in Alaska, and an entry-level assembler usually earns less than a senior-level assembler. Additionally, an assembler with certifications may command a higher salary, and working for a well-known company or start-up may also impact an employee's pay.

   Average assembler salary

   $14.83hourly

   $30,849 yearly

   ---

   Entry-level assembler salary

   $24,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 25, 2025

   Average assembler salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. Salary	Hourly Rate
   1	Washington	$36,663	$18
   2	Oregon	$35,382	$17
   3	California	$34,783	$17
   4	Minnesota	$34,728	$17
   5	Kansas	$34,542	$17
   6	Wisconsin	$33,582	$16
   7	Utah	$32,848	$16
   8	Colorado	$32,675	$16
   9	Pennsylvania	$32,648	$16
   10	Massachusetts	$32,270	$16
   11	Maine	$32,254	$16
   12	New Hampshire	$31,879	$15
   13	Illinois	$31,658	$15
   14	Ohio	$31,348	$15
   15	New York	$30,661	$15
   16	Iowa	$30,167	$15
   17	Missouri	$29,330	$14
   18	Michigan	$28,924	$14
   19	Arizona	$28,725	$14
   20	Kentucky	$28,395	$14

   Average assembler salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average Salary	Hourly Rate	Job Openings
   1	Jefferson Lab	$48,460	$23.30
   2	BWX Technologies	$45,458	$21.85
   3	BD	$40,916	$19.67	8
   4	Array Networks	$39,906	$19.19	1
   5	Altec	$39,762	$19.12	10
   6	Warn Industries	$39,697	$19.09
   7	General Electric	$39,646	$19.06	30
   8	Oracle	$39,626	$19.05
   9	Sanmina	$39,313	$18.90	11
   10	Danaher	$39,281	$18.89	15
   11	Northrop Grumman	$39,194	$18.84	34
   12	Baker Hughes	$39,121	$18.81	5
   13	Alfa Laval	$39,106	$18.80	37
   14	Valmont Industries	$39,106	$18.80	2
   15	Schlumberger	$39,096	$18.80	2
   16	QuintilesIMS	$39,039	$18.77
   17	VSR Industries	$38,913	$18.71	3
   18	Vista Outdoor	$38,881	$18.69	3
   19	Smiths Group	$38,861	$18.68
   20	Hyster-Yale	$38,802	$18.65	2

4. Writing an Assembler Job Description

   A job description for an assembler 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 job description:

   Assembler job description example

   Safran Water and Waste Systems
   
   Manufacture / assembly and repair
   
   Carson , California , United States
   
   Permanent
   
   Full-time
   
   High School diploma, A Level
   
   More than 5 years
   
   \# 2022-108266
   
   Any questions ?
   
   **Job Description**
   
   This position requires performing routine and repetitive assembly operations and processes for aircraft parts in a manual manufacturing assembly line environment. Theses employee will work in a team environment participating in continuous improvement activities. These employees will use pneumatic tools, basic hand tools, and power tools (motorized drill, rivet gun, etc.) and will manufacture quality parts, following specific work instructions and will provide verbal and written status of manufacturing progress. These employees will apply and handle sealants and adhesives and perform less complex acceptance test procedures utilizing specific test equipment. They will be expected to train manufacturing methods to other less skilled Assemblers per the Supervisor request. These employees will perform all other duties as assigned.
   
   **Job Requirements**
   
   In order to perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactory. These employees must have the ability to train lesser skilled Assemblers. They must be able to read complex blue prints. They must have the ability to understand and interpret electrical schematics. Must be experienced working with the tools mentioned above, in addition to having experience working with tool fixtures. Experience drilling, counter-sinking and riveting of complex, intricate parts is a requirement. Working knowledge of Microsoft applications such as Word and Excel would be beneficial, High School Education or experience/knowledge as determined by management and a minimum of 5 years working experience in a production assembly environment. Candidates must have a complete knowledge of related aircraft hardware as it relates to rivets, screws and bolts (NAS, MS, AN, etc.).
   
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   Safran is an Equal Opportunity Employer
   
   All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

   Copy This Example

   

5. Post your job

   To find assemblers 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 assemblers they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level assemblers 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 assembler job on Zippia to find and recruit assembler candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with assembler 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 assembler

   Once you have selected a candidate for the assembler position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new assembler. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

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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