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How to hire a blasting machine operator

Blasting machine operator hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring blasting machine operators in the United States:

  • In the United States, the median cost per hire a blasting machine operator is $1,633.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • Human Resources use 15% of their expenses on recruitment on average.
  • On average, it takes around 12 weeks for a new blasting machine operator to become settled and show total productivity levels at work.

How to hire a blasting machine operator, step by step

To hire a blasting machine operator, consider the skills and experience you are looking for in a candidate, allocate a budget for the position, and post and promote the job opening to reach potential candidates. Follow these steps to hire a blasting machine operator:

Here's a step-by-step blasting machine operator hiring guide:

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

    Before you post your blasting machine operator job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a blasting machine operator for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    Hiring the perfect blasting machine 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 blasting machine operators.

    Type of Blasting Machine OperatorDescriptionHourly rate
    Blasting Machine OperatorMaterial 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$10-22
    Numerical Control OperatorA numerical control operator is responsible for monitoring machinery and managing computer-generated equipment to produce tools and components from various mechanical resources. Numerical control operators must have extensive knowledge with the technology and mechanical industry to perform basic troubleshooting and detect malfunctions during operations... Show more$13-24
    OperatorOperators are skilled workers who are in charge of working on an industrial machine or a specific aspect of the manufacturing business. They are trained to operate machines, learning how to use them... Show more$12-25
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Basic Math
    • Hand Tools
    • Blast Machine
    • Cranes
    • Grit
    • CNC
    • Machine Operation
    • RAN
    • Hoists
    Responsibilities:
    • Assure that the proper abrasive metal, grit, metal shoot, seed, glass bead etc.
    • Utilize up to three 30 ton roof cranes simultaneously to safely maneuver girders weighing up to 82 tons.
    • Record statistics on ISO documentation, and coordinate with machine technicians and electrical technicians to keep machines operating at maximum efficiency.
    • Operate industrial paint vats, cross train on overhead cab crane and heat treat.
    • Operate CNC horizontal milling machines and CNC wire and sinker EDM machines.
    • Assemble bolt and wire harnesses, forklift, tool crib, and EDM machine operator.
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your blasting machine operator job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A blasting machine operator salary can vary based on several factors:
    • Location. For example, blasting machine operators' average salary in georgia is 40% less than in rhode island.
    • Seniority. Entry-level blasting machine operators earn 54% less than senior-level blasting machine operators.
    • Certifications. A blasting machine 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 a blasting machine operator's salary.

    Average blasting machine operator salary

    $14.96hourly

    $31,116 yearly

    Entry-level blasting machine operator salary
    $21,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 16, 2025
  4. Writing a blasting machine operator job description

    A good blasting machine operator job description should include a few things:

    • Summary of the role
    • List of responsibilities
    • Required skills and experience

    Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a blasting machine operator job description:

    Blasting machine operator job description example

    7:00am - 3:30pm

    $15.00 per hour


    Job Responsibilities

    • Shovels or pours abrasives such as sand, grit, or shot of specified grade into machine hopper.
    • Masks specified areas of object to protect from abrading action.
    • Loads parts on racks in enclosed rooms, into tumbling barrels, or into cabinets.
    • Turns valves on equipment to regulate pressure and composition of abrasive mixture flowing through nozzle or into tumbling barrel.
    • Starts equipment that directs blast or flow of abrasive laden compressed air, gas, or liquid over surface of parts.
    • Directs nozzle over surface of large parts or inserts arms through glove fitted cabinet openings and manipulates small parts under nozzle for specified interval.
    • Documents actions by completing production and quality logs.
    • Adheres to all safety policies and practices, consistently uses personal protective equipment, and practices good housekeeping.
    • Maintains regular on time attendance and adheres to company policies, procedures, and standards of conduct.
    • Proactively supports the ISO process approach to quality management and the Syteline MIS system.
    • Applies classroom and on the job post training information, knowledge, skills, and abilities consistently in a quality oriented manner (wherein the KSAs are part of the jobs tasks, duties and other tasks as requested).
    • Performs other tasks as directed including deburring parts and performing other operations during cycle.


    Educational, Experience Based, and Skill Qualifications

    • High school graduate or equivalent
    • Good math skills and 6 months experience in a machine operation capacity in a manufacturing environment preferable.
    • Strong attention to detail.
    • Conceptual Skills, Process Improvement, Verbal Communication, Functional Skills, Coordination, Inventory Control, Attention to Detail, Judgment


    Apply now for consideration!

  5. Post your job

    To find the right blasting machine operator for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

    • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with blasting machine operators they would recommend.
    • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit blasting machine operators who meet your education requirements.
    • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your blasting machine operator job on Zippia to find and recruit blasting machine operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    To successfully recruit blasting machine operators, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

    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 blasting machine operator

    Once you've selected the best blasting machine 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 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.

    To prepare for the new blasting machine operator first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

  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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How much does it cost to hire a blasting machine operator?

Recruiting blasting machine operators involves both the one-time costs of hiring and the ongoing costs of adding a new employee to your team. Your spending during the hiring process will mostly be on things like promoting the job on job boards, reviewing and interviewing candidates, and onboarding the new hire. Ongoing costs will obviously involve the employee's salary, but also may include things like benefits.

Blasting machine operators earn a median yearly salary is $31,116 a year in the US. However, if you're looking to find blasting machine operators for hire on a contract or per-project basis, hourly rates typically range between $10 and $22.

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