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How to hire a burner machine operator

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

  • In the United States, the median cost per hire a burner 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 burner machine operator to become settled and show total productivity levels at work.

How to hire a burner machine operator, step by step

To hire a burner 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 burner machine operator:

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

    First, determine the employments status of the burner machine operator you need to hire. Certain burner machine 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?

    A burner machine operator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, burner machine 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.

    The following list breaks down different types of burner machine operators and their corresponding salaries.

    Type of Burner Machine OperatorDescriptionHourly rate
    Burner Machine OperatorMetal and plastic machine workers set up and operate machines that cut, shape, and form metal and plastic materials or pieces.$11-19
    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
    Extrusion OperatorAn extrusion operator is also sometimes called a drawing machine operator. They control and monitor machines that shape thermoplastic materials for industries such as aerospace manufacturing, general plastics manufacturing, and automobile and auto parts manufacturing... Show more$13-21
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Tape Measure
    • Hand Tools
    • Calipers
    • Cranes
    • Torches
    • MIG
    Responsibilities:
    • Manage the levels of chemicals to make sure process run correctly for making Styrofoam.
    • Record statistics on ISO documentation, and coordinate with machine technicians and electrical technicians to keep machines operating at maximum efficiency.
    • Participate in technical support and assist validation and QA department during equipment validation.
  3. Make a budget

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

    • Location. For example, burner machine operators' average salary in florida is 22% less than in alaska.
    • Seniority. Entry-level burner machine operators 40% less than senior-level burner machine operators.
    • Certifications. A burner machine 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 a burner machine operator's salary.

    Average burner machine operator salary

    $15.05hourly

    $31,305 yearly

    Entry-level burner machine operator salary
    $24,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 16, 2025
  4. Writing a burner machine operator job description

    A burner machine 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 a burner machine operator job description:

    Burner machine operator job description example

    Robinson Fans, Inc. is a family-owned and operated business going back six generations. Founded in 1892, Robinson Fans is a significant player in the industrial air-moving equipment space. Headquartered in Zelienople, PA, since 1922, Robinson Fans now has locations in Lakeland, FL, and Salt Lake City, UT.

    At Robinson Fans, Inc., our employees are at the core of all we do. We provide a fast-paced and nurturing culture that provides our team members with the environment needed to succeed.

    Position Summary:

    We are seeking a highly dynamic Burning Machine Operator to join our production team. The machine operator is responsible for the operation the N/C plasma arc or flame cutting units for cutting plate and sheet to size.

    Responsibilities:

    • Receives printout or production schedule of material to be processed, instructions, lists of material, etc. from the office.

    • Notifies the Group Leader/Assistant Group Leader of questionable items or obvious errors.

    • Prepares detail schedule of material as to machine, sequence, etc.

    • Prepares list of required raw material and gives it to the Stocker/Receiver – Layout.

    • Receives material from the Stocker/Receiver – Layout and checks dimension, color-coding, etc.

    • Provides computer input to select stored programs. Enters dimensional data when required.

    • Loads and/or assists in loading raw material on the machine table, when required.

    • Sets up the machine by selecting proper tips, machine settings, speeds, feed, etc., as required.

    • Checks machine operation before starting to determine tape errors or required adjustments. Notifies programmer, supervisor, or tape department, as necessary.

    • Starts machine and observes operation. Makes adjustments to tapes, other computer input, and machine controls, as necessary.

    Qualifications:

    • High School diploma or GED required.

    • Requires the ability to read and interpret complicated drawings and sketches.

    • Manufacturing experience

    Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

    • Requires the physical and mental ability to operate various fabricating, burning, welding, and handling equipment to ensure the safety of the involved individual and other employees in a congested area.

    • Requires the physical ability and the manual dexterity to handle and position various materials in and on fabricating units. Frequently works in an awkward kneeling or standing position.

    • Requires the ability to climb ladders, scaffolds, and onto tables in laying out and fabricating activities. Frequently works in awkward kneeling or standing position.

    • Requires the ability to communicate orally or by the written or printed word with supervisors, coworkers, or subordinates.

    Benefits:

    Robinson offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits plan that includes medical, dental, life, disability, 401k, Profit Sharing, and Paid Time Off, including paid vacation, holidays, and tuition reimbursement.


    Robinson Fans, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship, age, religion, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, or any other characteristic or trait protected by federal, state, or local law.



  5. Post your job

    There are a few common ways to find burner machine operators for your business:

    • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
    • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
    • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your burner machine operator job on Zippia to find and recruit burner machine operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    Recruiting burner machine operators requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

    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 burner machine operator

    Once you've found the burner machine operator candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

    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 burner machine operator. 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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How much does it cost to hire a burner machine operator?

Hiring a burner machine operator comes with both the one-time cost per hire and ongoing costs. The cost of recruiting burner machine operators involves promoting the job and spending time conducting interviews. Ongoing costs include employee salary, training, benefits, insurance, and equipment. It is essential to consider the cost of burner machine operator recruiting as well the ongoing costs of maintaining the new employee.

Burner machine operators earn a median yearly salary is $31,305 a year in the US. However, if you're looking to find burner machine operators for hire on a contract or per-project basis, hourly rates typically range between $11 and $19.

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