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How to hire a cherry picker operator

Cherry picker operator hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring cherry picker operators in the United States:

  • There are currently 326,188 cherry picker operators in the US, as well as 105,023 job openings.
  • Cherry picker operators are in the highest demand in Santa Fe Springs, CA, with 8 current job openings.
  • The median cost to hire a cherry picker 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 cherry picker operator to become settled and show total productivity levels at work.

How to hire a cherry picker operator, step by step

To hire a cherry picker operator, you need to identify the specific skills and experience you want in a candidate, allocate a budget for the position, and advertise the job opening to attract potential candidates. To hire a cherry picker operator, you should follow these steps:

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

What does a cherry picker operator do?

Cherry pickers perform a safe and efficient operation of motorized lift vehicles in pulling customer order-based products. The cherry pickers manage different warehouse operating systems and associates to support processing and internal order logistics. They perform preventive maintenance on pallet packs, machines, cherry pickers, and forklifts. It is part of their job to count, verify, and check documents for completeness and accuracy. The skills to develop for this job include warehouse environment, clamp, and pallet jack operations.

Learn more about the specifics of what a cherry picker operator does
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    The cherry picker operator hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

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

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

    Here's a comparison of cherry picker operator salaries for various roles:

    Type of Cherry Picker OperatorDescriptionHourly rate
    Cherry Picker 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$12-19
    Forklift DriverA forklift operator is responsible for managing and operating industrial trucks and machines to ensure its performance safety and stability. Forklift operators' duties include safely handling of deliveries, securely moving items to storage areas, monitoring inventories and supplies, running diagnostic tests, reporting inspected malfunctions and deficiencies, performing basic troubleshooting, and adhering to safety procedures... Show more$12-19
    Warehouse LabourWarehouse labour workers are responsible for organizing shipment details by processing the correct quantity of orders, ensuring that the items are free from any defects and mislabeling. Warehouse labourers prepare the items for packaging efficiently, update the inventory records, and escalate production discrepancy to the management for immediate resolution... Show more$12-18
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Cherry-Picker
    • Pallets
    • RF Scanner
    • Electric Pallet Jack
    • Cherry Pickers
    • Work Ethic
    • Warehouse Environment
    • Clamp
    • Safety Rules
    • Customer Orders
    • Scan Gun
    • Warehouse Management System
    • Quality Standards
    • Warehouse Equipment
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Order selector, replenish, loader
    • Pick parts using scan handgunHelp QC pack parts into box
    • Order selector fork lift operator shipping and receiving whole sale foods
    • Collect and deliver pallets of inventory to other stations.
    • Maintain accurate and timely documentation as is required by organization and OSHA.
    • Pick inventory on floor level using a walkie.
    More cherry picker operator duties
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your cherry picker operator job description helps attract top candidates to the position. A cherry picker operator 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 a cherry picker operator in Arkansas may be lower than in Hawaii, and an entry-level cherry picker operator usually earns less than a senior-level cherry picker operator. Additionally, a cherry picker operator 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 cherry picker operator salary

    $16.32hourly

    $33,956 yearly

    Entry-level cherry picker operator salary
    $27,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 14, 2025

    Average cherry picker operator salary by state

    RankStateAvg. salaryHourly rate
    1Minnesota$37,030$18
    2California$36,595$18
    3Arizona$36,556$18
    4Pennsylvania$36,065$17
    5New Jersey$35,770$17
    6Illinois$35,344$17
    7Ohio$34,361$17
    8Kentucky$34,133$16
    9Missouri$34,031$16
    10Indiana$33,148$16
    11Virginia$32,737$16
    12Georgia$32,621$16
    13Texas$32,525$16
    14Florida$32,181$15
    15Tennessee$31,852$15
    16North Carolina$31,726$15
    17Kansas$31,602$15
    18South Carolina$30,580$15

    Average cherry picker operator salary by company

    RankCompanyAverage salaryHourly rateJob openings
    1United Natural Foods$41,357$19.886
    2Chewy$38,560$18.542
    3Conn's$38,063$18.30
    4Rite Aid$37,650$18.10
    5CVS Health$36,781$17.6883
    6HD Supply$36,759$17.676
    7BBB Industries$36,657$17.62
    8KeHE$36,421$17.514
    9Lineage Logistics$36,394$17.5082
    10Scholastic$36,360$17.486
    11Mohawk Industries$36,139$17.3738
    12Ryder System$36,133$17.37143
    13Covetrus$36,062$17.341
    14Hire Dynamics$36,023$17.32
    15The Agency$36,023$17.32
    16Blue Crew Holdings LLC$36,023$17.32
    17Undisclosed Location$36,022$17.32
    18FIDELITONE$35,199$16.927
    19Neovia Logistics$35,012$16.836
    20Kimco Staffing Services Inc$34,770$16.72
  4. Writing a cherry picker operator job description

    A cherry picker 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. Below, you can find an example of a cherry picker operator job description:

    Cherry picker operator job description example

    11AM Start Time - Until Finish

    An Equipment Operator is responsible for the daily distribution activities, productivity, and quality within the assigned area(s) of a distribution facility. This position is responsible for demonstrating safety, quality and productivity performance and operational expertise. This position will be required to proficiently perform at least one or more distribution-related activities (e.g. order filling, shipping, receiving) on a regular basis with 60% or more of work performed using a forklift or PIT.

    Primary Responsibilities

    • Perform loading, unloading and/or picking of product and materials using powered lifting equipment to move product throughout the facility. May operate stock picker, sit down/stand up equipment, reach truck, etc.

    • Contribute to a safe work environment through continuous focus on housekeeping and safety.

    • Demonstrate a commitment to our company's core values.

    • Interact with supervisors, leads, and/or work groups with information exchanges related to immediate tasks.

    • Participate in the implementation and contribute ideas and suggestions for continuous improvements to the distribution process in a group setting.

    • Work in a fast-paced, metric-driven environment.

    Qualifications

    • High School Diploma or equivalent education preferred

    • Minimum 1 year experience in related field

    • Warehouse Experience

    • OSHA Certification License

    • Basic ability to communicate, both verbally and in writing, using the English language

    • Basic math skills (counting, addition, subtraction, multiplication)

    • Basic computer skills (accessing and navigating the internet; familiar with the keyboard; opening, closing and saving documents)

    • Ability to lift a minimum of 70 pounds regularly, up to 150 pounds infrequently

    • Ability to push, pull, grasp, and fine manipulation of equipment using hands is ongoing throughout the work hours

    • Walking on uneven surfaces possible, though infrequently

    • Successful completion of the company's internal Forklift Operator licensing program

    • Warehouse Systems

    • Ability to work a flexible schedule is a plus (start shift early and/or stay until the work is complete)

    • Exhibited good job performance and behavior as measured through indicators such as teamwork, attendance, quality and productivity, etc.

    • Self-directed

    Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule

    The company offers competitive salaries, a benefits package, which includes a 401(k) and more, along with plenty of opportunity to move and grow within our organization! For immediate consideration for this exciting position, please click the Apply Now button.

    How To Apply

    Click the Apply Now button and follow the instructions on each page. When you have completed the application, click the submit button.

    Equal Employment Opportunity

    The company is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in all employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, age, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law.

    We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records City & County of San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

    Company DescriptionThe ODP Corporation is an American office supply retailing company headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida. The company has combined annual sales of approximately $11 billion, and employs about 38,000 associates with businesses in the United States.
  5. Post your job

    There are various strategies that you can use to find the right cherry picker 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 cherry picker operator job on Zippia to find and recruit cherry picker operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    Recruiting cherry picker 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. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

    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 cherry picker operator

    Once you have selected a candidate for the cherry picker operator 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 important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

    To prepare for the new cherry picker 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 cherry picker operator?

Hiring a cherry picker operator comes with both the one-time cost per hire and ongoing costs. The cost of recruiting cherry picker 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 cherry picker operator recruiting as well the ongoing costs of maintaining the new employee.

You can expect to pay around $33,956 per year for a cherry picker operator, as this is the median yearly salary nationally. This can vary depending on what state or city you're hiring in. If you're hiring for contract work or on a per-project basis, hourly rates for cherry picker operators in the US typically range between $12 and $19 an hour.

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