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How to hire a computer programmer and operator

Computer programmer and operator hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring computer programmer and operators in the United States:

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

How to hire a computer programmer and operator, step by step

To hire a computer programmer and 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 computer programmer and operator:

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

    Before you start hiring a computer programmer and operator, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

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

    Hiring the perfect computer programmer and 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.

    The following list breaks down different types of computer programmer and operators and their corresponding salaries.

    Type of Computer Programmer And OperatorDescriptionHourly rate
    Computer Programmer And OperatorComputer programmers write and test code that allows computer applications and software programs to function properly. They turn the program designs created by software developers and engineers into instructions that a computer can follow.$12-35
    Sap/Abap DeveloperAn SAP/ABAP developer is responsible for designing and creating software programs and applications through the SAP and ABAP programming codes. They conduct multiple diagnostic tests for newly-created and existing applications to ensure adherence to quality standards and requirements... Show more$37-65
    Mainframe DeveloperA mainframe developer specializes in designing and developing information technology systems. Their responsibilities include performing system installations and modifications, creating test structures, gathering and analyzing data, conducting risk assessments, providing support for project requirements, and implementing plans such as disaster recovery and interface layout... Show more$33-56
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • COBOL
    • Mainframe
    • Database Management
    • Computer Language
    • CNC
    • Computer System
    • Payroll
    • CAD
    • SQL
    • Troubleshoot
    • JCL
    • Unix
    • DOS
    • Windows NT
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Manage automation jobs within Jenkins.
    • 1998Operate and maintain office PCs.
    • Develop SQL scripts for analyzing data integrity.
    • Execute TSO commands and utilize appropriate testing tools.
    • Maintain accounting system: payroll, accounts receivable/payable, and taxes.
    • Perform ad-hoc query requirements to produce ad-hoc reports using SQL and PL-SQL.
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your computer programmer and operator job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A computer programmer and operator salary can vary based on several factors:
    • Location. For example, computer programmer and operators' average salary in montana is 40% less than in california.
    • Seniority. Entry-level computer programmer and operators earn 63% less than senior-level computer programmer and operators.
    • Certifications. A computer programmer and 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 computer programmer and operator's salary.

    Average computer programmer and operator salary

    $44,960yearly

    $21.62 hourly rate

    Entry-level computer programmer and operator salary
    $27,000 yearly salary
    Updated January 29, 2026
  4. Writing a computer programmer and operator job description

    A computer programmer and 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 computer programmer and operator job description:

    Computer programmer and operator job description example

    90 Day Temp-to-Hire Position

    Job Requirements for Programmer/Operator:

    • Be able to read blue prints and have a working knowledge of the machining symbols associated with the finishes and dimension that pertain to finishing machined parts
    • Be able to decide what pieces of tooling they need and be able to use the available tooling to complete any turning drilling, tapping, tapping, reaming, milling, boring, key cutting and any other needed operations to complete the machined part to the respective blueprint
    • Must be able to use the available tooling to hold tolerance as tight as +/- .001
    • Must be able to determine what available equipment needed to do your own set ups on the machine tool
    • Be able to operate the cranes to load the parts on to the set up to achieve the finished part
    • Must be able to use and understand a digital read out
    • Must be able to use inspection equipment such as a caliper, micrometers, gage blocks and any other available inspection equipment to inspect and record work for later review
    • Will need to keep area clean and clutter free for safety
    • For CNC positions can set up machine parts using G&M code programming when necessary
    • Experienced running high precision, non-production type machining
    • CAM or Mazatrol programming experience a plus

    Best Mfg. offers a clean, climate controlled building with modern equipment. Also:

    • 401K Plan
    • Paid Vacation & Holidays
    • Full Medical, Dental, Vision& Prescription Benefits
    • Paid Job Skills Training
    • New Equipment and Technology
    • Competitive Wages

    Company DescriptionEmployBridge is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

    Who is EmployBridge?
    We have an entire family of specialty staffing companies that include: ResourceMFG, Select Staffing, ProLogistix, ProDrivers, Staffing Solutions, Employment Plus, Resource Accounting, Personnel One, MedicalSolutions, RemX Specialty Staffing, Westaff, and Remedy Intelligent Staffing.

    We are growing and always searching for potential team members who share our values, want to make a difference, and thrive in challenging environments. We have built a work environment that is team oriented, financially rewarding, innovative and fun. We consistently promote from within and offer career paths that keep our employees engaged. Opportunities are local and nationwide!

    What do we value?
    There are five fundamental values upon which EmployBridge operates- Honesty, Integrity, Maturity, Family First, and Passion. At EmployBridge, we don’t just talk about our values, we live them.

    What do we offer?
    EmployBridge offers a competitive benefits package, which includes: comprehensive Health coverage including Medical/Dental/Vision and prescription drug benefits, 401(k), paid time off and holidays, flexible spending accounts, and a wellness program.
  5. Post your job

    To find the right computer programmer and 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 computer programmer and operators they would recommend.
    • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit computer programmer and 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 computer programmer and operator job on Zippia to find and attract quality computer programmer and operator candidates.
    • Use niche websites such as dice, engineering.com, stack overflow, it job pro.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    Your first interview with computer programmer and operator 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. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

    While interviews are great, you will only sometimes learn enough from a conversation with a computer programmer and operator applicant. In those cases, having candidates complete a test project can go a long way in figuring out who's the most likely to succeed in the role. If you aren't a technical person and don't know how to design an appropriate test, you can ask someone else on the team to create it or take a look at these websites to get a few ideas:

    • TestDome
    • CodeSignal
    • Testlify
    • BarRaiser
    • Coderbyte

    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 computer programmer and operator

    Once you have selected a candidate for the computer programmer and 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.

    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.

    To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is 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.)
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How much does it cost to hire a computer programmer and operator?

Before you start to hire computer programmer and operators, it pays to consider both the one-off costs like recruitment, job promotion, and onboarding, as well as the ongoing costs of an employee's salary and benefits. While most companies that hire computer programmer and operators pay close attention to the initial cost of hiring, ongoing costs are much more significant in the long run.

Computer programmer and operators earn a median yearly salary is $44,960 a year in the US. However, if you're looking to find computer programmer and operators for hire on a contract or per-project basis, hourly rates typically range between $12 and $35.

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