How to hire a drill press operator

How to hire a drill press operator, step by step

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

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The drill press 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?

   Yes

   No

   A drill press operator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, drill press 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 drill press operator salaries for various roles:

   Type of Drill Press Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Drill Press Operator	Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate machines that cut, shape, and form metal and plastic materials or pieces.	$13-20
   Saw Operator	Saw operators are responsible for setting up and operating power saws to slot, cut, and trim metallic and non-metallic materials. They are the ones who choose and install blades on machinery using hand-tools and verify dimensions of finished material using measuring devices... Show more	$12-18
   Operator	Operators 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

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Blueprint Specifications
   • Jigs
   • Tape Measure
   • CNC Machines
   • Safety Practices
   • Drill Holes
   • Machine Operation
   • Punch Press
   • Aluminum
   • Taps
   • Tap Holes
   • Machine Shop
   • Quality Checks
   • Machine Table

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Certify machine operator for Amada press break of stainless steel
   • General mig welding for any project that is needed.
   • Drill and tap aerospace parts such as steel and aluminum structures.
   • Use of work orders to follow ISO procedures, and complete product quantity for each job perform.
   • Used tooling consist of Oxygen/acetylene torches, grinders, welding equipment including MIG and flux-core wire using noble gas shields.
   • Perform basic troubleshooting of extrusion machinery and plastics processes.

3. Make a budget

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

   • Location. For example, drill press operators' average salary in florida is 26% less than in connecticut.
   • Seniority. Entry-level drill press operators 35% less than senior-level drill press operators.
   • Certifications. A drill press 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 drill press operator's salary.

   Average drill press operator salary

   $35,232yearly

   $16.94 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level drill press operator salary

   $28,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 13, 2025

4. Writing a drill press operator job description

   A good drill press 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 drill press operator job description:

   Drill press operator job description example

   
   Are you looking for an entry level position with a small and personable company? Are you reliable and open to learning new things? Are you in need of a position that is day shift?
   
   $11/hr with a 20 minute paid lunch. *Must make rate on secondary machines
   Then look no further! We have an IMMEDIATE opening for a Drill Press/Secondary Operator with a client in the Ridgway area. The company is small and the environment is laid back, providing more flexibility and adaptability than most.
   Duties:
   A drill press operator sets up and operates drilling machines to drill, bore, ream, mill, or countersink metal or plastic work pieces.
   
   This position is flexible and entry level. On the job training will be provided.
   
   Responsibilities:

   • Verify machined work to specifications, using calipers, micrometers, or gauges
   • Change worn cutting tools
   • Select and set cutting speeds, feed rates, depths of cuts, and cutting tools
   • Move machine controls to feed tools into work piece, and engage automatic feed
   • Observe drilling or boring machine operations to detect any problems
   • Lift work piece manually or with hoist; position and secure it on machine table in drilling jig or holding fixture
   • Position and secure work pieces on tables, using bolts, jigs, clamps, shims, or other holding devices
   • Fasten parts with nuts, bolts, or screws, using power tools or hand tools
   • Operate single- or multiple-spindle drill presses to bore holes so that machining operations can be performed on metal or plastic work pieces

   
   Shift Schedule for Drill Press/Secondary Operator:

   • 7am - 3pm (Mon-Fri) - Paid 30 minute lunch

   
   Pay for Drill Press/Secondary Operator:

   • Pay: $11.00 / hr

   
   Knowledge/Skills/Experience:

   • Educational requirements: High School Diploma or the equivalent GED certification.
   • Experience and basic knowledge requirements: Entry level position.

   
   Physical Demands: This position requires the ability to stand for long periods of time, lifting, twisting and bending.
   Miller Brother Staffing is looking to hire individuals for this opportunity, as well as many others! To schedule your interview TODAY, apply on any job posting that says "Miller Brother Staffing", and a member of our team will be in touch to schedule an interview. Remember, Our services are always FREE! "Let Our Family Work Hard for Yours"

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5. Post your job

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

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with drill press 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.

   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 drill press operator

   Once you have selected a candidate for the drill press 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.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new drill press operator. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are 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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