How to hire a factory worker

How to hire a factory worker, step by step

Here's a step-by-step factory worker hiring guide:

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

What does a factory worker do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a factory worker, 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?

   Yes

   No

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

   Type of Factory Worker	Description	Hourly rate
   Factory Worker		$10-18
   Line Assembler	A line assembler is responsible for connecting various mechanical components to create products depending on the employer's industry. Line assemblers must have excellent organizational and time-management skills, especially reading and analyzing schematics and blueprints to guide the construction process using hand tools and equipment... Show more	$10-15
   Woodworking Shop Hand	A woodworking shop hand is responsible for assisting woodwork tasks, creating high-quality products, and inspecting the items thoroughly before packaging and releasing for delivery. Woodworking shop hands maintain clean and safe construction tools and equipment, perform repairs as needed, and disposing of defective items that may affect operational efficiency... Show more	$12-18

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Line Assembly
   • Production Process
   • Safety Regulations
   • Pallet Jack
   • Temp Service
   • Quality Checks
   • Machine Operators
   • Quality Standards
   • CNC
   • Production Lines
   • Customer Orders
   • Factory Line

   Responsibilities:

   • Assemble automotive windows for Honda and Toyota
   • Assemble HVAC systems & furnaces.
   • Perform landscaping, HVAC, assemble tanning beds, and other duties as assigned.
   • Assemble parts to mowers as line move, keep parts ready to assemble and cardboard and trash clear away.
   • Maintain seasonal grounds work, lawn mowing, trimming shrubs flowerbeds, spraying pesticides, and other landscaping elements.
   • Keep production areas in compliance with sanitation standards set by HACCP, FDA, USDA, and customer's requirements.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your factory worker job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A factory worker salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, factory workers' average salary in florida is 38% less than in washington.
   • Seniority. Entry-level factory workers earn 42% less than senior-level factory workers.
   • Certifications. A factory worker 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 factory worker's salary.

   Average factory worker salary

   $14.11hourly

   $29,343 yearly

   ---

   Entry-level factory worker salary

   $22,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 20, 2025

   Average factory worker salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Washington	$37,519	$18
   2	Oregon	$36,890	$18
   3	Connecticut	$35,196	$17
   4	New York	$34,889	$17
   5	Massachusetts	$34,111	$16
   6	Ohio	$33,016	$16
   7	Minnesota	$32,877	$16
   8	Pennsylvania	$32,409	$16
   9	New Jersey	$32,214	$15
   10	Kentucky	$31,783	$15
   11	Utah	$31,536	$15
   12	California	$31,409	$15
   13	Illinois	$31,068	$15
   14	Arizona	$29,597	$14
   15	Missouri	$28,464	$14
   16	Montana	$28,208	$14
   17	Virginia	$27,729	$13
   18	North Carolina	$26,862	$13
   19	Florida	$23,334	$11

   Average factory worker salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	UPS	$36,258	$17.43	25
   2	General Motors	$35,737	$17.18	2
   3	The Kraft Heinz Company	$34,097	$16.39	26
   4	Crestron Electronics	$33,675	$16.19
   5	Snelling	$32,553	$15.65	25
   6	Xylem	$32,268	$15.51	1
   7	Remedy Intelligent Staffing	$32,267	$15.51
   8	acloch	$31,860	$15.32	1
   9	Aerotek	$31,749	$15.26	688
   10	Zep	$31,672	$15.23	2
   11	Kelly Services	$31,462	$15.13	180
   12	Caliper Family of Companies	$31,303	$15.05
   13	Adecco	$31,240	$15.02	690
   14	Area Temps	$31,175	$14.99	22
   15	Rx Systems	$30,876	$14.84	3
   16	Workforce Strategies, Inc.	$30,816	$14.82	14
   17	Smith & Carson	$30,733	$14.78
   18	Hughes	$30,034	$14.44	15
   19	ManpowerGroup	$30,007	$14.43	206
   20	MBS Solutions	$29,997	$14.42

4. Writing a factory worker job description

   A factory worker 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 factory worker job description:

   Factory worker job description example

   We are proud to be the largest and most recognized brand in automation and control solutions, and the premier technology partner for Fortune 500 businesses globally. Our products are integrated into new high-tech commercial buildings to include some of the most exciting real estate throughout the world. Our clients include Google, Microsoft, Amazon , Linked In and many others. We are the leaders in the most exciting industry in the world!

   Our automation and control solutions for homes and buildings allow our clients to control entire environments with the push of a button, integrating systems such as Audio Visual, Lighting, Shading, Security, Building Management Systems and HVAC to provide greater comfort, convenience and security.

   Overview

   Interested in being part of a team that turns R&D into a reality? Want to help Crestron continue to develop world class products? Want to be part of a team where your contributions are recognized?

   As a New Product Operator, you will be introduced to our product at the development stage were your input on the assembly, test and packaging will be considerable. In addition, you'll work closely with the Engineering and the Development teams to help create instructions, ensure the most efficient, reproducible, and safest way to make the new product a reality. This is a 40 hour work week with opportunity to work overtime.

   Positions pay up to $22/hr. For the right candidate, This position can lead to other opportunities within the Crestron organization.

   This is for 1st shift 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

   Walk Ins welcome from 10am-3pm Monday - Friday

   Responsibilities

   • Read, interpret and follow specific drawings, instructions and procedures to accurately assembly, test and pack products
   • Responsible for setting up, assembling, wiring, installing, testing and packing a wide variety of electronic assemblies and sub-assemblies.
   • Utilize hand tools such as screwdrivers, cordless/pneumatic drill guns and other job specific tooling as required by departmental SOP
   • Ability to operate a variety of testing equipment such as signal generators, multi-meters and power supplies
   • Perform all work in accordance with quality standards and established safety and procedures
   • Ensure products perform according to work, test and packaging instructions
   • Upgrade firmware as needed following test procedures
   • Ability to follow real time schedule subject to changing business demands
   • Maintain a clean and safe work area following 6S practices
   • Perform other duties/projects as assigned

   Qualifications

   • High School required, AS degree in electronics preferred
   • 2-4 years experience in a high-tech manufacturing environment required
   • Ability to multi-task within a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines
   • Ability to work with various Engineering groups in a team environment
   • Able to lift a minimum of 40lbs unassisted
   • Ability to operate and maneuver material with various weights over 40lbs with assistance

   EOE/M/F/D/V

   Must be able to work in the US without sponsorship

   Benefits
   At Crestron Electronics, we offer a competitive total compensation package including: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance and Short Term Disability. 401K with company match, Paid Vacation, Holidays and more! We have new onsite state of the art fitness and wellness centers at our Headquarters in Rockleigh, NJ.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find factory workers 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 factory worker job on Zippia to find and recruit factory worker candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit factory workers, 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.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete 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 factory worker

   Once you have selected a candidate for the factory worker 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 factory worker. 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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How much does it cost to hire a factory worker?