How to hire a filler operator

How to hire a filler operator, step by step

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

What does a filler operator do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The filler 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 filler operator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, filler 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 filler operators and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Filler Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Filler Operator		$14-22
   Packaging Technician	A packaging technician is responsible for planning the packaging design of various products, creating attractive outputs by utilizing software tools and applications, and ensuring that the deliverables adhere to the product's features. Packaging technicians generate new designs according to market trends and public demands... Show more	$13-21
   Lead Operator/Machine Operator	A Lead Operator or an Industrial Machinery Mechanic is responsible for creating, installing, and repairing different types of machinery. This person does the adjustment and maintenance of machines as well as the industrial production and distribution of types of equipment and other systems... Show more	$13-25

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Quality Checks
   • Food Safety
   • Pallets
   • Basic Math
   • Math
   • PPE
   • CIP
   • Safety Rules
   • Safety Procedures
   • Filling Equipment
   • SQF
   • Quality Standards
   • GMP
   • Size Changes

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Comply with all environmental regulations including GMP's, HACCP, and OSHA.
   • Ensure pallets are move with precision to appropriate location by using a manual or power pallet jack.
   • Perform required HACCP plan testing to insure safe quality product production.
   • Move pulling unit from one location to another (CDL).
   • Maintain a clean and safe environment while observing all PPE standards and precaution.
   • Perform CIP on machinery to ensure cleanliness and ensure the highest quality product.

   More filler operator duties

3. Make a budget

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

   $37,729yearly

   $18.14 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level filler operator salary

   $30,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 20, 2025

   Average filler operator salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Minnesota	$46,965	$23
   2	Pennsylvania	$44,904	$22
   3	Michigan	$43,336	$21
   4	Indiana	$42,355	$20
   5	Wisconsin	$42,149	$20
   6	New York	$41,663	$20
   7	California	$40,406	$19
   8	South Carolina	$40,306	$19
   9	Utah	$40,264	$19
   10	Ohio	$39,246	$19
   11	Illinois	$39,107	$19
   12	New Jersey	$37,294	$18
   13	Texas	$35,822	$17
   14	Montana	$35,804	$17
   15	Florida	$35,499	$17
   16	Georgia	$34,836	$17
   17	Alabama	$30,793	$15

   Average filler operator salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Nestlé	$46,176	$22.20	36
   2	SunOpta	$45,728	$21.98	2
   3	Prairie Farms Dairy	$45,563	$21.91
   4	Kemps	$45,456	$21.85	5
   5	Dairy Farmers of America	$45,359	$21.81	146
   6	California Dairies	$44,373	$21.33	2
   7	Schreiber Foods	$44,320	$21.31	20
   8	Reckitt Benckiser	$43,861	$21.09	10
   9	Upstate Niagara Cooperative	$43,260	$20.80	3
   10	PepsiCo	$43,022	$20.68	10
   11	Intercon Chemical	$42,992	$20.67
   12	Pacific Foods	$42,811	$20.58
   13	Leprino Foods	$42,727	$20.54	8
   14	Steuben Foods	$42,500	$20.43	7
   15	Abbott	$42,477	$20.42	47
   16	Campbells	$42,286	$20.33	23
   17	Sanmina	$42,249	$20.31	36
   18	Byrne Dairy	$41,943	$20.16	4
   19	HP Hood	$41,908	$20.15	8
   20	PPG	$41,808	$20.10	2

4. Writing a filler operator job description

   A job description for a filler operator role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's a filler operator job description:

   Filler operator job description example

   We are currently recruiting for a Bottle Fill Operator for a company located in Waukesha/Brookfield, WI - NOT busline accessible
   2nd shift
   
   2pm-12: 30am, Monday-Thursday
   
   Up to $18/hr DOE
   
   Job Responsibilities:
   Operate filling machinery of several types at varying stages of the production line, performing actions quickly and safely at all times Sort and weigh products after packaging to ensure requirements are met and no mistakes have been made Apply labels and transfer products to the final shipping area, keeping them organized to aid in shipping crew’ s job Perceive the production line ahead of you to anticipate errors and make adjustments as needed to prevent slowing down more than necessary Perform simple hourly maintenance on your machine to ensure it is completely functional and safe to operate Complete paperwork and other minor administrative tasks at the beginning and end of your shift, carefully ensuring all information is entered correctly and clearly Support other machine operators to ensure no workers become fatigued or distracted during daily operation Report malfunctions or errors to supervising staff immediately and relay important information about the issue
   About SITE Staffing, Inc.
   With over 25 years of experience, SITE Staffing, Inc. Is the staffing agency of choice for Milwaukee and the surrounding area. Employees trust us because they know we will match them with real opportunities at great organizations. Whether you are looking for a temporary assignment or a permanent position, we are here to help you reach your employment goals.
   
   At SITE Staffing we value diversity and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We have been awarded the “ Five Star Invest in Vets” employer rating by the Wisconsin Veterans Chamber in recognition of our commitment to hiring, training, and retaining veterans, service members, and military spouses. We are an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating, and we are the 2019 recipient of the BBB’ s Torch Award for Ethics.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

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

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit filler operators, 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 filler operator

   Once you have selected a candidate for the filler 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 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.

   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 filler operator?