How to hire a folder operator

How to hire a folder operator, step by step

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

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the folder operator you need to hire. Certain folder operator roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a folder operator to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a folder operator that fits the bill.

   This list presents folder operator salaries for various positions.

   Type of Folder Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Folder Operator		$14-21
   Machine Operator	Machine operators are responsible for managing the machines assigned to them. They set up, install, operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and ensure quality output... Show more	$12-19
   Press Operator	A press operator is responsible for the maintenance of printing machines and other equipment to ensure smooth operations while meeting the clients' needs with the highest quality standards. Press operators duties' include performing troubleshooting, replacing defective machine components, upgrading the systems for efficiency, analyzing blueprints and instructional guides, determining product suitability, and inspecting irregularities before and after the use of press machines... Show more	$12-20

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Quality Standards
   • Machine Operation
   • Machine Components
   • Straight Line
   • Customer Satisfaction
   • Check Quality
   • Quality Products
   • Routine Maintenance
   • Safety Policies
   • Bindery Equipment
   • Bobst
   • Production RUN
   • Folder Gluers
   • Stahl

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage mail heads, stackers and print pockets and train crew members on same.
   • Sort and count articles remove from dryers.
   • Fold sheets, blankets napkins, table cloths etc.
   • Train on Inkjet operation to ensure quality is maintained.
   • Gain the knowledge and experience with running a small UV coater.
   • Perform hand collating of short-run projects while maintaining correct sequence of order.

3. Make a budget

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

   • Location. For example, folder operators' average salary in hawaii is 34% less than in maine.
   • Seniority. Entry-level folder operators earn 31% less than senior-level folder operators.
   • Certifications. A folder 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 folder operator's salary.

   Average folder operator salary

   $37,807yearly

   $18.18 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level folder operator salary

   $31,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 17, 2025

4. Writing a folder operator job description

   A good folder 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 folder operator job description:

   Folder operator job description example

   Working at Prisma you will notice that…
   
   You'll need to be a great communicator and possess the knowledge to get the job done. You will represent Prisma every day with a positive attitude.
   
   We are in search of bright people, willing to roll up their sleeves, take on new assignments, and who are capable of multitasking.
   
   In return for your hard work, you'll have the opportunity to work at the number one printer in the Southwest! We offer health, vision, dental, life insurance, and 401k benefits. The best thing we have to offer, though, is our amazing work environment and talented team.

   Overview of Operator Trainee Program
   To develop the next generation of equipment operators by hiring motivated, trainable, mechanically inclined individuals that are interested in a career in a skilled trade position. Trainees will be given a broad overview of both commercial printing and our companies capabilities and will work directly with our first shift operators to learn how to operate equipment. By the conclusion of their training, trainees will become a qualified equipment operator.

   THE SIX STEPS OF TRAINING:
   
   Step One Goals To Be Met: Learn the basic mechanics of the folder. Understand the basic functions of the machine, how it works and what it does. Learn to load paper, and how to trouble shoot jams on the folder. Learn how to correctly read a production ticket and make logs in PACE, and will also be able to perform basic makereadies on the folder. The trainee will be able to setup a 4 page fold, letter fold, and Z fold, and will be able to keep the folder running, as well as troubleshoot jams.
   Step Two Goals To Be Met: By the end of six months, the trainee will have learned the different types of folding patterns, as well as how to setup right angle folds. They will be able to quickly grasp the difference between a 16 page sig, 8 page, 4 page, 12 page, letter fold, gatefold, etc. They will also understand the various marks used on press sheets, and what they indicate. By the end of six months, the trainee will be able to successfully setup and run an 8 page, 12 page and 16 signatures on the folder. The trainee will also learn how to drop shafts, and install and de-install perf and score wheels.
   Step Three Goals To Be Met: By the end of nine months, the trainee will continue to advance on their ability to setup more complex folds. They will be able to setup and run gatefolds and double gate folds. They will also learn to set and clean rollers, as well as basic maintenance on the folder.
   Step Four Goals To Be Met: By the end of one year, the trainee will be responsible for executing all makereadies, and is expected to be proficient at basic folds, and to be able to run at reasonable speeds with minimal jams, independently
   Step Five Goals To Be Met: By the end 18 months, the trainee will be responsible for executing all makereadies, and is expected to be proficient at basic folds, and to be able to run at reasonable speeds with minimal jams, independently. The operator will show progress in makeready times, increased run speeds, and ability to setup complex folds independently
   Step Six Goals To Be Met: By the end of the second year, the trainee is expected to have mastered all folds, and have the ability to trouble shoot issues arising from wrinkles, gussets and crooked folds. They will continue work with the operator to gain as much exposure as possible to complex folds, folder maintenance, and addressing common issues

   Qualifications

   • High School Diploma or GED
   • A great attitude and willingness to learn
   • Reliability and dependability
   • Great team player
   • Able to stand, bend, reach, lift up to 50lbs.
   • Flexible with shift and able to work overtime if needed
   • Reliable transportation

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

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

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit folder 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 folder operator

   Once you've decided on a perfect folder operator candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your 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 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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