How to hire an instrument maker

How to hire an instrument maker, step by step

Here's a step-by-step instrument maker hiring guide:

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

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The instrument maker 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

   Hiring the perfect instrument maker 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 instrument makers and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Instrument Maker	Description	Hourly rate
   Instrument Maker	Machinists and tool and die makers set up and operate a variety of computer-controlled and mechanically controlled machine tools to produce precision metal parts, instruments, and tools.	$14-26
   Tool Technician	Tool technicians are skilled professionals who are responsible for repairing a variety of pneumatic and hand tools as well as disassemble defective electrical equipment in a manufacturing firm using these hand tools. These technicians are required to coordinate with other areas of the company to schedule and perform preventive maintenance duties... Show more	$13-29
   Welder/Machinist	A welder or machinist works in a factory and uses various tools to produce materials. They need to have vast experience in welding and in using measuring machine tools... Show more	$13-24

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • CNC
   • Brazing
   • CAD
   • Grinders
   • Calipers
   • Hand Tools
   • Stainless Steel
   • Cam
   • Jigs
   • Surgical Instruments
   • TIG
   • Solidworks
   • Research Projects
   • G Code

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Mount DCS and PLC cabinets and familiar with there systems.
   • Work safely along with all proper ppe, and with NEC, nfpa 70e, and osha standards.
   • Loop checking and control logic simulation from DCS panel to field instruments.
   • Perform instrument quality checks using gauges, micrometers, calipers, and other measuring equipment.
   • Design, machine, and assemble special cutting tools, jigs, and fixtures for holding parts and removing metal.
   • Work independently to machine parts to tight tolerance, design and implement fixtures and jigs while meeting aggressive production quantities.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your instrument maker job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. An instrument maker can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, instrument makers' average salary in oklahoma is 34% less than in new mexico.
   • Seniority. Entry-level instrument makers 46% less than senior-level instrument makers.
   • Certifications. An instrument maker 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 an instrument maker's salary.

   Average instrument maker salary

   $41,702yearly

   $20.05 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level instrument maker salary

   $30,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 21, 2026

4. Writing an instrument maker job description

   An instrument maker 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. To help get you started, here's an example of an instrument maker job description:

   Instrument maker job description example

   Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking an Instrument Maker Repairer for the Psychology Department. Under the occasional direction of and in close consultation with faculty or Electronic Shop/ administrative staff members, Instrument Maker/Repair will perform and oversee fine tolerance work requiring a high level of skills. The employee will develop, fabricate, repair, maintain, and test complex laboratory apparatus. The employee will also design complex electronic apparatus from general specifications or instructions and consults with faculty and/or students to develop and design appropriate instruments. The employee will develop computer programs or logic systems from basic to moderate complexity.
   Among the key duties of this position are the following:
   
   * Advises on best choice of materials in design of laboratory apparatus requiring knowledge of the physical properties, heat treatment, and machining characteristics of commercial ferrous and non-ferrous metals, alloys, and plastics. Assumes responsibility for the practical development and fabrication of unusually complicated, delicate, or precise laboratory apparatus.
   * Performs work at a high level of skill to meet precise and predetermined engineering or research specification. Performs work of fine-to-tight tolerances in making parts with extremely fine surface finishes.
   * Uses all types of machine tools, including special purpose machines, working independently as to course of action. Reads and interprets complex drawings, makes calculations using algebra and trigonometric functions. Maintains and repairs tools and equipment.
   * Prepares drawings, sketches, and specification of details or assembled laboratory apparatus for use of other staff members.
   * As required, assigns work to, inspects work of, and generally guides employees of lower rank, and instructs and assists students, faculty, and staff in the proper use of tools, machinery, and instruments.
   * Using the Computer Numerical Control (CNC) milling machine, is responsible for the practical development and fabrication of complicated, delicate or precise laboratory apparatus. Operates machinery to meet precise and predetermined engineering or research specifications. Uses all types of machine tools, including special purpose machines.
   * Using designs sketched or drafted by engineering staff, uses Computer Assisted Design (CAD) equipment to prepare schematics of circuit board layouts. Constructs or oversees outside production through development of prototypes.
   * May be trained to operate and maintain helium liquification system or other special purpose systems specific to the department.
   * Disposes of laboratory waste in accordance with established sanitary and safety procedures. May work with hazardous materials associated with position and/or animal husbandry, sanitation, and/or experimental procedures (carcinogens, chemicals, infectious agents, etc.).
   * Performs related duties as assigned.
   
   General Summary:
   
   Under occasional direction of and in close consultation with members of the faculty or administrative staff, performs and oversees fine tolerance work requiring a high level of skills and the development, fabrication, repair, maintenance, and testing of complex laboratory apparatus and/or may design complex electronic apparatus from general specifications or instructions of purpose; consults with faculty and/or students to develop and design appropriate apparatus; may develop computer programs or logic systems of basic and moderate complexity.

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5. Post your job

   To find the right instrument maker 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 instrument makers they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit instrument makers 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 instrument maker job on Zippia to find and recruit instrument maker candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting instrument makers requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   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 instrument maker

   Once you've selected the best instrument maker candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing 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 instrument maker. 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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