How to hire a kiln operator

How to hire a kiln operator, step by step

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

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The kiln 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

   Hiring the perfect kiln operator 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 kiln operators and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Kiln Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Kiln Operator		$12-19
   Forklift Operator	Forklift operators are skilled workers responsible for operating heavy equipment machines called forklifts. They are in charge of operating forklifts, a type of industrial or heavy equipment truck/machine that moves materials from one place to another through prongs protruding from the machine... Show more	$12-20
   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

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Safety Standards
   • Safety Procedures
   • Rail Cars
   • Production Equipment
   • RAN
   • Moisture Content
   • Safety Inspections
   • Process Specifications
   • Quality Checks
   • Production Schedules
   • General Maintenance
   • Equipment Operation
   • Log Book
   • Test Results

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage and buy lumber, run the kilns and boughtlumber from all hardwood producing areas.
   • Develop a new and up to date HAZWASTE program for the site
   • Close tunnel doors and start blowers and heaters to regulate humidity and temperature within tunnel.
   • Transport materials and products to and from work areas, manually or using carts, pallet jacks or hoists.
   • Set up and operate an extrusion machine in accordance with establish procedures and guidelines and customer requirements.
   • Operate spray dryer to make powder and send parts for pressing.

   More kiln operator duties

3. Make a budget

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

   $15.99hourly

   $33,268 yearly

   ---

   Entry-level kiln operator salary

   $26,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 14, 2025

   Average kiln operator salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Oregon	$47,316	$23
   2	California	$43,026	$21
   3	Iowa	$39,981	$19
   4	Indiana	$39,486	$19
   5	Texas	$35,050	$17
   6	Colorado	$34,525	$17
   7	Tennessee	$34,191	$16
   8	Ohio	$33,449	$16

   Average kiln operator salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Rosboro	$38,990	$18.75
   2	Stimson Lumber	$38,958	$18.73
   3	West Fraser	$38,727	$18.62	12
   4	Porcelain tiles made in USA	$38,405	$18.46
   5	Reed's	$35,933	$17.28
   6	Mohawk Industries	$35,092	$16.87	16
   7	Precision Castparts	$34,952	$16.80	47
   8	General Shale	$34,685	$16.68	5
   9	Hampton Investment Company	$34,321	$16.50	1
   10	Florida Tile	$34,321	$16.50
   11	Graymont	$34,007	$16.35	1
   12	Kelly Services	$32,883	$15.81	119
   13	Daltile	$32,347	$15.55	9
   14	NEXTAFF	$32,285	$15.52	16
   15	PrideStaff	$31,454	$15.12	1
   16	NESCO	$30,707	$14.76
   17	Randstad North America, Inc.	$30,369	$14.60	7

4. Writing a kiln operator job description

   A kiln operator 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 kiln operator job description:

   Kiln operator job description example

   TEXT 'JOBS' to 1-844-HRFLORIM (1-)

   for all openings

   TILE KILN OPERATOR FULL-TIME

   Florim USA is looking for Tile Kiln Operators for DAY & NIGHT SHIFT Positions in the Clarksville, TN area. $18.70/hr (days) $20.70/hr (nights)

   REQUIREMENTS OF TILE KILN OPERATOR

   Qualified candidates will have a high school diploma or GED.

   RESPONSIBILITIES OF TILE KILN OPERATOR

   Tile Kiln Operator loads and unloads the platforms, maintaining kiln integrity and tile quality by performing the following duties.

   • Operates the Tecno Ferrari loaders when loading the platforms and the NuovaFima when unloading the kiln,

   • Perform all required tests ensuring that all equipment is operating properly, and filling out daily reports.

   • Insure that tile gap on conveyor line and exit table are set correctly.

   • Assist in removing, cleaning, and replacing rollers, repack insulation, and assist in other tasks as they are assigned

   • Check all guides and replace as needed.

   • Maintain a clean and tidy work area.

   • Adhere to all safety regulations, complete all safety training, and wear required safety equipment per related safety SOP'S.

   SALARY AND BENEFITS FOR TILE KILN OPERATOR

   Beginning pay $18.70/hr

   Night Shift Differential $2.00/hr

   Shift Schedule 2-2-3

   2 Weeks Paid Vacation

   9 Paid Holidays

   Free Employee Medical Insurance with Annual Physical

   Benefits start on Hire Date

   401(k) with Company Match

   Tuition Assistance (after one year)

   Employee Discounts on Tile

   Employee Referral Program $250

   PM22

   
   
   

   PI

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

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

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit kiln operators, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   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 kiln operator

   Once you have selected a candidate for the kiln 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 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 kiln operator first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

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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