How to hire a lead operator/machine operator

How to hire a lead operator/machine operator, step by step

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

What does a lead operator/machine operator do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the lead operator/machine operator you need to hire. Certain lead operator/machine 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

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

   Type of Lead Operator/Machine Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Lead Operator/Machine Operator		$13-25
   Production Leader	A production leader usually works at a manufacturing plant or a similar setting. They are primarily responsible for overseeing all processing operations and workforce performance, ensuring efficiency and timeliness... Show more	$14-30
   Production Operator	A production operator is responsible for handling and monitoring manufacturing machines in a factory or similar establishment, ensuring that everything is running smoothly and according to schedule. Aside from assisting with the processing and packaging of goods, a production operator must also conduct necessary inspections to the machine or equipment that they are using to make sure that it is in good condition and is safe to use... Show more	$12-21

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Safety Procedures
   • Machine Operators
   • Quality Standards
   • Preventative Maintenance
   • CNC
   • Safety Rules
   • Product Quality
   • Production Process
   • Production Floor
   • Safety Regulations
   • GMP
   • Pallet Jack
   • Quality Issues
   • Production Equipment

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage and troubleshoot a variety of different heavy machinery.
   • Need method to proactively manage the business improving cross-functional collaboration & KPI visibility.
   • Follow proper GMP practices, OSHA standards, and other company policies.
   • Assure accordance with ISO, OSHA, and FDA regulations.
   • Work closely with QA to insure all bottle measurements are correct.
   • Insure that all associates have proper PPE, and correct tools.

   More lead operator/machine operator duties

3. Make a budget

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

   • Location. For example, lead operator/machine operators' average salary in wyoming is 48% less than in california.
   • Seniority. Entry-level lead operator/machine operators earn 45% less than senior-level lead operator/machine operators.
   • Certifications. A lead operator/machine 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 lead operator/machine operator's salary.

   Average lead operator/machine operator salary

   $39,819yearly

   $19.14 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level lead operator/machine operator salary

   $29,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 19, 2026

   Average lead operator/machine operator salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$45,223	$22
   2	Delaware	$44,188	$21
   3	Minnesota	$43,518	$21
   4	District of Columbia	$43,006	$21
   5	Connecticut	$42,900	$21
   6	New Jersey	$42,439	$20
   7	North Dakota	$41,747	$20
   8	Arizona	$41,691	$20
   9	New York	$40,534	$19
   10	Illinois	$39,850	$19
   11	North Carolina	$38,737	$19
   12	South Carolina	$38,597	$19
   13	Texas	$38,544	$19
   14	Wisconsin	$38,261	$18
   15	Ohio	$37,998	$18
   16	Georgia	$37,318	$18
   17	Michigan	$37,171	$18
   18	Florida	$36,018	$17
   19	Tennessee	$35,871	$17
   20	New Mexico	$34,851	$17

   Average lead operator/machine operator salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Google	$119,293	$57.35	48
   2	Broadridge	$80,988	$38.94	47
   3	Virtusa	$75,747	$36.42
   4	JPMorgan Chase & Co.	$67,703	$32.55	183
   5	General Electric	$64,251	$30.89	194
   6	Bank of America	$49,180	$23.64	14
   7	Baxter International	$47,106	$22.65	3
   8	PepsiCo	$44,927	$21.60	12
   9	Shutterfly	$43,808	$21.06	7
   10	TreeHouse Foods	$43,560	$20.94	26
   11	Flowserve	$43,343	$20.84
   12	Generac Holdings	$43,285	$20.81	8
   13	Ferrara Candy	$41,988	$20.19	4
   14	WestRock	$41,644	$20.02	59
   15	Standlee	$41,318	$19.86
   16	Newark Public Schools	$40,936	$19.68	4
   17	GSP	$40,414	$19.43	2
   18	3M Company	$38,862	$18.68	52
   19	Honeywell	$38,779	$18.64	19
   20	Aerotek	$38,761	$18.64	595

4. Writing a lead operator/machine operator job description

   A good lead operator/machine 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 lead operator/machine operator job description:

   Lead operator/machine operator job description example

   Currently seeking a Packaging Machine Lead for 2nd Shift with food manufacturing packaging experience. Hours 1: 00 pm - 9: 00 pm (training will be on 1st shift for 2 months (6: 00 am - 2: 00 pm)
   JOB REQUIREMENTS/DUTIES:
   Quality inspection including but not limited to: seal integrity, metal detection, box and label print quality Experience as a Production Team Lead Perform necessary pre-operation activities Housekeeping and sanitation Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while adhering to safety and health regulations and following standardized work Ability to read specifications and have great attention to detail. MUST be able to stand on feet for 8 or more hours a day
   REQUIRED EXPERIENCE :
   6+ years experience of * Setup, operate, monitor, troubleshoot, and * preventative maintenance on packaging machines Training and leading a team of packaging operators Ability to make adjustments and/ or tool changes as needed Inspection of incoming packaging material Food manufacturing experience is a HUGE PLUS perform preventative maintenance such as cleaning, greasing, and replacing pads or tape.
   EDUCATION :
   HS Diploma or GED is REQUIRED
   
   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 lead operator/machine 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 lead operator/machine operator job on Zippia to find and recruit lead operator/machine operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with lead operator/machine operator candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you 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 lead operator/machine operator

   Once you've selected the best lead operator/machine operator 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.

   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.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new lead operator/machine operator. 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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