How to hire a machine operator

How to hire a machine operator, step by step

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

What does a machine operator do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the machine operator you need to hire. Certain 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 machine operator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, 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.

   This list shows salaries for various types of machine operators.

   Type of Machine Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Machine Operator	A Machine Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining complicated machinery and making sure it functions properly. They can work both outside or indoors, and work for a single company or on a contract basis.	$12-19
   Assembly Operator	In a manufacturing setting, an assembly operator is in charge of assembling materials using hands or tools. Their responsibilities include following assembly guidelines, packing items in containers and boxes, operating tools and equipment, and developing strategies to optimize operations... Show more	$12-18
   Machine Operator/Forklift Operator	A machine operator/forklift operator is responsible for operating industrial trucks to move merchandise around the warehouse facilities and other assigned areas. Machine operators/forklift operators also assist with inventory tasks by scanning orders and ensuring the correct merchandise for shipment... Show more	$12-18

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Basic Math
   • CNC
   • Math
   • Safety Procedures
   • Machine Operation
   • Quality Standards
   • Safety Rules
   • Tape Measure
   • Product Quality
   • Production Equipment
   • Pallet Jack
   • Assembly Line
   • Safety Regulations
   • GMP

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Conduct preventative maintenance checks on industrial brake manufacturing machines and forklifts.
   • Follow company and safety procedures using industrial chemicals and PPE to efficiently clean and sanitize all equipment.
   • Operate forklift and bobcat as needed.
   • Run a line in a PVC pipe production plant.
   • Operate machinery including forklift, bobcat and various power tools.
   • Provide leadership to others through example and sharing of knowledge/skill.

   More machine operator duties

3. Make a budget

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

   • Location. For example, machine operators' average salary in wyoming is 46% less than in minnesota.
   • Seniority. Entry-level machine operators 35% less than senior-level machine operators.
   • Certifications. A machine operator 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 a machine operator's salary.

   Average machine operator salary

   $15.80hourly

   $32,874 yearly

   ---

   Entry-level machine operator salary

   $26,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 14, 2025

   Average machine operator salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Minnesota	$37,003	$18
   2	Wisconsin	$36,213	$17
   3	Washington	$35,702	$17
   4	Maine	$35,220	$17
   5	Pennsylvania	$35,165	$17
   6	Oregon	$34,877	$17
   7	North Dakota	$34,839	$17
   8	California	$34,803	$17
   9	Kentucky	$34,550	$17
   10	Missouri	$34,471	$17
   11	Indiana	$34,177	$16
   12	Ohio	$34,131	$16
   13	Illinois	$33,845	$16
   14	Iowa	$33,362	$16
   15	Utah	$33,040	$16
   16	Kansas	$32,996	$16
   17	Colorado	$32,957	$16
   18	Michigan	$32,715	$16
   19	New Hampshire	$32,563	$16
   20	New York	$32,562	$16

   Average machine operator salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	BD	$49,043	$23.58	7
   2	CONMED	$45,273	$21.77
   3	Ventura Foods	$44,852	$21.56	14
   4	Anomatic	$44,501	$21.39	4
   5	Darigold	$44,432	$21.36	10
   6	United Natural Foods	$44,189	$21.24	6
   7	Nation Pizza	$44,115	$21.21
   8	Reser's Fine Foods	$43,874	$21.09	8
   9	Alpenrose Dairy	$43,680	$21.00
   10	Koch Foods	$43,672	$21.00	5
   11	Dairy Farmers of America	$43,648	$20.98	176
   12	West Liberty Foods	$43,587	$20.96	3
   13	Medtronic	$43,464	$20.90
   14	Uline	$43,441	$20.89	4
   15	Kemps	$43,315	$20.82	5
   16	Nestlé	$43,067	$20.71	97
   17	Ken's Foods	$42,919	$20.63
   18	Clearwater Paper	$42,824	$20.59	3
   19	Steel Dynamics	$42,636	$20.50	13
   20	Motorola Solutions	$42,306	$20.34

4. Writing a machine operator job description

   A good 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 machine operator job description:

   Machine operator job description example

   Albuquerque, NM
   Pay: $16/hr plus applicable shift differentials
   *****HIRING BONUS AFTER 80 HOURS WORKED!*****
   
   What we offer: Benefits begin Day 1 of employment Weekly Pay PTO time available Rapid Promotion Opportunities Overtime available if desired 11 paid holidays each year 3% 401k paid automatically with a 75% match up to 6%
   JOB SUMMARY
   Operate rubber injection molding machines to fabricate rubber components, responsible for the production of molded products.
   Job Requirements Safety Understands and follows plant safety and procedures Wears appropriate protective equipment as required, dresses and conducts self in a safe manner Keeps work area clean and orderly Participates in plant safety objectives
   Job Functions Responsible for all aspects of molding operations, i.e. work instructions, standard operating procedures and revision control Ensures quality operation of the process, performs quality checks and controls, including adherence to cleaning and maintenance Must maintain pre-determined efficiency, standards and productivity rates Prepares and maintains accurate production records and follows standard operating procedures Communicates respectfully with all team members Ensures shift change is completed and forms are filled out with accurate and appropriate information Additional duties may be assigned to meet business needs
   Experience Skills and/or Training
   To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The experience and skills listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Previous experience in physically demanding work in factory environment preferred Able to work up to 20 hours of overtime to meet Business Objectives as needed Able to work a weekend schedule as needed Work with minimal supervision Able to demonstrate a high level of ownership to assigned tasks Working knowledge of components, part numbers and process involved in manufacturing Must be able to: Bend, twist & turn Climb/descend ladders/stairs Lift up to 40 Pounds Pull/Push up to 40 Pounds Stand for long periods Good hand dexterity Ability to speak and write in clear English communications Proficient math skills
   EEO/AA/VEVRA
   ABB is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, status as a protected veteran, or any classification protected by Federal, State or local law.
   
   
   
   #innovation

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right machine operator for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your machine operator job on Zippia to find and recruit machine operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit machine 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 machine operator

   Once you have selected a candidate for the machine 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 machine operator?