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How to hire a machine set up operator

Machine set up operator hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring machine set up operators in the United States:

  • The median cost to hire a machine set up operator is $1,633.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • HR departments typically allocate 15% of their budget towards recruitment efforts.
  • Small businesses spend $1,105 per machine set up operator on training each year, while large companies spend $658.
  • It takes approximately 12 weeks for a new employee to reach full productivity levels.
  • There are a total of 963,270 machine set up operators in the US, and there are currently 61,986 job openings in this field.
  • Wayne, NJ, has the highest demand for machine set up operators, with 7 job openings.

How to hire a machine set up operator, step by step

To hire a machine set up operator, you need to identify the specific skills and experience you want in a candidate, allocate a budget for the position, and advertise the job opening to attract potential candidates. To hire a machine set up operator, you should follow these steps:

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

    Before you post your machine set up operator job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a machine set up operator for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    A machine set up operator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, machine set up 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 set up operators.

    Type of Machine Set Up OperatorDescriptionHourly rate
    Machine Set Up OperatorMetal and plastic machine workers set up and operate machines that cut, shape, and form metal and plastic materials or pieces.$13-21
    MachinistMachinists are skilled professionals who create metal works by using different machines. They work with clients to bring their clients' vision to life... Show more$13-28
    Set Up TechnicianSet up technicians are skilled employees who assemble and disassemble manufacturing machines as well as perform preventative maintenance to ensure that the manufacturing firm can produce high-quality products. These technicians must inspect products so that they can locate malfunctions in machine operations and then inform their supervisor about the repairs needed... Show more$13-22
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • CNC Machines
    • Calipers
    • Micrometers
    • CNC Lathes
    • Quality Checks
    • Math
    • Basic Math
    • Quality Products
    • Punch Press
    • Preventative Maintenance
    • Machine Operation
    • Grinding Machines
    • Quality Standards
    • SPC
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Perform trial runs on new CNC programs, working with programming and tooling to achieve satisfactory parts.
    • Used micrometers and calipers to determine require tolerances.
    • Follow ISO and QS standard operating procedures.
    • Panel control, fanuc control, & dynapath.
    • Run machines after setup, inspect parts run.
    • Work on CNC OKUMA machines, horizontals and verticals.
    More machine set up operator duties
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in the machine set up operator job description is a good way to get more applicants. A machine set up operator salary can be affected by several factors, such as the location of the job, the level of experience, education, certifications, and the employer's prestige.

    For example, the average salary for a machine set up operator in South Carolina may be lower than in California, and an entry-level engineer typically earns less than a senior-level machine set up operator. Additionally, a machine set up operator with lots of experience in the field may command a higher salary as a result.

    Average machine set up operator salary

    $35,823yearly

    $17.22 hourly rate

    Entry-level machine set up operator salary
    $28,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 14, 2025

    Average machine set up operator salary by state

    RankStateAvg. salaryHourly rate
    1Massachusetts$44,448$21
    2California$44,328$21
    3Connecticut$44,316$21
    4Pennsylvania$40,325$19
    5Virginia$38,866$19
    6Michigan$37,085$18
    7Illinois$36,916$18
    8New York$36,654$18
    9Ohio$35,167$17
    10Wisconsin$34,315$17
    11Kentucky$33,499$16
    12Florida$33,077$16
    13Texas$32,867$16
    14Indiana$32,579$16
    15South Carolina$31,734$15
    16North Carolina$30,791$15
    17Tennessee$28,120$14

    Average machine set up operator salary by company

    RankCompanyAverage salaryHourly rateJob openings
    1ABB$49,881$23.9815
    2Biomerics$43,265$20.807
    3Amcor$42,302$20.3488
    4Bosch USA$41,422$19.915
    5Tenneco$40,675$19.566
    6Eaton$40,539$19.4947
    7Apple$40,471$19.4612
    8RF$39,820$19.142
    9Post Holdings$39,332$18.9126
    10Graphic Packaging International$39,329$18.9112
    11Nucor$39,321$18.9013
    12Allentown$38,946$18.721
    13VisionCorp Rep$38,902$18.704
    14Core Consulting$38,775$18.64
    15SMS group$38,360$18.442
    16The Manufacturers' Association$38,348$18.443
    17The Next Level$38,216$18.376
    18Electroswitch$38,066$18.301
    19McGard$37,414$17.992
    20Sunstate Equipment Co.$37,296$17.934
  4. Writing a machine set up operator job description

    A machine set up 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 machine set up operator job description:

    Machine set up operator job description example

    OFFERING SIGN-ON BONUS OF UP TO $5K!

    PURPOSE:

    Set up, operate and maintain the Davenport machines to produce manufactured product that meets the quality requirements

    POSITION EXPECTATIONS AND JOB ACCOUNTABILITIES:

    • Understands the proper use of various precision measuring instruments.
    • Understands how to document and move materials to the next operation.
    • Must be able to read and understand the print requirements for the Davenports.
    • Can demonstrate knowledge and use of computerized SPC system with entering data according to procedures.
    • Understands all record keeping responsibilities, such as first piece inspection approval, lot splits and job card/scanner input.
    • Responsible for the daily lubrication, cleaning out machines and chip removal for assigned machines.
    • Select proper tooling to perform specific jobs assigned.
    • Must know how to sharpen tools, trouble shoot machines, set speeds and feeds for proper materials and do minor repairs as needed.
    • The skill and ability to set up and operate multiple machines in the department working with minimal supervision.
    • Maintain and provide additional training as necessary.
    • Ability to interpret dispatch, determine load and work with PC in load distribution.
    • Does problem solving and ability to work with supervisor, engineering, maintenance and various other departments.
    • Ability to utilize standard machining handbooks along with machine manufacturer's speed/feed recommendations and tables.
    • Work with Engineering and R&D departments to assist in the development of prototype parts, implementation of new tooling and development of machining processes.
    • Maintain good housekeeping in assigned area.
    • Additional duties as assigned by Supervisor or his/her designee.

    COMPETENCY:

    To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies: Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment. Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time. Reliability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; takes responsibility for own actions, exhibits sound and accurate judgment, demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles. Initiative - Volunteers readily, asks for and offers help when needed. Innovation - Generates suggestions for improving work . Planning/Organizing - Uses time efficiently. Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner, reacts well under pressure, treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position. Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness, looks for ways to improve and promote quality, applies feedback to improve performance, monitors own work to ensure quality. Quantity - Meets productivity standards, completes work in timely manner. Safety - Observes safety procedures, reports potentially unsafe conditions, uses equipment and materials properly.

    QUALIFICATIONS:

    To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

    EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

    Read, write and simple shop mathematics, and/or charts. High school diploma or equivalent is required. Typically have the equivalent of 1 to 3 years' related experience.

    LANGUAGE ABILITY:

    Ability to read and interpret shop drawings, process sheets, documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Have good communication skills.

    MATH ABILITY:

    Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to work with close tolerances.

    REASONING ABILITY:

    Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Must be flexible in work assignments and be able to work cooperatively as a team member and demonstrate respect and courtesy to all internal and external customers.

    COMPUTER SKILLS:

    To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Word Processing software; Manufacturing software and Database software.

    CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES:

    No certifications needed.

    SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

    This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

    WORK ENVIRONMENT:

    The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

    While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly exposed to work near moving mechanical parts in a factory environment with noise, oil, and smoke.

    The employee will be working with Davenport machines, precision measuring instruments; hand and fork lift trucks, scoops, weight scales, and hoist and copy machine.

    PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

    The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

    The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, feel; reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to walk. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, push, pull, bend, and stand a majority of the shift.

    QUALITY RESPONSIBILITY:

    Performance evaluations are completed annually per the company policy addressing job knowledge, reliability, quantity of work, quality of work, attitude and cooperation, initiative and adaptability, attendance, aptitude, ability to learn and use procedures, safety and housekeeping.

    ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

    Ability to perform to Driv-Lok, Inc.'s Environmental Policy and procedures through awareness of any significant environmental aspects that have been determined. The role(s) in achieving compliance and what the consequences of the departure from the Policy and Procedures.

    The statements in this job description are intended to describe the essential nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

  5. Post your job

    To find machine set up operators for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

    • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
    • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any machine set up operators they would recommend.
    • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level machine set up operators with the right educational background.
    • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your machine set up operator job on Zippia to find and recruit machine set up operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    Your first interview with machine set up 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 machine set up operator

    Once you have selected a candidate for the machine set up 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 equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

    After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new machine set up 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.)
    Sign up to download full list

How much does it cost to hire a machine set up operator?

Recruiting machine set up operators involves both the one-time costs of hiring and the ongoing costs of adding a new employee to your team. Your spending during the hiring process will mostly be on things like promoting the job on job boards, reviewing and interviewing candidates, and onboarding the new hire. Ongoing costs will obviously involve the employee's salary, but also may include things like benefits.

You can expect to pay around $35,823 per year for a machine set up operator, as this is the median yearly salary nationally. This can vary depending on what state or city you're hiring in. If you're hiring for contract work or on a per-project basis, hourly rates for machine set up operators in the US typically range between $13 and $21 an hour.

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