How to hire a machine tool operator

How to hire a machine tool operator, step by step

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

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1. Identify your hiring needs

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

   Type of Machine Tool Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Machine Tool Operator	Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate machines that cut, shape, and form metal and plastic materials or pieces.	$4-61
   Operator	Operators are skilled workers who are in charge of working on an industrial machine or a specific aspect of the manufacturing business. They are trained to operate machines, learning how to use them... Show more	$12-25
   Numerical Control Operator	A numerical control operator is responsible for monitoring machinery and managing computer-generated equipment to produce tools and components from various mechanical resources. Numerical control operators must have extensive knowledge with the technology and mechanical industry to perform basic troubleshooting and detect malfunctions during operations... Show more	$13-24

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Hand Tools
   • CNC Machines
   • Machine Tools
   • Grinders
   • Drill Presses
   • Rig
   • Calipers
   • Safety Standards
   • Planers
   • Machine Operation
   • Safety Procedures
   • Quality Checks
   • Shop Mathematics
   • Grinding Machines

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Operate Fanuc controls for Mori-Seki and Okuma CNC lathes.
   • Perform duties in compliance with ISO, QS-9000 and TQM principles and standards.
   • Adhere to GMP and HACCP plans within regulations.
   • Execute rig up and the maintenance of wellhead isolation tools as well as high-pressure well controls.
   • Set up and operate: lathes, mills, grinders, screw machines and electrical disintegration machines.
   • Perform various validation techniques using measuring instruments such as micrometers and calipers.

   More machine tool operator duties

3. Make a budget

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

   • Location. For example, machine tool operators' average salary in north dakota is 55% less than in california.
   • Seniority. Entry-level machine tool operators 92% less than senior-level machine tool operators.
   • Certifications. A machine tool 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 tool operator's salary.

   Average machine tool operator salary

   $36,999yearly

   $17.79 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level machine tool operator salary

   $10,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 14, 2025

   Average machine tool operator salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	New Jersey	$44,778	$22
   2	Arizona	$44,555	$21
   3	New York	$42,922	$21
   4	Texas	$40,074	$19
   5	Florida	$37,274	$18
   6	Alabama	$36,090	$17
   7	Virginia	$35,676	$17
   8	Wisconsin	$30,347	$15
   9	Illinois	$30,289	$15
   10	Kentucky	$29,108	$14

   Average machine tool operator salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	NOV	$83,972	$40.37	25
   2	Jagemann Stamping	$49,503	$23.80
   3	Acrison	$38,475	$18.50
   4	Affordable Engineering Services	$38,285	$18.41
   5	Tyonek Native	$38,105	$18.32	2
   6	Eclipse Manufacturing	$37,840	$18.19
   7	NANA	$36,387	$17.49	13
   8	Kelly Services	$34,865	$16.76	117
   9	The Employment Solutions	$33,916	$16.31
   10	NESCO	$30,998	$14.90

4. Writing a machine tool operator job description

   A machine tool 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 tool operator job description:

   Machine tool operator job description example

   • 4/10 Schedule
   • This position specializes in operating one or more than one type of machine tool (jig borer, grinding machine, engine lathe, milling machine) to machine metal for use in making or maintaining jigs, fixtures, cutting tools, gauges, or metal dies or molds used in shaping or forming metal or nonmetallic material (plastic, plaster, rubber, glass).
   • Planning and performing difficult machining operations which require complicated setups or a high degree of accuracy, setting up machine tool or tools (installing cutting tools and adjusting guides, stops, working tables, and other controls to handle the size of stock to be machined.
   • The Machine Tool Operator determines proper feeds, speeds, tooling, and operation sequence or selects those prescribed in drawings, blueprints, or layouts).
   • Work also involves using a variety of precision measuring instruments, making necessary adjustments during machining operation to achieve requisite dimensions to very close tolerances.
   • This worker be needed to select proper coolants and cutting and lubricating oils to recognize when tools need dressing, and to dress tools. .

   Pay and Benefits:

   • The Salary for this position is $33.42 per hour (Max Pay rate).

   
   
   Required Skills / Qualifications:

   • At least a High school diploma or GED
   • Minimum of 2 years' experience in machine shop environment working with multi-axis machines
   • Must have at least a an Active, DOD Secret Security Clearance

   
   Preferred Skills / Qualifications:

   • Experience in a machine shop manufacturing environment.
   • Familiar with GIBBS CAM software
   • Ability to interpret engineering drawings

   Additional Information:

   • Upon offer of employment, the individual will be subject to a background check and a drug screen
   • Have availability to work first, second or C (weekend) shifts

   
   
   Aleron companies (Acara Solutions, Aleron Shared Resources, Broadleaf Results, Lume Strategies, TalentRise, Viaduct, and Aleron's strategic partner, SDI) are Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, sex, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis. The Aleron companies welcome and encourage applications from diverse candidates, including people with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request for applicants taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
   Applicants for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position does not meet the employment requirements for individuals with F-1 OPT STEM work authorization status.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right machine tool 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 tool operator job on Zippia to find and recruit machine tool 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 machine tool 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.

   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 tool operator

   Once you have selected a candidate for the machine tool 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.

   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.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new machine tool operator. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

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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