How to hire a machinist helper

How to hire a machinist helper, step by step

Here's a step-by-step machinist helper hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a machinist helper job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new machinist helper
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your machinist helper 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 machinist helper 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?

   Yes

   No

   A machinist helper's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, machinist helpers 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 machinist helpers.

   Type of Machinist Helper	Description	Hourly rate
   Machinist Helper	Machinists and tool and die makers set up and operate a variety of computer-controlled and mechanically controlled machine tools to produce precision metal parts, instruments, and tools.	$12-24
   Tool Technician	Tool technicians are skilled professionals who are responsible for repairing a variety of pneumatic and hand tools as well as disassemble defective electrical equipment in a manufacturing firm using these hand tools. These technicians are required to coordinate with other areas of the company to schedule and perform preventive maintenance duties... Show more	$13-29
   Computer Numerical Controller Machinist	A computer numerical controller machinist is responsible for operating computer-based equipment, creating new machine components by programming, and evaluating machine blueprints. Computer numerical controller machinists must have extensive knowledge of the technology industry to understand its complexities and define accurate solutions, as well as excellent analytical skills for calculation requirements... Show more	$14-26

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Operate CNC
   • Machine Shop
   • Manual Lathes
   • Calipers
   • Safety Procedures
   • Hand Tools
   • CNC Machines
   • Drill Press
   • Planers
   • RAN
   • Machine Tools
   • G Code
   • Haas
   • Detect Defects

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Fabricate different jigs for valve repair.
   • Utilize calipers and gauges to ensure quality parts.
   • Help run machines such as the Komo and HAAS.
   • Operate machinery to assist in the fabrication and creation of specialize tubing for aerospace companies.
   • Calculate dimensions and tolerance using knowledge of mathematics and instruments such as micrometers and vernier calipers.
   • Set up and operate CNC machines and adjust controls that regulate operational functions to ensure conformance to specifications.

3. Make a budget

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

   • Location. For example, machinist helpers' average salary in oklahoma is 45% less than in new jersey.
   • Seniority. Entry-level machinist helpers 48% less than senior-level machinist helpers.
   • Certifications. A machinist helper 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 machinist helper's salary.

   Average machinist helper salary

   $36,897yearly

   $17.74 hourly rate

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   Entry-level machinist helper salary

   $26,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 20, 2026

4. Writing a machinist helper job description

   A good machinist helper 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 machinist helper job description:

   Machinist helper job description example

   About Us
   
   IMI houses a large, fully operational machine shop where our team prides themselves on solving complex problems and applying innovative solutions that our competitors often find more difficult. A turnkey provider of heavy machining, maintenance support, and in-house engineering, IMI has provided machining services for automotive, mining, construction, marine, steel production, manufacturing, and power companies.
   
   While IMI embraces technology, we do not turn from traditional machining methods. Industrial contracting requires adaptability between technology and human interaction. We believe that no amount of technology alone can produce the same precise hand and eye coordination and inherent knowledge of our skilled craftsmen.
   
   Life With Us
   
   Our culture at IMI resembles a tight-knit family and our clients are treated with the same high regard we treat each other. Our commitment to safe operations allows everyone from our team, and our customers' team, to return home safe and sound each night. Our core values of Safety, Integrity, Quality, and Production, drive our promise to ourselves and accountability to our clients.
   
   Job Summary
   
   IMI is seeking a full-time Machinist Helper.
   
   Essential Functions
   
   + Assist senior employees with the setup and operation of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments.
   
   + Assist senior employees with the fabrication, modification, and repair of parts and mechanical instruments.
   
   + Assist with loading feed mechanisms by lifting stock into positions.
   
   Education and Experience
   
   + 1+ years experience in machining or a related field
   
   + Accurately apply basic mathematical skills including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, geometry, and conversion of fractions and decimals.
   
   + Ability to read and understand blueprints to manufacture parts to engineering specifications is preferred, but not required.
   
   + Must have basic computer skills.
   
   + Ability to operate a forklift.
   
   Work Environment/Physical Demands
   
   + Must be able to climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, stand, walk, push, pull, lift, grasp, twist, and bend for extended periods of time.
   
   + Use arms and hands to reach for, handle or manipulate objects.
   
   + Lift and carry materials weighing up to 50 pounds; occasionally lift items weighing more than 50 pounds with assistance.
   
   + Ability to work beneath machines and in close quarters performing analysis and repair work.
   
   Benefits
   
   All IMI Full-Time employees can enjoy the following benefits: major medical plans, life insurance, short & long-term disability insurance options, a robust company matched 401k, and PTO plans.
   
   IMI Industrial Services Group is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
   
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5. Post your job

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

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with machinist helper 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 machinist helper

   Once you've selected the best machinist helper 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.

   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.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new machinist helper. 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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