How to hire a Manufacturing Associate

How to hire a manufacturing associate, step by step

Here's a step-by-step manufacturing associate hiring guide:

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

What does a Manufacturing Associate do?

Post A Manufacturing Associate Job For Free, Promote It For A Fee

Post Free

1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a manufacturing associate, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine Employee vs Contractor Status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   Hiring the perfect manufacturing associate also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   The following list breaks down different types of manufacturing associates and their corresponding salaries.

   Type Of Manufacturing Associate	Description	Hourly Rate
   Manufacturing Associate		$12-21
   Assembly Line Worker	Assembly line workers are factory or production floor employees who work on putting together company products. They are assigned to work on a specific part of the product... Show More	$10-16
   Generator Worker	A Generator Worker is in charge of operating generator systems on a daily basis, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities include performing installations and adjustments, understanding blueprints and schematics, and performing regular maintenance checks to ensure efficiency... Show More	$12-19

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common Skills:

   • Basic Math
   • Cell Culture
   • Math
   • Production Equipment
   • Hand Tools
   • Safety Procedures
   • Lean Manufacturing
   • FDA
   • Harvest
   • Work Ethic
   • Quality Standards
   • Dexterity
   • Clean Room Environment
   • Troubleshoot

   Check All Skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Lead WIP management by controlling manufacturing inventory and managing material repair outsourcing.
   • Develop system for tracking, managing, and disposition of test PCB assemblies.
   • Perform adjustments to CIP equipment and run computer programs in order to automate the cleaning and sanitizing of the equipment.
   • Automate lines require quick responses & manual dexterity with absolute errorless perfection.
   • Lift and wrapped finish windows.
   • Record data, perform math calculations when need.

   More Manufacturing Associate duties

3. Make a budget

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

   • Location. For example, manufacturing associates' average salary in new mexico is 47% less than in north dakota.
   • Seniority. Entry-level manufacturing associates earn 42% less than senior-level manufacturing associates.
   • Certifications. A manufacturing associate 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 manufacturing associate's salary.

   Average manufacturing associate salary

   $16.75hourly

   $34,830 yearly

   ---

   Entry-level manufacturing associate salary

   $26,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 20, 2025

   Average manufacturing associate salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. Salary	Hourly Rate
   1	Massachusetts	$41,601	$20
   2	Washington	$41,407	$20
   3	Nebraska	$39,906	$19
   4	Oregon	$39,716	$19
   5	California	$39,224	$19
   6	Maryland	$38,940	$19
   7	Ohio	$37,193	$18
   8	New York	$36,915	$18
   9	New Jersey	$36,788	$18
   10	Iowa	$36,376	$17
   11	Pennsylvania	$36,208	$17
   12	Michigan	$35,874	$17
   13	Colorado	$34,846	$17
   14	Maine	$34,734	$17
   15	Indiana	$33,916	$16
   16	Utah	$33,341	$16
   17	Arizona	$33,117	$16
   18	South Carolina	$32,229	$15
   19	North Carolina	$31,199	$15
   20	Texas	$30,362	$15

   Average manufacturing associate salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average Salary	Hourly Rate	Job Openings
   1	Danaher	$45,490	$21.87	53
   2	McKinsey & Company Inc	$43,598	$20.96	23
   3	The Clorox Company	$41,754	$20.07	16
   4	Vista Outdoor	$41,566	$19.98	4
   5	Hormel Foods	$41,362	$19.89	12
   6	PepsiCo	$41,303	$19.86	14
   7	PPG	$41,133	$19.78	10
   8	A.T. Kearney	$41,093	$19.76
   9	Cargill	$41,014	$19.72	9
   10	Novelis	$40,557	$19.50	5
   11	Benjamin Moore	$40,486	$19.46	1
   12	Marvin and	$40,446	$19.45	28
   13	Amphenol	$40,200	$19.33	2
   14	Fellowes Brands	$40,088	$19.27
   15	CertainTeed	$39,966	$19.21
   16	Tempur Sealy International	$39,889	$19.18	19
   17	Psc Biotech	$39,873	$19.17	2
   18	Masimo	$39,827	$19.15
   19	FUJIFILM Medical Systems USA	$39,748	$19.11	57
   20	Sutro Biopharma	$39,662	$19.07

4. Writing a Manufacturing Associate Job Description

   A good manufacturing associate 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 manufacturing associate job description:

   Manufacturing Associate job description example

   This position is responsible for the operation and maintenance of 3D printing equipment and media. The successful candidate must utilize excellent organizational skills and will oversee all 3D Printing operations, including: maintenance/repair; scheduling; planning; training within a busy and fast-paced environment, following all company rules and policies as well as OSHA/EPA regulations.
   
   Duties and responsibilities Oversee 3D printing operations, to include: planning; scheduling; tracking; accounting; ordering; forecasting
   Processing/troubleshooting/repairing/creating digital files
   Expert digital file advisement/consultations for all users
   Assist in streamlining operations and maximizing throughput wherever possible
   Compile all necessary usage/revenue/maintenance/repair data
   Manage/track revenue; create reports from compiled data
   Assist in creating/updating usage policies
   Lead Equipment/Operational training for new and existing staff
   Assist in devising effective strategies for improving throughput and efficiency
   Evaluation/Implementation of equipment
   Assist in the supervision of Laser cutting operations and 3D Scanner operations
   Repair/maintenance/calibration of equipment
   Maintaining a clean shop environment
   Tool circulation/tracking/reporting
   Inventory tracking/reporting
   Other tasks, as assigned
   
   QualificationsMinimum 2 years of experience with 3D Printing equipment is desired.
   Minimum 1-year experience managing, or assisting in the management, of 3D Printing operations
   Candidates should be comfortable wearing the appropriate respiratory equipment for work where dust and fumes are present, along with any other required safety equipment (face shields/goggles/protective clothing).
   Must be able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
   High school diploma, G.E.D. or equivalent
   Experience in a heavy manufacturing environment is desired
   Able to read and understand written instructions
   
   Physical Requirements
   Ability to lift and carry over 50 lbs. Ability to stand, sit, stoop, bend, walk, reach, squat, kneel, push, and pull for long periods of time. Able to climb a ladder and flex the upper and lower body.
   Work environment
   Must be able to work alone and around others. Be able to have verbal and face-to-face contact with others. Must be flexible to work various shifts, work hours, different days of the week, and extended days. Able to work during daytime or nighttime. Must be able to withstand temperature changes, work under extreme heat or cold, confined spaces, inside and/or outside, and around dirt, dust and/or hazardous chemical materials. Each incumbent is assigned a pre-determined work schedule to follow by their Team Lead or Work Center Supervisor.
   
   Danaher Corporation and all Danaher Companies are equal opportunity employers that evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other characteristics protected by law. The "EEO is the Law" poster is available here .

   Copy This Example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right manufacturing associate 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 manufacturing associate job on Zippia to find and recruit manufacturing associate 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 manufacturing associates, 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 manufacturing associate

   Once you've decided on a perfect manufacturing associate candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new manufacturing associate. 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.)

   Sign Up To Download Full List

   Sign Up

How much does it cost to hire a manufacturing associate?