How to hire a milling machine operator

How to hire a milling machine operator, step by step

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

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a milling machine operator, 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

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a milling machine operator to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a milling machine operator that fits the bill.

   The following list breaks down different types of milling machine operators and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Milling Machine Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Milling Machine Operator	Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate machines that cut, shape, and form metal and plastic materials or pieces.	$13-19
   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
   Control Operator	The duties of a control operator depend on their line of work or industry of employment. Typically, it includes adhering to a set of protocols, controlling machines and equipment, identifying the needs of daily operations, and performing regular maintenance checks, conducting repairs when necessary... Show more	$15-26

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Asphalt
   • CNC
   • Micrometers
   • Calipers
   • Hand Tools
   • Quality Standards
   • Mill Machine
   • Cranes
   • Quality Checks
   • Blueprint Specifications
   • Spindles
   • Safety Procedures
   • Machine Operation
   • Machine Adjustments

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Perform trial runs on new CNC programs, working with programming and tooling to achieve satisfactory parts.
   • Skil in measuring calipers and hand tools including QC inspections.
   • Measure dimensions, using instruments micrometers and vernier calipers.
   • Used micrometer screw gauge, vernier calipers.
   • Recognize for work done in a sterile environment and utilizing correct safety PPE for surrounding work areas/machinery.
   • Perform repair and preventive maintenance on machinery including cleaning, oiling and adjusting.

3. Make a budget

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

   • Location. For example, milling machine operators' average salary in tennessee is 30% less than in oregon.
   • Seniority. Entry-level milling machine operators 32% less than senior-level milling machine operators.
   • Certifications. A milling 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 milling machine operator's salary.

   Average milling machine operator salary

   $16.39hourly

   $34,094 yearly

   ---

   Entry-level milling machine operator salary

   $28,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 16, 2025

4. Writing a milling machine operator job description

   A milling machine 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. To help get you started, here's an example of a milling machine operator job description:

   Milling machine operator job description example

   CNC Grinding Operator Brief Description
   Operate and adjust semi-automatic or automatic numerically controlled machine tools and/or CNC machining equipment to perform standard and repetitive sequences of operations where programs are proved and setups are made by others.
   
   Operations employ recognized tooling and procedures where tolerances are followed.
   
   Follow detailed instructions, work from standard coding and operational data to change or mount tools and position work piece.
   
   Check work at specified points; adjust machine and fixture stops to maintain finish and tolerance requirements.
   
   Work from part drawings and use required precision measuring instruments to check and inspect work. Recognize and report machine malfunctions, tooling difficulties, etc.
   
   May assist with setups or proving of program.
   
   Under supervision, work procedures and products are subject to check and inspection. Other duties as assigned. Exempt/Non-Exempt Status: Non-Exempt Supervisory Position: No Work Environment:
   Well-lit, air conditioned machine shop with moderate noise. Staff members will need to be able to work while standing, sitting, bending, and climbing. Staff members will be occasionally lifting and working inside of machines. Job Requirements: High school diploma or its equivalent Knowledge of machine shop practices, techniques, operations Basic math, logical reasoning, and problem solving skills Ability to lift up to 50 pounds 0-2 years of experience Exceptional Benefits: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Paid Vacation and Holidays 401(k) Employer Match Company Paid Short-Term Disability Insurance Company Paid Basic Life Insurance Educational Reimbursement Equal Opportunity Employer: M/F/D/V

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find milling machine operators for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

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

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with milling machine 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. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   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 milling machine operator

   Once you have selected a candidate for the milling 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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