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How to hire an operating engineer apprentice

Operating engineer apprentice hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring operating engineers apprentice in the United States:

  • In the United States, the median cost per hire an operating engineer apprentice is $1,633.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • Human Resources use 15% of their expenses on recruitment on average.
  • On average, it takes around 12 weeks for a new operating engineer apprentice to become settled and show total productivity levels at work.

How to hire an operating engineer apprentice, step by step

To hire an operating engineer apprentice, you should create an ideal candidate profile, determine a budget, and post and promote your job. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to hire a operating engineer apprentice:

Here's a step-by-step operating engineer apprentice hiring guide:

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

    Before you start hiring an operating engineer apprentice, 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?

    An operating engineer apprentice's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, operating engineers apprentice 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 operating engineers apprentice.

    Type of Operating Engineer ApprenticeDescriptionHourly rate
    Operating Engineer ApprenticeConstruction equipment operators drive, maneuver, or control the heavy machinery used to construct roads, bridges, buildings, and other structures.$20-34
    Lighting Equipment OperatorA great performance needs a lighting equipment operator that will highlight the skill and features of a performer. This person is responsible for ensuring that the lighting equipment is working properly and will not have any problems... Show more$13-24
    Heavy Equipment OperatorHeavy equipment operators are skilled workers who are trained to handle heavy equipment. They are usually in the construction industry... Show more$12-27
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Mechanical Equipment
    • Plumbing
    • CDL
    • Cooling Towers
    • Mechanical Systems
    • Electrical Systems
    • Construction Equipment
    Responsibilities:
    • Edit geotechnical and tunneling drawings using AutoCAD and MicroStation.
    • Assist with plumbing and work as a temporary employee.
    • Integrate technology into curriculum, supplementing class lectures and developing student's researching skills and internet and PowerPoint proficiency.
    • Remove and install custom size vinyl replacement windows for residential homes and commercial
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your operating engineer apprentice job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. An operating engineer apprentice salary can vary based on several factors:
    • Location. For example, operating engineers apprentice' average salary in north carolina is 45% less than in connecticut.
    • Seniority. Entry-level operating engineers apprentice earn 40% less than senior-level operating engineers apprentice.
    • Certifications. An operating engineer apprentice 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 an operating engineer apprentice's salary.

    Average operating engineer apprentice salary

    $55,924yearly

    $26.89 hourly rate

    Entry-level operating engineer apprentice salary
    $43,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 14, 2025
  4. Writing an operating engineer apprentice job description

    An operating engineer apprentice 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 an operating engineer apprentice job description:

    Operating engineer apprentice job description example

    Up to $1500 paid in January 2023!

    We are looking for a Production Laborer for our sawmill located in Jacksonville, FL.

    Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

    • Maintaining safe work areas, collecting debris, and disposing of sawdust and dropped lumber in assigned areas
    • Cleaning industrial equipment and workstations
    • Relieving production positions; operating various light and heavy industrial machinery
    • Showing a willingness and flexibility to perform various job assignments that may change daily
    • Supporting our culture of safety by adhering to mill safety policies and procedures at all times *No High School Diploma or GED required*

    Required skills and experience include:

    • Ability to work outdoors in all temperatures in loud, high volume environments performing physical tasks throughout the shift
    • Ability to perform the essential functions of the position which includes walking, standing, sitting, climbing stairs, bending and lifting up to 50 pounds
    • Ability to perform all tasks in accordance with West Fraser safety policies and procedures
    • Recognize and support our team culture, communicating effectively with all team members
    • Ability to work rotating shifts, holidays, and weekends
    • Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment background check, drug screen test, and physical

    Preferred Skills:

    • Minimum of six (6) months in a manufacturing or industrial environment

    Our highly competitive compensation package and outstanding benefits include:

    • Benefits start Day 1
    • Competitive starting pay
    • On-the-job training and a
    • A culture that strongly believes in promoting from within
    • Medical
    • Dental
    • 401k
    • Life insurance
    • Disability
    • Paid vacations and holidays

    Apply:

    If you are ready to build your career in a company that thrives on growth, a safe work environment, rewarding work, challenge, and opportunity, come build your career with us; APPLY at West Fraser: www.westfraser.com

    Please attach your resume to your online profile.

    West Fraser is a diversified wood products company producing lumber, OSB, LVL, MDF, plywood, pulp, newsprint, wood chips, and energy with over 60 facilities in Canada, the United States, and Europe. We are the largest lumber producer in North America, a leading global manufacturer of wood-based panels, and the world's largest producer of oriented strand board (OSB).

    We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone inquiries, please.

    West Fraser believes inclusive, diverse teams build a more vibrant workforce, safer operations, and a stronger company overall. We strive to create workplaces and leadership teams that are reflective of the diverse communities we are a part of. We will not discriminate against any applicant for employment on the basis of race, gender, national origin, or any other protected legal characteristic.

    West Fraser is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V/D & Drug-Free Workplace

  5. Post your job

    There are a few common ways to find operating engineers apprentice 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 operating engineer apprentice job on Zippia to find and recruit operating engineer apprentice candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    Your first interview with operating engineer apprentice 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.

    Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates 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 operating engineer apprentice

    Once you've decided on a perfect operating engineer apprentice 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 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.

    After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new operating engineer apprentice. 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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How much does it cost to hire an operating engineer apprentice?

There are different types of costs for hiring operating engineers apprentice. One-time cost per hire for the recruitment process. Ongoing costs include employee salary, training, onboarding, benefits, insurance, and equipment. It is essential to consider all of these costs when evaluating hiring a new operating engineer apprentice employee.

The median annual salary for operating engineers apprentice is $55,924 in the US. However, the cost of operating engineer apprentice hiring can vary a lot depending on location. Additionally, hiring an operating engineer apprentice for contract work or on a per-project basis typically costs between $20 and $34 an hour.

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