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How to hire a pickling operator

Pickling operator hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring pickling operators in the United States:

  • In the United States, the median cost per hire a pickling operator 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 pickling operator to become settled and show total productivity levels at work.

How to hire a pickling operator, step by step

To hire a pickling operator, you should clearly understand the skills and experience you are looking for in a candidate, and allocate a budget for the position. You will also need to post and promote the job opening to reach potential candidates. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to hire a pickling operator:

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

    Before you start hiring a pickling 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?

    You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a pickling 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 pickling operator that fits the bill.

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

    Type of Pickling OperatorDescriptionHourly rate
    Pickling Operator$11-25
    OperatorOperators 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
    Machine OperatorMachine operators are responsible for managing the machines assigned to them. They set up, install, operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and ensure quality output... Show more$12-19
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Etch
    Responsibilities:
    • Clamp sheets and put them in a vat of hydroflouric acid solution until desire thickness is achieved.
    • Manage aluminum structural/pipe fabrication turnaround: cross-country CGIT/IPB megawatt electrical power conductors.
    • Perform preventive maintenance, electronic robotic operation, pneumatic system operation, and initial quality control.
    • Maintain and organize production log books, charts and batch records according to industry standards and FDA regulations.
  3. Make a budget

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

    • Location. For example, pickling operators' average salary in indiana is 36% less than in oregon.
    • Seniority. Entry-level pickling operators 55% less than senior-level pickling operators.
    • Certifications. A pickling 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 pickling operator's salary.

    Average pickling operator salary

    $36,148yearly

    $17.38 hourly rate

    Entry-level pickling operator salary
    $24,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 15, 2025
  4. Writing a pickling operator job description

    A pickling 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 pickling operator job description:

    Pickling operator job description example

    This position of AP1 Pickling/SKP operator is responsible for all operating functions as listed below. Operation of the AP1 Unit must be understood in total with the focus of utilizing the equipment to meet all the quality and productivity goals as outlined in our quality system. All work instructions must be followed as outlined.


    ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

    1.) Check schedule of coils to be run to insure correct coil is on the line.

    2.) Receive communication from entry of coil number running and observe for any defects and correct as necessary.

    3.) Insure entire pickling section is per work instructions.

    4.) Monitor coils in line for steering and defects, correct as necessary.

    5.) Insure SKP is operating as per work instructions.

    6.) Insure all trimming activities are per work instructions and meet quality standards.

    7.) Start the coil to the Coiler Reel and insert Interleaving Paper as per work instructions.

    8.) Take acid samples every three hours and make additions per work instructions.

    9.) Contact Waste Water Treatment Plant Operator as necessary.

    10.) Properly identify coils exiting the unit as per work instructions.

    11.) Follow all prescribed safety rules.

    12.) Housekeeping/maintenance work as assigned.

    13.) Any other jobs as assigned.


    SUPPLEMENTAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

    1.) Other duties as assigned.

    2.) Participation in continuous improvement programs.


    MINIMUM EDUCATION, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

    Minimum of a High School Degree or Equivalent (GED)


    PHYSICAL ABILITIES REQUIRED:

    1.) Mobility: Stand (stationary) - 15%, stand/walk - 45%, walking - 15%, sitting - 25%.

    2.) Strength and Agility: Lifting - occ. 75#, carrying - occ. 150 ft., push/pull - occ. 75#, climbing - occ., balancing - occ., bending - occ., stooping - occ., crouching - occ., kneeling - occ., crawling - occ., running - occ., twisting - occ., turning - occ.

    3.) Dexterity: Grasping (firm/strong), finger dexterity/handling, reaching

    • Mobility in plant
    • Ability to lift at least 50 lbs.
    • Visual ability with or without correction
    • Ability to work a rotating shift (rotating from days to nights on a weekly or bi-weekly schedule).
    • Communication abilities

    HEALTH AND SAFETY

    1.) Work in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and regulations.

    2.) Follow Company safety rules.

    3.) Report the absence of or defect in any protective equipment or clothing to the Supervisor or Manager immediately.

    4.) Use or wear the equipment, protective devices or clothing that is required to be used or worn:

    • Safety shoes
    • Safety glasses
    • Hearing protection

    5.) Report to the Safety Coordinator, Group Lead or Supervisor any contravention of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations or Company policy.

    6.) Must follow all Lock out Tag out (LOTO) guidelines for designated machines.

    7.) Maintain a clean and safe work area.


    WORK ENVIRONMENT:

    1.) Work in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and regulations.

    2.) Clean, well ventilated and safe work areas.


  5. Post your job

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

    To successfully recruit pickling operators, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up 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 pickling operator

    Once you've decided on a perfect pickling operator 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.

    Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new pickling 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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How much does it cost to hire a pickling operator?

There are different types of costs for hiring pickling operators. 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 pickling operator employee.

You can expect to pay around $36,148 per year for a pickling operator, as this is the median yearly salary nationally. This can vary depending on what state or city you're hiring in. If you're hiring for contract work or on a per-project basis, hourly rates for pickling operators in the US typically range between $11 and $25 an hour.

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