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How to hire a plastic press operator

Plastic press operator hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring plastic press operators in the United States:

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

How to hire a plastic press operator, step by step

To hire a plastic press 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 plastic press operator:

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

    The plastic press operator hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    Hiring the perfect plastic press operator 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.

    Here's a comparison of plastic press operator salaries for various roles:

    Type of Plastic Press OperatorDescriptionHourly rate
    Plastic Press OperatorMetal and plastic machine workers set up and operate machines that cut, shape, and form metal and plastic materials or pieces.$12-18
    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
    Press Brake OperatorA press brake is a machine used to manipulate metal into various shapes and forms. Press brake operators manufacture tools, metal, and other pieces of equipment using a press brake to make punches, bends, and cuts into sheet or plate metal... Show more$13-21
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Hand Tools
    • Calipers
    • Quality Products
    • Machine Operation
    • Quality Checks
    • Press Machine
    Responsibilities:
    • Measure thickness of material with calipers and micrometers while sanding to keep material within allowable tolerances.
    • Operate an extrusion press which produce aluminum products.
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your plastic press operator job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A plastic press operator salary can vary based on several factors:
    • Location. For example, plastic press operators' average salary in florida is 31% less than in nevada.
    • Seniority. Entry-level plastic press operators earn 34% less than senior-level plastic press operators.
    • Certifications. A plastic press operator 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 plastic press operator's salary.

    Average plastic press operator salary

    $14.87hourly

    $30,936 yearly

    Entry-level plastic press operator salary
    $25,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 19, 2025
  4. Writing a plastic press operator job description

    A good plastic press operator 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 plastic press operator job description:

    Plastic press operator job description example

    1st shift (5:00a.m. -5:30p.m.) - $15.00 per hour


    Signing Bonus - $1000


    SUMMARY

    Set up and operate machine tools such as pressing, planning, sawing, grinding, and weigh material, to machine nonmetallic work pieces by performing the following duties.

    ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

    Read and follow Job order for product specifications such as dimensions, tolerances, and pounds, machining instruction such as feed rate, cutting speeds, closing speeds and determine sequence of operations.

    Document and keep logs, routings and various forms updated.

    Fill bags with resin to required weight and stage at the proper location. Scrap, clean, spray mold release, fill, and level the press.

    Sort and test material to ensure it is UHMW-PE prior to grinding, milling and putting in stock. Load chipper with correct materials.

    Set up and operate the CNC saw and planer, pull the required quantity of sheets, ensure the part numbers are the same, and machine to the specifications of the job traveler.

    Operate fork lift proficiently. Follow safety regulations.

    Ensure equipment is properly maintained.

    Report problems or concerns to supervisor in a timely manner.


    Teamwork is essential for TSE's continued success, so Teamwork is an essential function of every employee's job. Teamwork drives positive results every day. Teamwork promotes positive customer relations and results in exceeding the expectations of our customers. Teamwork benefits every employee since it grows our business and increases our sales. With Teamwork, we all succeed. Without it, we all suffer. Teamwork with co-workers in the same department is just the beginning. Teamwork with every other employee, department and division is the Teamwork that is required to succeed. WE ARE TSE.

    Requirements:

    CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

    Must have a valid driver's license. Forklift experience preferred.

    COMPETENCY To perform this job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following:

    Analytical – Synthesize complex or diverse information; collect and research data; use intuition and experience to complement data; design work flows and procedures.

    Problem Solving – Identify and resolve problems in a timely manner; gather and analyze information skillfully develop alternative solutions' works well in a group problem solving situation; use reason even when dealing with emotional topics.

    Teamwork – Balance team and individual responsibilities; exhibit objectivity and openness to others' views; provide and welcome feedback; contribute to building a positive team spirit; place success of team above own interests; able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; support everyone's efforts to succeed.

    SAFETY TRAINING To perform this job successfully, an individual must complete and maintain the following Safety Training requirements.

    General Safety Orientation Forklift Safety Training Forklift Certification Training

    Hazard Communications Training Hearing Protection Training

    QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

    EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

    High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

    LANGUAGE SKILLS

    Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on- one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.


    MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

    Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

    REASONING ABILITY

    Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.

    PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

    While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and taste or smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

    WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

    While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is frequently exposed to vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.



    PI193576295

  5. Post your job

    There are various strategies that you can use to find the right plastic press operator 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 plastic press operator job on Zippia to find and recruit plastic press operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    To successfully recruit plastic press 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.

    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 plastic press operator

    Once you've decided on a perfect plastic press 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 equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with 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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How much does it cost to hire a plastic press operator?

Before you start to hire plastic press operators, it pays to consider both the one-off costs like recruitment, job promotion, and onboarding, as well as the ongoing costs of an employee's salary and benefits. While most companies that hire plastic press operators pay close attention to the initial cost of hiring, ongoing costs are much more significant in the long run.

You can expect to pay around $30,936 per year for a plastic press 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 plastic press operators in the US typically range between $12 and $18 an hour.

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