How to hire a repair operator

How to hire a repair operator, step by step

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

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a repair 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

   Hiring the perfect repair 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.

   This list shows salaries for various types of repair operators.

   Type of Repair Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Repair Operator	Stationary engineers and boiler operators control stationary engines, boilers, or other mechanical equipment to provide utilities for buildings or for industrial purposes.	$13-35
   Mechanical Spreader Operator	A mechanical spreader operators manage and operate all equipment in various industries where they perform their jobs. The operators work as general mechanics in building HVAC, general building maintenance, and pump station operations... Show more	$14-27
   Maintenance Operator	Maintenance operators are skilled technicians who use a variety of small equipment and tools to perform and assist in the maintenance activities of a business establishment. These operators are required to assist the equipment manager in preparing preventative maintenance procedures so that they can increase productivity and reduce downtime of equipment... Show more	$12-22

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Utility Systems
   • Preventive Maintenance
   • Ladders
   • HVAC
   • Plumbing
   • Fire Protection
   • Emergency Repairs
   • Hand Tools
   • Ventilation
   • Circuit Boards
   • Hot Water
   • Water Pumps
   • Water Treatment
   • Cooling Towers

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage the master calendar and schedule resources such as communication equipment, weapons, transportation and ammunition forecast and delivery.
   • Perform all necessary blowdowns and repairs, inc. soot blowers.
   • Follow all safety standards and OSHA standards to work safely and efficiently.
   • Repair and service of all plumbing, lighting, and fire alarm systems.
   • Perform major and minor repairs to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment.
   • Check and test the various HVAC equipment and maintain adequate chemicals in boilers and towers.

   More repair operator duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in the repair operator job description is a good way to get more applicants. A repair operator salary can be affected by several factors, such as the location of the job, the level of experience, education, certifications, and the employer's prestige.

   For example, the average salary for a repair operator in New Mexico may be lower than in Delaware, and an entry-level engineer typically earns less than a senior-level repair operator. Additionally, a repair operator with lots of experience in the field may command a higher salary as a result.

   Average repair operator salary

   $45,698yearly

   $21.97 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level repair operator salary

   $28,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 14, 2025

   Average repair operator salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	District of Columbia	$48,105	$23
   2	New York	$45,813	$22
   3	Illinois	$45,749	$22
   4	Indiana	$41,387	$20
   5	Arizona	$40,178	$19
   6	Iowa	$39,694	$19
   7	Colorado	$39,624	$19
   8	Washington	$39,327	$19
   9	Florida	$36,444	$18
   10	Missouri	$35,877	$17
   11	South Carolina	$33,097	$16
   12	New Mexico	$32,064	$15
   13	Texas	$30,578	$15

   Average repair operator salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Smithsonian Institution	$86,105	$41.40
   2	Department of Homeland Security	$69,423	$33.38
   3	VIVA USA	$67,434	$32.42
   4	National Gallery of Art	$56,509	$27.17
   5	US Meat Animal Research Center	$54,936	$26.41
   6	National Park Foundation	$50,422	$24.24
   7	United States Marine Corps	$49,011	$23.56
   8	Bramble Outdoor	$47,366	$22.77	6
   9	Bertelsmann	$45,370	$21.81	2
   10	GE Appliances	$44,716	$21.50
   11	Indian Health Service	$44,339	$21.32
   12	Komatsu America Corp.	$43,821	$21.07
   13	Mercury Systems	$43,654	$20.99
   14	Raytheon Technologies	$42,441	$20.40	18
   15	Gibson	$41,843	$20.12	1
   16	PepsiCo	$41,016	$19.72	5
   17	CHEP	$37,141	$17.86	4
   18	Aerotek	$33,360	$16.04	213
   19	Peco Foods	$29,248	$14.06	5

4. Writing a repair operator job description

   A repair 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 repair operator job description:

   Repair operator job description example

   Motorola Solutions is there for our customers when everything is on the line. In extreme moments - when a hurricane lands or when a fire breaks out. And in everyday moments - when a package arrives just in time for the holiday or when a child doesn't miss the school bus home.
   
   We unify voice, data, video and analytics in one integrated ecosystem to enable individuals, businesses and communities to work together in more powerful ways. To help people make better decisions, act confidently and be their best in the moments that matter. Bring your passion, potential and talents to Motorola Solutions and connect with a career that matters.
   
   Our Applied Technology organization puts some of Motorola Solutions' brightest minds on unique, highly challenging projects. Based on decades of experience with our customers, we apply leading-edge technologies to support security and safety throughout the world. We engineer our products from start to finish and manufacture them in-house. We're known for low volume and high capability with focused specialization in areas including software-defined radios, advanced antenna solutions, artificial intelligence and machine learning, cybersecurity, signals intelligence and more. We can't tell you much more about what we do, but we can tell you it's amazing.
   Job Description
   Assembling and repairing product of varying degrees of complexity Performing assembly and rework tasks per all build documentation, including Process Flow Sheets, Assembly Drawings, Work Instructions and Procedures.Completing and signing off tasks using the production control software Following direction from engineering personnel, both written and verbal Performing visual inspection of assembly work using IPC-A-610 and J-STD-001 guidelines to meet a minimum of Class 2 specifications.Managing work on multiple projects, with different team members, priorities, and delivery schedules.Following good ESD practices, and procedures.Practicing good house-keeping, safety, security, and adherence to department policies, and procedures.Basic computer skills.The ability to demonstrate soldering experience on densely populated surface mount, through-hole, and wire technology.The ability to demonstrate rework and modification experience on densely populated PCBS.Must demonstrate knowledge of Basic Component Identification, including polarity markings, pin designators, and reference designators.Must be organized and detail oriented, with the ability to work independently, under minimal supervision.The ability to effectively interface with designers, engineers and quality personnel, and management.The ability to train others in similar tasks required.The ability to use numerous types of equipment and assembly tools, including microscopes, soldering irons, reflow equipment, tweezers, calipers, picks, scalpels, hot plates, epoxies, etc.Must be able to sit at a microscope for extended periods.Must be able to lift a maximum 30 lbs. as required.Must be able to stand for a minimum of 2hrs. as required.Excellent attendance required.Complete IPC certification within 3 months of hire, or have current certification.Must be able to work overtime as required.Knowledge of Basic electronics a plus.Knowledge of IPC-/WHMA-A-620 and IPC-7711/7721 a plus.
   
   #LI-JM2
   #LI-ONSITE
   Basic Requirements
   High School Diploma/GED required for this position.5+ years of relevant work experience. Including rework, repair and modification.U.S. Citizenship required. With the ability to obtain necessary security clearance as required by government contractors.
   
   Vaccine Requirement
   Motorola Solutions has implemented a voluntary COVID-19 vaccination policy. We strongly encourage all employees to be fully vaccinated. Additionally, certain local governments or Motorola Solutions' customers may have vaccine requirements that apply to some of our employees. These employees are required to submit proof of vaccination to Motorola Solutions and maintain compliance with these requirements.
   
   Travel Requirements
   None
   Relocation Provided
   None
   Position Type
   Experienced
   Referral Payment Plan
   Yes
   
   Our U.S. Benefits include:
   Incentive Bonus PlansMedical, Dental, Vision benefits effective Day 1401K with Company Match and Day 1 vesting9 Paid HolidaysGenerous Paid Time Off PackagesEmployee Stock Purchase PlanPaid Parental & Family Leaveand more!
   EEO Statement
   Motorola Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran's status, or, any other protected characteristic.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find repair operators for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any repair operators they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level repair operators with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

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

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with repair 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.

   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 repair operator

   Once you have selected a candidate for the repair 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 important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   To prepare for the new repair operator first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

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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