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How to hire a robotic machine operator

Robotic machine operator hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring robotic machine operators in the United States:

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

How to hire a robotic machine operator, step by step

To hire a robotic machine 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 robotic machine operator:

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

    The robotic machine 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 robotic machine 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 robotic machine operators.

    Type of Robotic Machine OperatorDescriptionHourly rate
    Robotic Machine Operator$11-19
    PackagerPackagers are skilled employees who place completed products into containers and prepare them for shipment by weighing and labeling each package. As the final checkpoints between buyer and manufacturer, packagers must ensure that items are in proper working order as well as discard defective items according to company procedures... Show more$10-21
    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
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Program Robots
    • Calipers
    • CNC
    • Production Equipment
    • Quality Checks
    • Quality Inspection
    • Spot Welding
    • RAN
    • Machine Operation
    • Troubleshoot
    • Assembly Line
    • FANUC
    • Customer Specifications
    • Production Processes
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Measure parts using micrometers, calipers, and gauges.
    • Gain knowledge to troubleshoot mold operations and perform repairs.
    • Control & troubleshoot automate extrusion line adjusting speed & feed, monitoring temperature, & finish material specification per customers order.
    • Measure and mark reference points and cutting lines on work pieces, using trace templates, compasses, and rules.
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your robotic machine operator job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A robotic machine operator salary can vary based on several factors:
    • Location. For example, robotic machine operators' average salary in wyoming is 53% less than in connecticut.
    • Seniority. Entry-level robotic machine operators earn 40% less than senior-level robotic machine operators.
    • Certifications. A robotic machine 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 robotic machine operator's salary.

    Average robotic machine operator salary

    $15.02hourly

    $31,236 yearly

    Entry-level robotic machine operator salary
    $24,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 13, 2025
  4. Writing a robotic machine operator job description

    A job description for a robotic machine operator role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's a robotic machine operator job description:

    Robotic machine operator job description example

    Experience with 480 volt 3 phase electric and automatic machines

    Lockout/Tagout Compliance Video

    Lockout/Tagout Affected Employees Video

    Forklift Safety Video

    MSDS Training Video

    Welding Safety Video

    DFWP Policy Knowledge

    ISO Informative Training

    Quality Informative Training

    Weight Lifting (or other physical) Requirements to Perform the Duties of the Job

    Ability to work in positions necessary to work on various machines

    Ability to stand and walk to meet shift requirements and all mandatory overtime

    Ability to lift up to 50 pounds periodically

    Ability to work in confined spaces

    Ability to work at a height of 30 feet above the floor

    Ability to take break and lunch according to company needs

  5. Company DescriptionTime Staffing provides customized employment services to businesses and people looking for employment in the communities we serve. We focus our time on critical factors that ensure our clients and employees are positioned for success. Time Staffing is different in three key areas;

    • Certified Staffing Specialists – Our team members are Certified Staffing Professionals through the American Staffing Association. While less than 5% of our industry can claim this distinction, Time Staffing believes this certification benefits our clients through working with highly trained professionals that have shown a commitment to the profession and have a deeper understanding of employment law

    • Emphasis on performance and safety – Time Staffing understands that performance and safety go hand in hand. That is why we require Safety Training for every pre-screened candidate, Client Safety Worksite Evaluations, and Routine Candidate Performance and Client Business Reviews

    • Industry Leading Performance – Time Staffing consistently exceeds the industry ASA average of 30% of associates being hired full time by clients. Based on our clients’ feedback, Time Staffing’s turnover rates are consistently lower than our competitors, ranging between 10% and as high as 50% lower turnover.
  • Post your job

    To find robotic machine 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 robotic machine operators they would recommend.
    • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level robotic machine 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 robotic machine operator job on Zippia to find and recruit robotic machine operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  • Interview candidates

    Recruiting robotic machine operators requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

    It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you 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.

  • Send a job offer and onboard your new robotic machine operator

    Once you have selected a candidate for the robotic 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 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 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.

  • 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 robotic machine operator?

    Before you start to hire robotic machine 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 robotic machine 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 $31,236 per year for a robotic machine 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 robotic machine operators in the US typically range between $11 and $19 an hour.

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