How to hire a router machine operator

How to hire a router machine operator, step by step

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

Post a router machine operator job for free, promote it for a fee

Post free

1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your router machine operator job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a router machine operator for hire on a part-time basis or as a 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 router 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 router machine operators.

   Type of Router Machine Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Router Machine Operator	Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate machines that cut, shape, and form metal and plastic materials or pieces.	$11-18
   Operator	Operators 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
   Set-Up Operator	A machine set-up operator operates machinery such as grinders, bores, and mills. They prepare machines to be used by organizing tools, setting valve directions, sharpening tools as needed, positioning tools, and conducting regular maintenance.	$13-25

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Hand Tools
   • Aluminum

   Responsibilities:

   • Inspect various parts using micrometers and ring gauges for Q.C.
   • Control & troubleshoot automate extrusion line adjusting speed & feed, monitoring temperature, & finish material specification per customers order.
   • Record statistics on ISO documentation, and coordinate with machine technicians and electrical technicians to keep machines operating at maximum efficiency.

3. Make a budget

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

   • Location. For example, router machine operators' average salary in kentucky is 34% less than in massachusetts.
   • Seniority. Entry-level router machine operators 37% less than senior-level router machine operators.
   • Certifications. A router machine 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 router machine operator's salary.

   Average router machine operator salary

   $14.86hourly

   $30,904 yearly

   ---

   Entry-level router machine operator salary

   $24,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 27, 2025

4. Writing a router machine operator job description

   A router machine 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. Below, you can find an example of a router machine operator job description:

   Router machine operator job description example

   As a family-owned business since 1978, GSP Companies strives to make retail better. With an unparalleled commitment to innovation and a deep understanding of consumer-facing businesses, we develop solutions that impact our customers' bottom line. We have one goal: To Make Retail Better . Our clients would not find us one of the best without the people dedicated to making retail better. We want you to join in on this goal!

   Immediate openings available now. Become a part of a dedicated team that gets orders ready for customers relying on GSP Companies services throughout the US. Find the right GSP opportunity for you today!

   Router Summary:

   Router Operators are responsible for making sure the specifics of a job that needs cutting on a large router are understood and followed prior to cutting printed work. Functions require fine cuts using large machinery. The finished product can be of varying size of shape. Functions require an eye for detail to ensure that finished print jobs are cut to specification. The position is responsible for meeting quality standards for each job.

   Position Responsibilities:

   • Take printed stock and cut to the proper dimensions as called for on the production order
   • Operate a large router to make details custom cuts for various types of printed stock
   • Read work order and verify all fabrication, that needs to be accomplished before cutting, is completed
   • Utilize forklift as needed

   Basic qualifications:

   • Ability to speak, read and write English
   • Available for weekend work schedules and overtime
   • Required to lift up to a minimum of 50lbs
   • Required to follow safety instructions and adhere to safety procedures
   • Machine operation experience preferred

   Reasons you'll love working here: Health and safety are a top priority with all of our roles and sites.

   • Earn more: You can expect a competitive wage and reliable paycheck when you work for GSP Companies. On Demand payments available throughout pay period. We have shift differentials for our 2nd and 3rd shift positions, we also give merit increases every year of employment.
   • Career development: Approximately 46 percent of our entry level staff have moved into a leadership role within the company. Career path potential is found here at GSP Companies throughout the US. See where your GSP Companies journey can take you.
   • Benefits: GSP Companies has a wide range of benefits to offer, 401k match, paid time off, dental, vision, and much more.
   • Stay active: You'll be on the move for your whole shift in our fast-paced environments.

   GSP Companies is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. GSP Companies is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.

   Get your career path started with GSP Companies!

   
   
   Job Posted by ApplicantPro
   

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

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

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit router machine 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.

   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 router machine operator

   Once you've selected the best router machine operator candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the 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 router machine 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.)

   Sign up to download full list

   Sign up

How much does it cost to hire a router machine operator?