How to hire a saddle stitch operator

How to hire a saddle stitch operator, step by step

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

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a saddle stitch 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

   A saddle stitch operator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, saddle stitch operators from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

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

   Type of Saddle Stitch Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Saddle Stitch Operator		$14-24
   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
   Bindery Operator	In the publishing industry, a bindery operator is primarily in charge of operating the machine that binds the pages of magazines, books, and other products. They are also responsible for following guidelines and schedules, maintaining records, conducting regular maintenance checks on machines, and performing basic repairs and adjustments when necessary... Show more	$14-21

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Routine Maintenance
   • Quality Products
   • Troubleshoot
   • Inkjet
   • Stitching
   • Quality Checks
   • Safety Procedures
   • General Maintenance
   • RAN
   • Machine Operation
   • Quality Standards

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage mail heads, stackers and print pockets and train crew members on same.
   • Complete finishing services including binding, cutting, gathering, stapling, stitching, trimming, gluing.
   • Handle specific orders with case binding, saddle stitching, hand stitching, perfect binders, and other bindery operations
   • Operate heavy machinery such as bobcat equipment and also operate and pave asphalt perform demolition work.
   • Work with Nordson, Leary, Pafra, and Valco glue systems

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your saddle stitch operator job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A saddle stitch operator salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, saddle stitch operators' average salary in louisiana is 31% less than in minnesota.
   • Seniority. Entry-level saddle stitch operators earn 38% less than senior-level saddle stitch operators.
   • Certifications. A saddle stitch 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 saddle stitch operator's salary.

   Average saddle stitch operator salary

   $39,879yearly

   $19.17 hourly rate

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   Entry-level saddle stitch operator salary

   $31,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 15, 2025

4. Writing a saddle stitch operator job description

   A job description for a saddle stitch 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 saddle stitch operator job description:

   Saddle stitch operator job description example

   Middle Georgia printing company is looking for Saddle Stitcher/Bindery Operators. Responsibilities include the operation and routine maintenance of binding machines. A qualified applicant should be able to complete job orders and meet all quality standards after 90 days of training on the machine. Machine operation and mechanical knowledge is essential. This position is open for 3 shifts. shift will be negotiated at hire.

   Education

   Employees at this level must have a high school diploma or advanced technical school training.

   Experience

   3 years of successful employment in a production environment.

   Skills and Abilities

   • You should have the ability to read and interpret work instructions, safety guidelines, job instructions and other work related material
   • You must be able to communicate with other manufacturing and warehouse employees verbally and via computer, entering basic data into system including time sheet information
   • You should have the ability to perform basic math in set ups
   • A strong mechanical aptitude
   • Familiarity with manufacturing environment, operation of moving equipment

   • You should be able to follow written and verbal instructions
   • You should work safely to prevent on-the-job injuries
   • You should be familiar with small tool adjustments, use of lift equipment

   Come join a team of excellence. Panaprint has been in business over 48 years, an average of 45% of our employees have been here over 20 years. Panaprint is a great place to work and build your career.

   This job is located in Macon, GA. Company will help with relocation costs for the right candidate.

   *Panaprint is a Drug Free Workplace. You will be required to pass a pre-employment Drug Screen.

   Company Description49 year old printing company in Macon, Georgia is hiring. Good pay and benefits. Nice working environment. Beautiful 250,000 square foot climate-controlled facility with up-to-date equipment.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find the right saddle stitch operator for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with saddle stitch operators they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit saddle stitch operators who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

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

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit saddle stitch operators, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   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 saddle stitch operator

   Once you've decided on a perfect saddle stitch 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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