How to hire a saw operator

How to hire a saw operator, step by step

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

What does a saw operator do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The saw 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?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a saw operator to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a saw operator that fits the bill.

   This list presents saw operator salaries for various positions.

   Type of Saw Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Saw Operator	Woodworkers manufacture a variety of products such as cabinets and furniture, using wood, veneers, and laminates. They often combine and incorporate different materials into wood.	$12-18
   Machine Operator/Forklift Operator	A machine operator/forklift operator is responsible for operating industrial trucks to move merchandise around the warehouse facilities and other assigned areas. Machine operators/forklift operators also assist with inventory tasks by scanning orders and ensuring the correct merchandise for shipment... Show more	$12-18
   Metal Fabricator	A metal fabricator manipulates metal for construction and manufacturing companies. They are required to cut, shape, position and align different metals... Show more	$13-23

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Tape Measure
   • Hand Tools
   • Basic Math
   • Math
   • Aluminum
   • Safety Procedures
   • CNC
   • Overhead Cranes
   • Band Saws
   • Verifies Dimensions
   • Machine Operation
   • Power Saws
   • Routine Maintenance
   • Stainless Steel

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
   • Used spread sheets, calipers, micrometers, and other gauges to ensure proper sizes and quality of finish products.
   • Utilize precision measuring instruments such as calipers and micrometers.
   • Use various size micrometers, calibers, and gauges accurately.
   • Perform minor machine maintenance, such as oiling and cleaning machines, etc.
   • Fabricate and cut rolled copper into specific parts for use in HVAC applications.

   More saw operator duties

3. Make a budget

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

   • Location. For example, saw operators' average salary in arkansas is 31% less than in oregon.
   • Seniority. Entry-level saw operators 32% less than senior-level saw operators.
   • Certifications. A saw 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 saw operator's salary.

   Average saw operator salary

   $15.54hourly

   $32,319 yearly

   ---

   Entry-level saw operator salary

   $26,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 22, 2025

   Average saw operator salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Oregon	$39,278	$19
   2	Washington	$38,154	$18
   3	Minnesota	$37,288	$18
   4	Colorado	$34,965	$17
   5	California	$34,922	$17
   6	Indiana	$34,464	$17
   7	Wisconsin	$34,109	$16
   8	Pennsylvania	$32,972	$16
   9	Ohio	$32,926	$16
   10	Illinois	$32,130	$15
   11	Michigan	$32,005	$15
   12	Utah	$31,365	$15
   13	Oklahoma	$31,284	$15
   14	North Carolina	$30,516	$15
   15	Kentucky	$30,421	$15
   16	New York	$30,189	$15
   17	Tennessee	$30,123	$14
   18	Iowa	$30,034	$14
   19	Florida	$29,209	$14
   20	Georgia	$29,045	$14

   Average saw operator salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Micro Metals Inc.	$41,688	$20.04
   2	Arconic	$40,967	$19.70	10
   3	Valmont Industries	$40,699	$19.57	17
   4	American Woodmark	$40,146	$19.30	1
   5	Clyde Companies	$40,068	$19.26	3
   6	Columbus McKinnon	$39,863	$19.16	1
   7	Precision Castparts	$39,803	$19.14	46
   8	Manatt's	$39,055	$18.78
   9	Oldcastle Infrastructure	$38,408	$18.47	338
   10	Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co	$38,384	$18.45	20
   11	Farwest Steel	$38,236	$18.38
   12	UFP Industries	$37,899	$18.22	31
   13	Chicago Tube & Iron	$37,857	$18.20	1
   14	Alro Steel	$37,673	$18.11	16
   15	Masonite	$37,613	$18.08
   16	MMC	$37,589	$18.07
   17	NOVAworks	$37,359	$17.96
   18	Atkore International	$37,314	$17.94	16
   19	Rosboro	$36,975	$17.78
   20	Construction Forms Inc	$36,823	$17.70

4. Writing a saw operator job description

   A job description for a saw 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 saw operator job description:

   Saw operator job description example

   OMAX is seeking a Saw Operator (Machine Operator) for our Kent, Washington location. The ideal candidate will be a part of an innovative and collaborative team and play an important role in our Waterjet business.
   
   As a 100% Associate-owned, global leader in providing advanced industrial cutting solutions, Hypertherm offers a collaborative work environment while promoting empowerment and a positive work-life balance.
   
   If this sounds like an exciting opportunity, here are some other ways you'll help positively impact our business as a Saw Operator:
   
   Perform and maintain manufacturing processes to produce products that exceed our customer's expectations in terms of quality, performance and value Perform manufacturing processes in machining, assembly and packaging as well as enhance machinery performance to prevent machine downtime Support and participate in the use of lean systems and be involved in process improvement initiatives to manufacture the highest priority parts
   Who you are and the experience you will bring:
   This position requires a High School Diploma or equivalent and basic math skills Must have basic written and verbal communication and computer skills using MS Office
   
   Preferred experience to differentiate you:
   Previous experience in Machining in a manufacturing environment and knowledge of CNC operation Ability to interpret and use process documentation Understanding of Lead manufacturing tools and concepts Basic troubleshooting Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings
   
   Why join Hypertherm?
   Collaborative, 100% employee-owned culture New Hire Sign-On BonusProfit-Sharing and Employee Stock Ownership (ESOP) Paid Community Service Time Strong commitment to Environmental Stewardship Stable, growing organization with a no-layoff philosophy
   
   Hypertherm is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and we welcome all applications. All employment decisions are based on business need, job requirements and our values as an associate-owned company without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
   CURRENT ASSOCIATES OR TEMPORARY ASSOCIATES: Please apply via your internal Workday career account.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find saw 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 saw operators they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level saw 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 saw operator job on Zippia to find and recruit saw 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 saw 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.

   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.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new saw operator

   Once you've found the saw operator candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

   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 saw 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.)

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How much does it cost to hire a saw operator?