How to hire a slitter operator

How to hire a slitter operator, step by step

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

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your slitter 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 slitter 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

   A slitter operator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, slitter 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.

   This list presents slitter operator salaries for various positions.

   Type of Slitter Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Slitter Operator	Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate machines that cut, shape, and form metal and plastic materials or pieces.	$12-20
   Manufacturing Operator	A manufacturing operator is primarily responsible for overseeing and controlling the performance of machines and equipment, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities revolve around monitoring production operations, conducting regular maintenance checks to ensure the accuracy and quality of machinery, performing corrective measures and adjustments as needed, and assessing the quality of finished products, all while adhering to deadlines and goals... Show more	$12-20
   Production Operator	A production operator is responsible for handling and monitoring manufacturing machines in a factory or similar establishment, ensuring that everything is running smoothly and according to schedule. Aside from assisting with the processing and packaging of goods, a production operator must also conduct necessary inspections to the machine or equipment that they are using to make sure that it is in good condition and is safe to use... Show more	$12-21

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Math
   • Basic Math
   • Tape Measure
   • Safety Rules
   • Slitter Machine
   • Safety Procedures
   • Quality Checks
   • Quality Standards
   • Calipers
   • Overhead Cranes
   • Slitters
   • Steel Coils
   • Machine Operation
   • Product Quality

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Preform weld process on various metals including mild steel, aluminum, stainless steel, and galvanize metals.
   • Operate die-cutter and flexo machines.
   • Operate eastman CNC cutting machine.
   • Die cut, emboss and foil stamp print material.
   • Weld with MIG welders, automatic guide, and free hand.
   • Operate a CNC slitter, tripod slitter, and other relate processes.

   More slitter operator duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in the slitter operator job description is a good way to get more applicants. A slitter 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 slitter operator in Arizona may be lower than in Alaska, and an entry-level engineer typically earns less than a senior-level slitter operator. Additionally, a slitter operator with lots of experience in the field may command a higher salary as a result.

   Average slitter operator salary

   $16.44hourly

   $34,188 yearly

   ---

   Entry-level slitter operator salary

   $27,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 14, 2025

   Average slitter operator salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	New Hampshire	$41,941	$20
   2	Connecticut	$41,816	$20
   3	California	$40,214	$19
   4	Minnesota	$39,430	$19
   5	Wisconsin	$38,115	$18
   6	New York	$37,956	$18
   7	Ohio	$36,532	$18
   8	Indiana	$35,944	$17
   9	Illinois	$35,823	$17
   10	Pennsylvania	$35,572	$17
   11	Michigan	$35,191	$17
   12	Georgia	$32,688	$16
   13	Mississippi	$32,251	$16
   14	Alabama	$31,081	$15
   15	North Carolina	$30,867	$15
   16	Tennessee	$30,670	$15

   Average slitter operator salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Olympic Steel	$41,608	$20.00	7
   2	North American Stainless	$41,559	$19.98
   3	Metals USA	$41,106	$19.76	25
   4	Novelis	$40,540	$19.49	7
   5	Avery Dennison	$39,903	$19.18	54
   6	Target	$39,100	$18.80	2
   7	Greif	$39,097	$18.80	37
   8	Amcor	$38,527	$18.52	91
   9	WestRock	$38,212	$18.37	40
   10	Sonoco	$38,047	$18.29	3
   11	ITT	$37,771	$18.16	4
   12	Atkore International	$37,587	$18.07	12
   13	BorgWarner	$37,520	$18.04
   14	Kenwal Steel	$36,521	$17.56
   15	Precoat Metals	$36,015	$17.31	3
   16	Klöckner Pentaplast	$35,604	$17.12
   17	Inteplast Group	$35,570	$17.10	6
   18	Loparex	$35,189	$16.92	4
   19	First American Financial	$34,725	$16.69
   20	RRD	$34,722	$16.69	40

4. Writing a slitter operator job description

   A good slitter operator job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a slitter operator job description:

   Slitter operator job description example

   DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
   Perform set-up and operate slitting equipment to produce product according to quality and productivity requirements.
   Maintain accurate documentation.
   Provide training as required.
   Provide communication on a daily basis with management, leadmen, maintenance, shift personnel, etc.
   Maintain housekeeping standards of slitter and the surrounding area.
   Perform packing and material handling tasks as required.
   Cut cores as needed.
   Responsible for helping the site meet their quality objectives.
   Assist Press Operators as needed.
   Follow all company safety rules and procedures.
   Maintain a safe and clean working environment.
   Perform related duties as assigned by Supervisor.
   
   QUALIFICATIONS
   High School Diploma or GED.
   Minimum 2 years of slitting experience preferred.
   Good mechanical ability.
   Demonstrate ability to work well under pressure.
   Good oral and written communication skills.
   General knowledge of computers preferred.
   Ability to use gauges and calipers.
   Good math skills.
   Able to pay attention to detail.
   
   WORKING CONDITIONS
   While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually high. Must be GMP compliant with gowning and proper attire/uniforms (i.e., head/shoe/beard covers and eye protection) where required. May be required to wear ear plugs. Ambient temperature can be as high as 110 degrees during summer months.
   
   PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
   While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; bend; crouch; reach; kneel, crawl, use hands & fingers; talk and hear. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 12 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
   
   *The job duties, working conditions and physical requirements described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Where possible, reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions where it does not cause undue hardship or safety risks to the company and/or the employee.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

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

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting slitter 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. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   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 slitter operator

   Once you have selected a candidate for the slitter 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.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new slitter operator. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are 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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