How to hire a sorter operator

How to hire a sorter operator, step by step

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

Post a sorter operator job for free, promote it for a fee

Post free

1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your sorter 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 sorter 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 sorter 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.

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

   Type of Sorter Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Sorter Operator	Postal service workers sell postal products and collect, sort, and deliver mail.	$11-16
   Mail Processing	A mail processor is responsible for sorting mail and documents to ensure accurate delivery and distribution across the recipients. Mail processors manage route orders, send delivery information to the receivers, and update completed distributions on the database... Show more	$14-23
   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

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Check Processing
   • Safety Procedures
   • ZIP Codes
   • POD
   • Assembly Line
   • Image Capture
   • Machine Operation
   • Sorter Machine
   • Routine Maintenance
   • RF
   • Micr
   • Customer Orders
   • Quality Standards
   • Encode

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage the master calendar and schedule resources such as communication equipment, weapons, transportation and ammunition forecast and delivery.
   • Maintain safe operations of all USPS equipment through daily inspections for proper use.
   • Process checks using NDP sorter reader machines, ensuring quality and high production in deadline-driven environment.
   • Operate high speed sortation systems comprise of omni-directional accusort and scanners.
   • Identify, troubleshoot, and present recommendation regarding audit control functions within banking guidelines.
   • Monitor combat missions through satellite and computer global positioning systems in order to prepare accurate reports for unit commanders.

3. Make a budget

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

   • Location. For example, sorter operators' average salary in louisiana is 29% less than in alaska.
   • Seniority. Entry-level sorter operators 31% less than senior-level sorter operators.
   • Certifications. A sorter 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 sorter operator's salary.

   Average sorter operator salary

   $14.24hourly

   $29,616 yearly

   ---

   Entry-level sorter operator salary

   $24,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 15, 2025

4. Writing a sorter operator job description

   A sorter 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 sorter operator job description:

   Sorter operator job description example

   Apply soon! $1,500 incentive expires soon*
   
   What you will do:
   
   * Operate sorter controls for the unloading of sorter bins
   * Keep lumber straight in bins
   * Watch boards to see that they are stamped and trimmed correctly
   * Perform PM's according to area requirement
   * Keep work area clean
   * To assist other coworkers as needed
   * Perform other duties as assigned by Supervisor
   
   Education and Experience Requirements:
   
   * High School Diploma or GED required
   * Good communication skills
   * Mechanical operator's experience
   * Must know how to follow directions
   * Must have the ability to learn all required duties
   * Must be able to work unsupervised
   * Strong desire to learn other jobs
   * Quick learner
   * Good attendance record
   * Experience working in a manufacturing and/or industrial environment
   * Active employees will be paid the incentive payment in January 2023
   
   Our highly competitive compensation package and outstanding benefits include:
   
   * Benefits starting Day 1
   * Competitive starting pay
   * On-the-job training
   * A culture that strongly believes in promoting from within
   * Medical
   * Dental
   * Vision
   * Life Insurance
   * Disability Insurance
   * 401k with company match & retirement contribution
   * Employee stock Purchase Plan
   * Paid vacations and holidays
   
   Safety is one of West Fraser's core values and our employees can expect a challenging, stable work environment with career development opportunities.
   
   Apply with us:
   
   If you are ready to build your career in a company that thrives on growth, internal promotions, training, safe work environment, rewarding work, challenge, and opportunity, come build your career with us at West Fraser: www.westfraser.com/jobs
   
   We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please apply through our online application process. Be sure to attach your resume to your online profile as resumes will not be accepted at the site. No phone inquiries, please.
   
   West Fraser is a diversified wood products company producing lumber, OSB, LVL, MDF, plywood, pulp, newsprint, wood chips, and energy with over 60 facilities in Canada, the United States, and Europe. We are the largest lumber producer in North America, a leading global manufacturer of wood-based panels, and the world's largest producer of oriented strand board (OSB). We are a growing company, believe strongly in promoting from within, and pride ourselves on providing a challenging environment with continuous development. The successful candidate should be interested in future growth opportunities within the company.
   
   West Fraser is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V/D & Drug-Free Workplace
   
   We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

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

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting sorter 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 sorter operator

   Once you've selected the best sorter 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 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 sorter operator first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

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 sorter operator?