How to hire a table operator

How to hire a table operator, step by step

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

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the table operator you need to hire. Certain table operator roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

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

   Here's a comparison of table operator salaries for various roles:

   Type of Table Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Table Operator	Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate machines that cut, shape, and form metal and plastic materials or pieces.	$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
   Numerical Control Operator	A numerical control operator is responsible for monitoring machinery and managing computer-generated equipment to produce tools and components from various mechanical resources. Numerical control operators must have extensive knowledge with the technology and mechanical industry to perform basic troubleshooting and detect malfunctions during operations... Show more	$13-24

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • CNC Plasma
   • Overhead Cranes
   • Tape Measure
   • Steel Plates
   • Quality Checks
   • Press Brake
   • Plasma Burn Table
   • MIG
   • Torches
   • Auto CAD
   • Aluminum
   • Blueprint Specifications
   • Customer Orders
   • Arc Welding

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Measure thickness of material with calipers and micrometers while sanding to keep material within allowable tolerances.
   • Inspect raw stock for defects, keeping record of all non-conforming pieces in accordance with ISO certification standards.
   • Clean, Deburr, and inspect make by the laser to insure good quality of the parts.
   • Job responsibilities include operating shear and saws to produce correct blank parts within ISO tolerances for future manufacturing duties and departments.
   • Utilize both FCAW and GMAW to weld steel products.
   • Fit up and weld automobile lifts using GMAW process.

   More table operator duties

3. Make a budget

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

   • Location. For example, table operators' average salary in florida is 26% less than in alaska.
   • Seniority. Entry-level table operators 34% less than senior-level table operators.
   • Certifications. A table 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 table operator's salary.

   Average table operator salary

   $15.14hourly

   $31,481 yearly

   ---

   Entry-level table operator salary

   $25,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 13, 2025

   Average table operator salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Connecticut	$36,694	$18
   2	Idaho	$36,164	$17
   3	South Dakota	$35,967	$17
   4	Colorado	$35,680	$17
   5	West Virginia	$35,253	$17
   6	Minnesota	$34,677	$17
   7	Tennessee	$33,293	$16
   8	Louisiana	$32,978	$16
   9	Utah	$32,740	$16
   10	California	$32,653	$16
   11	Michigan	$32,375	$16
   12	Ohio	$32,033	$15
   13	Illinois	$32,019	$15
   14	New York	$30,184	$15
   15	Iowa	$30,051	$14
   16	Alabama	$29,253	$14
   17	North Carolina	$29,146	$14
   18	Texas	$28,865	$14
   19	Arizona	$28,206	$14
   20	Virginia	$27,898	$13

   Average table operator salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	SPX	$39,093	$18.79	5
   2	Oldcastle Infrastructure	$36,786	$17.69	321
   3	Masonite	$36,168	$17.39
   4	Stanley Black & Decker	$34,522	$16.60	21
   5	Bulldog Solutions	$33,060	$15.89
   6	Mohawk Industries	$33,017	$15.87	17
   7	Steel Company	$32,843	$15.79
   8	Aerotek	$32,658	$15.70	451
   9	Area Temps	$32,470	$15.61	17
   10	Express Employment Indy South	$32,371	$15.56	30
   11	Kelly Services	$32,371	$15.56	116
   12	Elwood Staffing	$32,281	$15.52
   13	RRD	$32,169	$15.47	38
   14	Automation Personnel Services	$32,090	$15.43	37
   15	HMSHost	$32,062	$15.41	9
   16	Atlas Staffing	$31,949	$15.36	2
   17	EmployBridge	$31,676	$15.23	2
   18	ManpowerGroup	$31,330	$15.06	217
   19	Object Management Group	$31,209	$15.00
   20	TransForce	$30,982	$14.90

4. Writing a table operator job description

   A good table 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 table operator job description:

   Table operator job description example

   Looking for an opportunity? Look no further than, Delta Steel, Inc. , a leader in the Steel Service Industry for over 50 years.

   Delta Steel is currently looking for an experienced Burning Machine Operator. Delta Steel provides value added metals processing services and distributes a full line of metal products to a broad range of industries.

   We are looking for candidates with previous experience operating Plate Burning Machines (Plasma or Oxy-Fuel) in a steel service center or fabrication environment with experience operating an overhead crane a plus. Experienced candidates should have the technical knowledge and ability to properly set up and operate the machine, conveyors, transfer tables and machine for a variety of plate steel products.

   The plate burning must be to the size and tolerance requirements as stated on the processing work orders. Individuals must also be able to:

   * Read, write and understand the English language

   * Read, understand and comprehend written work instructions

   * Read, understand and comprehend basic blueprints and drawings

   * Display the ability to accurately use basic measuring devices, including tape measure and micrometers

   * Display the ability to use manual hand tools, including wrenches and clamps

   * Ability to stand, lift, climb and perform various other physical functions

   * Able to work any shift and hours required

   When the job duties are not required, the individual must be able to perform the duties of another job function as determined by the supervisor.

   Join the Delta TEAM today! Delta offers an excellent compensation and benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision, life, short and long term disability insurance, educational assistance, paid vacation and sick leave and a matching 401K plan. If you meet these requirements and are interested in joining please submit your resume.

   Drug Screens and background check conducted

   Equal Opportunity Employer

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

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

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with table operator candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   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 table operator

   Once you have selected a candidate for the table 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.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new table 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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