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How to hire a tape operator

Tape operator hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring tape operators in the United States:

  • In the United States, the median cost per hire a tape operator is $1,633.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • Human Resources use 15% of their expenses on recruitment on average.
  • On average, it takes around 12 weeks for a new tape operator to become settled and show total productivity levels at work.

How to hire a tape operator, step by step

To hire a tape operator, you need to identify the specific skills and experience you want in a candidate, allocate a budget for the position, and advertise the job opening to attract potential candidates. To hire a tape operator, you should follow these steps:

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

    The tape 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?

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

    Type of Tape OperatorDescriptionHourly rate
    Tape Operator$18-44
    Data Center OperatorA data center operator is primarily in charge of making sure that a data center functions efficiently. Their job entails installing software or hardware systems, conducting regular maintenance checks, troubleshooting issues, fixing or replacing components, upgrading or updating systems, maintaining records, and producing progress reports as necessary... Show more$13-35
    Console OperatorConsole operators are responsible for controlling input and output devices used by computers in manufacturing and research units. They regularly monitor their company's systems to correct problems, remove bugs and viruses, and identify faults in the system... Show more$14-27
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Tape Library
    • Troubleshoot
    • Mainframe
    • Unix
    • QC
    • Disk
    • D2
    • DVD
    • Off-Site Storage
    • Master Control
    • Windows
    • ATL
    • PSM
    • MVS
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Create large quantities of VHS dubs from master tapes both digital & analog formats.
    • Duplicate tapes into D2 , 1", 3/4"and 1/2"formats.
    • Operate all standard def machines and exposure to high def machines (D5, HDCAM, DVCPRO HD).
    • Respond to console and ATL messages.
    • key punch data using key to disk system
    • Experience with DVD authoring and mass duplication.
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your tape operator job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A tape operator salary can vary based on several factors:
    • Location. For example, tape operators' average salary in nebraska is 47% less than in new york.
    • Seniority. Entry-level tape operators earn 59% less than senior-level tape operators.
    • Certifications. A tape 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 tape operator's salary.

    Average tape operator salary

    $60,356yearly

    $29.02 hourly rate

    Entry-level tape operator salary
    $38,000 yearly salary
    Updated January 20, 2026
  4. Writing a tape operator job description

    A good tape 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 tape operator job description:

    Tape operator job description example


    MBS Solutions in York, PA has the immediate need of a Taping Operator on 2nd Shift.

    JOB TITLE - Taping Operator

    INDUSTRY Dynamic manufacturing business that specializes in the manufacturing of high temperature and specialty wire and cable.

    PAY RATE - $19.50/hr
    ** Scheduled increases @ 90 days, 180 days, and annually. As well for every new area/ machine/ department learned can expect pay increases. **

    LOCATION:
    York, PA 17404

    SHIFT:

    • 2nd Shift- 3:00 PM- 1:00 AM | Mon-Thurs



    OVERTIME: Yes, never mandated but encouraged on Fridays to pick up OT, possibly during other days, etc.

    POSITION SUMMARY
    The taping operator machines are considered an entry level position however some mechanical skills/ability would be beneficial. Will be in charge of after training the set-up, operation, and change over of the wire insulating with various forms of Teflon tape.

    3 MOST IMPORTANT THINGS CLIENT NEEDS THIS PERSON TO HAVE:

    • Mechanical skills/ Inclination are a must; Experience specific to running a Taping Operator/ Taping line would be a plus.
    • Reliable, motivated and career Oriented Individual.
    • Person who is invested, capable of adapting and is willing to learn/work other areas.



    JOB DESCRIPTION/DUTIES:

    • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and work orders with special instructions
    • Must be able to read a tape measure; Preferred to be able to use precise measuring devices such as micrometers, and calipers.
    • Inspects products to verify conformance to specifications and monitors setup and adjustments of machines.
    • Operates machine to wind insulating material, like various types of tape around electric wire cable.
    • Loads reel of wire onto machine spindle and threads wire, through and between necessary portions and through taping mechanism.
    • Fastens wire to take up reel; Winds end of insulating material around wire starts machine.
    • Observes automatic wrapping of material around wire to detect broken or loose wrapping or uneven winding of wire on reel.
    • Stops machine to repair breaks and or escalate if unable to repair, adjust guides, and replenish supply of insulating material adhesive.
    • Measures wire with micrometer to define that insulation meets specifications.
    • Able to identify wire used to run thru taping operator machine or ability to learn (i.e., wire diameters and composition)
    • Wraps paper around full wire reels, attaches identification tag, and lifts reel from machine if no further finishing, steps or stages required.
    • Inspect in-process items for compliance with work orders and quality standards
    • Suggests changes to Supervisor, Operation Manager, etc. in and or of working conditions and use of equipment to increase efficiency of shop, department, or work crew.
    • Analyzes and resolves work problems, reports any recommendations to the Supervisor or assists workers in solving work problems.
    • Ensures all documentation is completed accurately and submitted if and where necessary.
    • Maintain a safe and healthy work environment by following our standards and procedures, including wearing required safety gear and complying with legal regulations
    • Observe all safety rules, precautions, and practices to ensure the safety of self and others.
    • Interact with other production department teams and/or customer service to accomplish production goals
    • Other duties as assigned.



    PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

    • Be able to regularly lift and/or move items up to 25lbs; occasionally up to 50lbs.
    • The employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
    • The employee frequently is required to walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
    • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and color vision.
    • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.



    BENEFITS ONCE HIRED/What does benefit package look like:

    • Medical/ Dental/ Vision Insurance
    • Paid time off
    • Retirement Plans
    • Incremental raises and increases.



    Interested or qualified candidates should submit a resume and/or contact information for consideration.

  5. Post your job

    There are a few common ways to find tape operators for your business:

    • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
    • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
    • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your tape operator job on Zippia to find and recruit tape operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    Recruiting tape 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 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 tape operator

    Once you've decided on a perfect tape 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.

    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.

    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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How much does it cost to hire a tape operator?

Before you start to hire tape operators, it pays to consider both the one-off costs like recruitment, job promotion, and onboarding, as well as the ongoing costs of an employee's salary and benefits. While most companies that hire tape operators pay close attention to the initial cost of hiring, ongoing costs are much more significant in the long run.

You can expect to pay around $60,356 per year for a tape operator, as this is the median yearly salary nationally. This can vary depending on what state or city you're hiring in. If you're hiring for contract work or on a per-project basis, hourly rates for tape operators in the US typically range between $18 and $44 an hour.

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