How to hire a test operator

How to hire a test operator, step by step

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

What does a test operator do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your test 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 test 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 test operator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, test 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.

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

   Type of Test Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Test Operator	Quality control inspectors examine products and materials for defects or deviations from specifications.	$12-23
   Quality Control Inspector	Quality control associate scientist roles require good observation, critical thinking, and communication skills, in addition to knowledge of procedures and chemistry. They assist in laboratory experiments and research, while working in a team or independently... Show more	$12-22
   Quality Assurance Inspector	Quality Assurance Auditors are employees who ensure the adherence of other employees to company processes and guidelines. They are expected to be experts on quality assurance processes and procedures... Show more	$12-23

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Test Equipment
   • Hand Tools
   • Test Procedures
   • Test Results
   • Safety Rules
   • Circuit Boards
   • Math
   • Windows
   • Quality Standards
   • Test Fixtures
   • Frac
   • JSA
   • Data Collection
   • Functional Test

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Box build sub-assembly level by solder wire into connector, lead, and fan according to MPI and visuals aid.
   • Experience following procedures and managing GMP documentation.
   • Work include new lay, tie-ins, repairs, CTS stations, ETS stations.
   • Install the new version software operation windows.
   • Complete NDT inspections using multiple inspection methods.
   • Trouble shoots and repair ICT failures to component level.

   More test operator duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your test operator job description helps attract top candidates to the position. A test operator salary can be affected by several factors, such as geography, experience, seniority, certifications, and the prestige of the hiring company.

   For example, the average salary for a test operator in South Carolina may be lower than in Connecticut, and an entry-level test operator usually earns less than a senior-level test operator. Additionally, a test operator with certifications may command a higher salary, and working for a well-known company or start-up may also impact an employee's pay.

   Average test operator salary

   $35,591yearly

   $17.11 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level test operator salary

   $25,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 14, 2025

   Average test operator salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Connecticut	$51,903	$25
   2	Colorado	$43,346	$21
   3	New Hampshire	$40,577	$20
   4	California	$40,025	$19
   5	Montana	$38,160	$18
   6	Maryland	$37,560	$18
   7	Arizona	$36,728	$18
   8	Oregon	$36,501	$18
   9	Ohio	$35,901	$17
   10	Nevada	$35,450	$17
   11	Minnesota	$34,615	$17
   12	Kansas	$32,706	$16
   13	Indiana	$31,621	$15
   14	Illinois	$31,288	$15
   15	Michigan	$31,134	$15
   16	Florida	$30,574	$15
   17	Arkansas	$30,338	$15
   18	Wisconsin	$30,043	$14
   19	Texas	$29,837	$14
   20	Alabama	$27,543	$13

   Average test operator salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Qorvo	$83,637	$40.21
   2	Vicor	$70,419	$33.86
   3	Jacobs Engineering Group	$60,272	$28.98
   4	ABB	$58,642	$28.19	29
   5	Sanmina	$49,372	$23.74	42
   6	Comtech Telecommunications	$49,158	$23.63	1
   7	Johnson Controls	$49,032	$23.57	15
   8	Infinera	$48,901	$23.51
   9	Northrop Grumman	$48,530	$23.33	119
   10	Carestream	$48,182	$23.16
   11	Aurora Flight Sciences	$47,487	$22.83
   12	Lockheed Martin	$47,471	$22.82	206
   13	Littelfuse	$46,897	$22.55	1
   14	Tesla	$46,443	$22.33
   15	Motorola Solutions	$46,301	$22.26	3
   16	Skyworks Solutions	$45,285	$21.77	24
   17	Raytheon Technologies	$45,266	$21.76	56
   18	General Motors	$44,697	$21.49	14
   19	Schaeffler	$43,401	$20.87	12
   20	Renesas Electronics	$43,350	$20.84	1

4. Writing a test operator job description

   A job description for a test 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 test operator job description:

   Test operator job description example

   CSAT Solutions has always emphasized that outstanding people are the key to our success. We know that outstanding candidates are looking for challenging career opportunities. If you are a highly motivated individual with an entrepreneurial spirit, CSAT Solutions may have a career for you. We invite you to explore the current opportunities available at CSAT Solutions.
   
   CSAT Solutions is currently seeking qualified candidates to fill the role of a Computer Test Operator. This position will require the candidate to have some knowledge of computer components.
   Role and Responsibilities:
   
   * Operates machines to test functioning of parts or whole units
   * Runs software programs on repaired machines to test machine functionality
   * Tests components or circuits of faulty equipment to locate defects, using special diagnostic software programs
   * Tests repaired systems to ensure that they are in working order
   * Compares findings with the customers reported problem and advice of failures found
   * Forwards units on to quality group for QA inspection, if unit passes test
   * Returns unit back to the technician for repair if unit fails test
   * May install and configure repaired equipment, including operating software or peripheral equipment
   * Other duties as assigned by supervisor and manager
   
   Education, Training and Skills:
   
   * High School Diploma or Equivalent
   * Computer training diploma preferred
   * 1 year of experience assembling /disassembling, testing, trouble shooting and repairing computers preferred
   * Must be able to speak, read and write English
   * Knowledge of computer hardware
   * Must be able to multi task
   * Must be familiar with Windows operating system and MS Offices
   * Must be able to work with close supervision
   
   This role operates in a warehouse environment. Computer Test operators are required to: stand for the duration of the shift. Frequently walk, sit and twist. Occasionally stoop, crouch or crawl in a safe and efficient manner. Push and pull up to 10lbs. Frequently lift or carry up to 20lbs. Use of small hand tools.
   
   CSAT Solutions LP is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age or other legally protected status

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

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

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with test 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 test operator

   Once you've decided on a perfect test 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.

   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.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new test 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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