How to hire a washer operator

How to hire a washer operator, step by step

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

What does a washer operator do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your washer 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 washer 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 washer 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.

   This list presents washer operator salaries for various positions.

   Type of Washer Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Washer Operator		$12-19
   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
   Pilot Plant Operator	Pilot plant operators are responsible for the preparation of chemical solutions through standardized formulas to design, test, and validate experimental apparatus or production technology needed for the development of new products or processes. The pilot plants aid engineers in the decision-making about new technologies or other process configurations... Show more	$12-31

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Safety Standards
   • Dryers
   • Car Wash
   • Washing Machines
   • Safety Procedures
   • PPE
   • Water Temperature
   • Sops
   • CIP
   • Assembly Line
   • Pcbs
   • Inventory Control

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage the master calendar and schedule resources such as communication equipment, weapons, transportation and ammunition forecast and delivery.
   • Stock PPE cabinets throughout the day.
   • Monitor combat missions through satellite and computer global positioning systems in order to prepare accurate reports for unit commanders.
   • Operate an industrial scale to make sure load weights do not exceed washer and dryer capacities.
   • Dry finish product using industrialize dryer.
   • Overlook daily operations of single/twin screw extruders and packaging of finish product.

3. Make a budget

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

   Average washer operator salary

   $15.28hourly

   $31,789 yearly

   ---

   Entry-level washer operator salary

   $25,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 16, 2025

   Average washer operator salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Illinois	$36,587	$18
   2	New York	$33,364	$16
   3	Oregon	$32,651	$16
   4	Wisconsin	$32,564	$16
   5	California	$32,561	$16
   6	Connecticut	$32,520	$16
   7	North Dakota	$31,885	$15
   8	South Dakota	$30,780	$15
   9	Pennsylvania	$29,087	$14
   10	Indiana	$28,662	$14
   11	Kentucky	$27,090	$13
   12	Texas	$25,961	$12
   13	Tennessee	$25,718	$12
   14	Florida	$22,932	$11

   Average washer operator salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Siemens	$37,403	$17.98	1
   2	Mayo Clinic	$35,444	$17.04	3
   3	Precision Castparts	$34,343	$16.51	45
   4	INX International Ink Co.	$33,971	$16.33	4
   5	AmeriPride Services	$32,843	$15.79
   6	Washington Hospital Healthcare System	$32,655	$15.70
   7	Jennie-O	$31,958	$15.36
   8	Adecco	$31,611	$15.20	241
   9	Marriott International	$31,310	$15.05	69
   10	Imagine Staffing	$31,282	$15.04
   11	ManpowerGroup	$31,156	$14.98	90
   12	Siemens Healthineers	$30,894	$14.85
   13	Baptist Health Care	$30,451	$14.64
   14	Aramark	$30,364	$14.60	87
   15	Alsco, Inc.	$28,338	$13.62	24
   16	Select Energy Services	$28,011	$13.47
   17	Randstad North America, Inc.	$27,823	$13.38	7
   18	Colton RV	$27,768	$13.35
   19	Goodwill of South Central WI	$25,906	$12.45

4. Writing a washer operator job description

   A washer 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. To help get you started, here's an example of a washer operator job description:

   Washer operator job description example

   Performs work as part of a team in an industrial laundry facility. Responsible for the safe, expeditious, and accurate handling of merchandise into and/or out of the laundry facility.
   * Responsibilities/Essential Functions:
   
   Checks all machine safety devices before operating equipment and records and signs the appropriate equipment safety form. If machine does not pass safety inspection, operator will not operate unit, and notifies supervisor; When loading washer, retrieve sling from storage and maneuvers sling to the washer's rails and in front of the washer. If loading a dryer, obtain an extracted sling from the overhead feed rail and verifies each batch ticket to avoid mixing lots and batches. Stages similar batches together for maximum product/wash utilization; Positions washer/dryer in proper loading position (tilted up), removes batch ticket, loads the washer/dryer by untying the bottom cord of sling, forces the items into the washer/dryer cylinder, closes washer/dryer doors, lowers washer/dryer to the horizontal position, selects the appropriate washer/dryer formula, and starts the machine; Takes the batch ticket and writes the ticket information on the washer/dryer form visually displayed by the machine; For washer, enters the weight off of the batch ticket into SOFTROL. For dryer, re-ties the sling and transports to hoist staging area; Unloads washer: opens washer door, tilts washer forward, moves lined cart with clean sling, and removes items from the washer into the cart, places batch tickets on top of items, moves cart to sling raise area, and tilts washer back into load position; Unloads dryer: opens the front door, ensures items are at the proper moisture levels (if not, re-dry), raises the front-end of the dryer, moves to the rear of the machine, opens the rear door, places the appropriate tub at the dryer opening, removes items from dryer, places batch ticket on top of items, stores in appropriate area, closes rear door, and leaves dryer in tilted position to aid in loading process; Verifies proper moisture retention of items, carts/tubs are not overload, load items are at proper temperature, all extracted slings are free of excessive water, and all items are properly cooled down; Identifies any slings with rips or tears and removes them from the system; Maintains safe and clean work environment, and observes best practices in all production activities; Other duties as assigned.
   
   * Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
   
   Ability to understand all required training, written, and verbal instructions; Working knowledge of basic math skills; Good verbal and written communication skills; Ability to work independently and as part of a team; Ability to meet attendance schedule.
   
   * Working Environment/Safety Requirements:
   
   Work is performed in a warehouse setting and regularly exposed to outside weather conditions, extreme heat and cold conditions as well as dust and noise. Work is based on a shift schedule, and may include weekends. Overtime required as needed. Physical Requirements Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions; Requires the ability to move or maneuver slings or carriers weighing up to 220 lbs; Requires the ability to move, lift, carry, push, or pull product weighing up to 50 lbs; Requires bending, reaching, pulling, and pressing at shoulder level and below waist area; Requires the use of hands for grasping and other manipulations; Requires standing and walking for long periods of time.
   
   * Experience:
   * Travel Requirements:
   * Education:
   
   High school degree or equivalent preferred
   
   * License Requirements/ Certifications:

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find washer 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 washer operator job on Zippia to find and recruit washer operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit washer operators, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates 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 washer operator

   Once you've found the washer operator candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

   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.

   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 washer operator?