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Header Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

MW Industries

Machinist I- Header Operator

Anaheim, CA · On-site

JOB SUMMARY The Cold Heading Operator performs various skilled and complex tasks in running and maintaining production equipment to meet the everyday needs of our customers. The Machine Operator ...

MS Aerospace

Cold Header

Sylmar, CA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Cold Heading Operator Department: SHOP Department/ Area: Cold Heading Position Summary: Candidates ... Candidate will be working on a powerful cold header machine to run batches of high strength bolts ...

MW Industries

Machinist I- Header Operator

Anaheim, CA · On-site

JOB SUMMARY The Cold Heading Operator performs various skilled and complex tasks in running and maintaining production equipment to meet the everyday needs of our customers. The Machine Operator ...

MW Industries

Machinist I- Header Operator

Anaheim, CA · On-site

JOB SUMMARY The Cold Heading Operator performs various skilled and complex tasks in running and maintaining production equipment to meet the everyday needs of our customers. The Machine Operator ...

MS AEROSPACE INC

Cold Heading Operator

Sylmar, CA · On-site

$20 - $55/hr

Cold Heading Operator Department : SHOP Department/ Area: Cold Heading Position Summary: Candidates ... Candidate will be working on a powerful cold header machine to run batches of high strength bolts ...

Senior plc

Weld Prep Operator

Oceanside, CA · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Operating pneumatic tools such as die grinders, Dynabrader belt sanders and pencil grinders. * Operating bench buffers, bench grinders. * Using hand tools such as deburring tools, files and wire ...

Senior plc

Weld Prep Operator

Oceanside, CA · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Operating pneumatic tools such as die grinders, Dynabrader belt sanders and pencil grinders. * Operating bench buffers, bench grinders. * Using hand tools such as deburring tools, files and wire ...

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All JobsHeader Operator JobsHeader Operator Jobs in California

Header Operator information

See California salary details

$14

$22

$34

How much do header operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for header operator in California is $22.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.90 and $24.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Header Operator vs Pipefitter?

AspectHeader OperatorPipefitter
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; apprenticeship or technical training
Work EnvironmentOil refineries, chemical plants, manufacturing facilitiesConstruction sites, industrial plants, maintenance facilities
Industry UsageCommon in oil and gas, manufacturing, and processing industriesCommon in construction, industrial maintenance, and plumbing

The Header Operator primarily focuses on operating and maintaining header systems in industrial settings, often requiring specific certifications and working in manufacturing or processing plants. Pipefitters, on the other hand, specialize in installing and repairing piping systems, working mainly on construction sites or industrial facilities. While both roles require technical skills and safety training, their work environments and daily tasks differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a header operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Header Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, familiarity with manufacturing processes, and often a high school diploma or technical training. Experience with industrial machinery, quality control systems, and sometimes certifications in equipment operation or safety are commonly required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help operators excel in monitoring production and addressing issues quickly. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality output in manufacturing environments.

What are some common challenges faced by header operators and how can they be addressed?

Header Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining the precision of machinery, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and meeting production deadlines. Staying proactive with regular maintenance and closely following operational procedures can help minimize downtime. Collaborating effectively with maintenance teams and supervisors is vital for quickly resolving issues, while ongoing training ensures operators stay updated on best practices and safety protocols. These strategies help boost productivity and reduce the risk of workplace incidents.

What is a header operator?

A header operator is a metalworking professional that operates a cold heading machine. Heading is a process that includes forging, extruding and upsetting in one, allowing you to expedite the production of products like bolts, screws, and lug nuts. Your duties as a header operator include loading the materials into the machine and conducting the proper ratioing process, ensuring that the final product is not victim to buckling. Diameter ratio is generally consistent at 3:1, but you must be able to adapt to different situations, changing the ratio when necessary. Header operator is a more advanced position that requires machinery skills. While there are no post-secondary academic qualifications, it’s essential to have several years of metalworking experience before transitioning to a header operator career.

More about Header Operator jobs
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What cities in California are hiring for Header Operator jobs? Cities in California with the most Header Operator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Header Operator jobs in CA? For Header Operator jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Header Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Header Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,804 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

Progressive Header Operator III-1st shift 5:00am-1:30pm

Rieke Packaging Systems

City Of Industry, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Now Hiring: Skilled Progressive HeaderOperators - Up to 60/Hour + PotentialSign-On Bonus!
We're seeking skilled Header Operators to join our team onsite in City ofIndustry, CA-offering up to 60per hour and a potential sign-onbonus for qualified candidates. Both1st and 2nd shifts are available, giving you flexibility in yourschedule. If you have a strong background in precision machining and take pridein producing high-quality work, this is your chance to join a company thatvalues your expertise and rewards your skill.
JOB SUMMARY:
Set up and operate multi-die headers for manufacturing precision aircraftquality fasteners.
Essential Duties, Responsibilities and Competencies: 
Reads and interprets documents (blue prints, drawing, or manufacturing workorders), to ascertain what tools and materials are necessary for producingproducts to precision tolerance to aircraft specification.
Sets up and operates, on a production basis, all assigned headers and theirrelated products.  This includes settings and adjustments required toproduce parts to specifications.  Selects, mounts, and aligns toolingattachments and materials in proper order and relationship.  Makes alladjustments necessary to produce parts of acceptable quality.
Loads machines with raw material and monitors production run using measuringdevices, such as, comparators, micrometers, calipers and various other inspectgauges.
Reworks and directs reworking of tooling as needed.
Keeps accurate statistical process control records, when required, on each jobmanufactured, making adjustments during production run as the SPC data directs.
Meets and maintains all productivity levels and quality requirements to supportdepartmental goals and schedules.   Provides training to departmentalpersonnel for all aspects of machine set up and operation.
Performs minor preventative maintenance on assigned machines.
Performs record keeping, data entry, housekeeping, and follows safetyregulations.

On-Site: This role is required to be on-site 5 days at the City of Industry, CA location.

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