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Header Operator Jobs in Detroit, MI (NOW HIRING)

Cold Header Operator

Utica, MI · On-site

$20 - $28/hr

Bolt makers, header operators, and roller operators are considered experienced if they have 2 years or more experience in operating and setting up specific cold heading equipment. Experienced bolt ...

Cold Header Operator

Utica, MI · On-site

$20 - $28/hr

Bolt makers, header operators, and roller operators are considered experienced if they have 2 years or more experience in operating and setting up specific cold heading equipment. Experienced bolt ...

Bolt makers, header operators, and roller operators are considered experienced if they have 2 years or more experience in operating and setting up specific cold heading equipment. Experienced bolt ...

Position Summary With limited direction or supervision, this machine set-up/operator position requires the set-up and/or operation of header equipment. The incumbent will possess and demonstrate the ...

Position Summary With limited direction or supervision, this machine set-up/operator position requires the set-up and/or operation of header equipment. The incumbent will possess and demonstrate the ...

Position Summary With limited direction or supervision, this machine set-up/operator position requires the set-up and/or operation of header equipment. The incumbent will possess and demonstrate the ...

Position Summary With limited direction or supervision, this machine set-up/operator position requires the set-up and/or operation of header equipment. The incumbent will possess and demonstrate the ...

Cold Header

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$62K - $65K/yr

A Cold Header Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining cold heading machines to produce metal parts, ensuring quality and efficiency in the manufacturing process. This position starts ...

Demonstrates safe and efficient operating skills of machine shop equipment * Housekeeping/6S Work ... High school diploma or GED * 5- 15 years of Header experience Position Type/Expectations of Working ...

Operating SACMA header machines: Running production equipment to form and shape parts according to specifications. * Quality inspection & measurements: Using precision measuring tools such as ...

Demonstrates safe and efficient operating skills of machine shop equipment * Housekeeping/6S Work ... High school diploma or GED * 5- 15 years of Header experience Position Type/Expectations of Working ...

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Header Operator information

See Detroit, MI salary details

$14

$22

$34

How much do header operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for header operator in Detroit, MI is $22.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.00 and $24.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paid oil rig job?

The highest paid oil rig jobs are typically specialized roles such as drilling engineers, toolpushers, and offshore installation managers, with salaries often exceeding $150,000 annually. These positions require extensive experience, technical skills, and often involve working in challenging offshore environments for extended periods.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Header operators typically do not earn $4,000 a week without specialized skills or experience. High-paying roles that can reach this level without a degree often include skilled trades such as commercial truck drivers, elevator installers, or certain construction managers, which may require certifications or apprenticeships. These jobs often involve physical work, technical knowledge, or operating heavy equipment, and earnings depend on experience, location, and industry demand.

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 are Header Operators?

Header Operators are skilled workers responsible for operating and maintaining machines that manufacture metal headers, which are components used in fasteners like bolts and screws. They set up the machinery, monitor production processes, perform quality checks, and troubleshoot any issues to ensure products meet specifications. Header Operators play a key role in metalworking and manufacturing industries, contributing to efficient production lines and high-quality output.

What jobs pay $700 a day?

For a Header Operator, earning $700 a day typically requires extensive experience, specialized skills, and working in high-demand industries such as construction, manufacturing, or logistics. These roles often involve shift work, certifications, and operating complex equipment, with pay rates varying based on location and employer. Such high daily earnings are more common in contract or freelance positions with specialized expertise.

What is a header operator?

A header operator is a worker responsible for operating machinery that cuts, stacks, or handles headers in manufacturing or construction settings. They typically operate equipment such as header machines, require safety training, and may need to follow specific production schedules. The role involves attention to detail and adherence to safety protocols.

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.

What job categories do people searching Header Operator jobs in Detroit, MI look for? The top searched job categories for Header Operator jobs in Detroit, MI are:
Infographic showing various Header Operator job openings in Detroit, MI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,949 per year, or $22.6 per hour.
Cold Header Operator

Cold Header Operator

MNP

Utica, MI • On-site

$20 - $28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Job Schedule: 2nd shift 3:15 PM to 1:15 AM, Mon - Thu, Fri & Sat as needed
About us: MNP is an award-winning fastener manufacturer specializing in diameters from M3 to M24. Established in 1970, it is a family-owned business with core values of Humility, Integrity, Trust, Compassion and Dedication. MNP controls the complete manufacturing process from the annealing of the raw coiled steel through heading, rolling, heat treating, plating, coating, packaging, and distributing. Employees at MNP work together in teams yet work without constant supervision. MNP seeks to promote from within and offers training and development at all levels of the organization; 75% of all leadership positions are held by employees who were promoted from within.
About the role of a Cold Header Operator: Bolt makers, header operators, and roller operators are considered experienced if they have 2 years or more experience in operating and setting up specific cold heading equipment. Experienced bolt makers will have 2 years of experience setting up and running Nedschroef, Sacma, or National equipment. Experienced cold header or header operators will have 2 years of experience setting up and running Formax, Nationals, Nedschroef, Sacma, Asahi Sunac, or Chun Zu equipment. Experienced thread roller or roller operators will have 2 years of experience setting up and running Hartford, Saspi, EWmenn, or Formax equipment. MNP specializes in diameters from M3 to M24.
Responsibilities of a Cold Header Operator:
Learn MNP's processes and work instructions
Set up and operate assigned equipment
Produce assigned parts in accordance with production standards
Check parts and record findings per work instructions and SOPs
Complete required paperwork
Enter information into the computer as instructed
Record the number of parts produced, and document any problems with the equipment
Communicate with leads, supervisors, preventive maintenance, and other personnel
Assist maintenance with understanding issues with equipment
Participate in 5S housekeeping
Work in a safe manner and follow all safety procedures
Other duties and responsibilities as assigned
Additional skills and/or experience required for success in the role of a Cold Header Operator:
Good computer skills
Mechanically inclined; good with hand tools
Good communication skills
Dependable; excellent attendance record
Quality-focused; takes pride in their work.
Team player; able to work well with others.
Accountable; able to work without constant supervision.
Learner - able to take instruction.
Helper - able to give instruction; willing to help others.
Able to read job instructions and complete required paperwork
Able to stand, walk, bend, push, pull, lift, kneel, and sit frequently throughout the day
Able to climb up and down stairs
Able to work in an environment that is oily, dusty, noisy, grimy, and sometimes smoky, with extremely warm temperatures
Benefits of a Cold Header Operator: Along with competitive pay, MNP offers employees BCBS medical, dental and vision insurance, company-paid life insurance, life insurance, flexible spending account, short-term and long-term disability, 401(k) and 401(k) match, discretionary profit-sharing. Aflac products are also available. Benefits listed here are optional and have a waiting period. Additional benefits include a health clinic (onsite in Utica) for employees and their families; optional employee wellness activities include managing and tracking diabetes, blood pressure, and weight control; onsite, personalized retirement counseling; employee referral bonuses and employment of friends and families; access to tickets for Jimmy John's Field; volunteer opportunities include Gleaners, Suite Dreams, Veterans Support activities, Blessings in a Backpack, food and clothing drives, and others; employee recognition includes anniversaries, birthdays, and special events; employee discounts on autos, cell phones, and others; employee social activities include Detroit Tigers opening day, Fat Tuesday, ice cream/popsicles, picnics, team meetings, team outings, one-on-one with the president, and many more.
This job description is not intended to be inclusive of all assigned duties, responsibilities or aspects of the job described, and may be amended at any time at the sole discretion of the company. We are an equal opportunity employer and a second chance employer. We give consideration for employment to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, and any other related State or Federal protected classes or characteristics.
Additional skills and/or experience required for success in the role:
Able to pass a pre-employment, post-offer physical, drug screen
Able to pass a background check