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Header Operator Jobs in Detroit, MI (NOW HIRING)

Cold Heading Operator

Romulus, MI · On-site

$16.50 - $19.50/hr

Demonstrates safe and efficient operating skills of machine shop equipment * Housekeeping/6S ... Progressive Header experience Physical & Environmental Requirement * Un-airconditioned, well ...

Cold Heading Operator

Romulus, MI · On-site

$16.50 - $19.50/hr

Demonstrates safe and efficient operating skills of machine shop equipment * Housekeeping/6S ... Progressive Header experience Physical & Environmental Requirement * Un-airconditioned, well ...

The Header and/or Roller Trainee is an entry-level position for candidates who is inclined to learn and become qualified Cold Header or Thread Roller Operators. Experienced header and roller ...

Machine Operator Trainee

Utica, MI

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

The Header and/or Roller Trainee is an entry-level position for candidates who is inclined to learn and become qualified Cold Header or Thread Roller Operators. Experienced header and roller ...

Machine Operator Trainee

Madison Heights, MI

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

The Header and/or Roller Trainee is an entry-level position for candidates who is inclined to learn and become qualified Cold Header or Thread Roller Operators. Experienced header and roller ...

The Header and/or Roller Trainee is an entry-level position for candidates who is inclined to learn and become qualified Cold Header or Thread Roller Operators. Experienced header and roller ...

The Header and/or Roller Trainee is an entry-level position for candidates who is inclined to learn and become qualified Cold Header or Thread Roller Operators. Experienced header and roller ...

The Header and/or Roller Trainee is an entry-level position for candidates who is inclined to learn and become qualified Cold Header or Thread Roller Operators. Experienced header and roller ...

Machine Operator Trainee

Utica, MI · On-site

$14.75 - $18/hr

The Header and/or Roller Trainee is an entry-level position for candidates who is inclined to learn and become qualified Cold Header or Thread Roller Operators. Experienced header and roller ...

The Header and/or Roller Trainee is an entry-level position for candidates who is inclined to learn and become qualified Cold Header or Thread Roller Operators. Experienced header and roller ...

The Header and/or Roller Trainee is an entry-level position for candidates who is inclined to learn and become qualified Cold Header or Thread Roller Operators. Experienced header and roller ...

Machine Operator Trainee

Madison Heights, MI · On-site

$15 - $18.25/hr

The Header and/or Roller Trainee is an entry-level position for candidates who is inclined to learn and become qualified Cold Header or Thread Roller Operators. Experienced header and roller ...

Production Operator-Forging

New Hudson, MI · On-site

$17 - $20.50/hr

Your role The Forging Operator will be a hands-on position responsible for high quality ... Set-up and operate cold header machines * Follow work instructions and procedures * Understand and ...

Pool Attendant - Part Time

Ypsilanti, MI

$11.75 - $15.25/hr

Career Site Header Job Summary Pool Attendants must maintain a clean and sanitary pool area and ... Required Certifications/Licensures:(Certified Pool Operator (COP), where required by state law ...

Pool Attendant - Part Time

Ypsilanti, MI

$11.75 - $15.25/hr

Career Site Header Job Summary Pool Attendants must maintain a clean and sanitary pool area and ... Required Certifications/Licensures:(Certified Pool Operator (COP), where required by state law ...

Pool Attendant - Part Time

White Lake, MI · On-site

$12.75 - $16.75/hr

Career Site Header Job Summary Pool Attendants must maintain a clean and sanitary pool area and ... Required Certifications/Licensures:(Certified Pool Operator (COP), where required by state law ...

Pool Attendant - Part Time

White Lake, MI

$12.75 - $16.75/hr

Career Site Header Job Summary Pool Attendants must maintain a clean and sanitary pool area and ... Required Certifications/Licensures:(Certified Pool Operator (COP), where required by state law ...

Pool Attendant - Part Time

Ypsilanti, MI · On-site

$11.75 - $15.25/hr

Career Site Header Job Summary Pool Attendants must maintain a clean and sanitary pool area and ... Required Certifications/Licensures:(Certified Pool Operator (COP), where required by state law ...

Showing results 21-40

Header Operator information

See Detroit, MI salary details

$14

$22

$34

How much do header operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 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 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.

Infographic showing various Header Operator job openings in Detroit, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,949 per year, or $22.6 per hour.

Cold Heading Operator

PennEngineering

Romulus, MI • On-site

$16.50 - $19.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Position Summary
Sets up and operate single or a multiple station die forming machine, thread roller (stand alone or integrated on former), perform dimensional inspection on tooling and formed product, and perform SPC zone control on all processes by performing the following duties.
Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions
  • Read job specifications to determine machine adjustments and material requirements
  • Set stops or guides to specified length as indicated by scale, rule, or template
  • Position dies, transfers fingers, thread dies into the machine against stops and/or align tooling to specified positions
  • Make the necessary machine adjustments to form the product within specification and problem solves the situation to determine corrective action if needed
  • Operate all machines as required to manufacture the product to specified tolerances
  • Observes machine operation to detect a work piece defect or machine malfunction with the uses of integrated load monitors and SPC zone control techniques
  • Measures work piece dimensions to determine accuracy of machine operation
  • Help design tooling with the assistance of the engineer
  • Performs minor machine maintenance such as oiling some machines, changing dies, or replacing light machine component
  • Perform research and development tasks to develop new cold form products
  • Set up machines, and stack, mark, pack, and transport finished the product with Hi-Lo, weigh out and tag formed the product
  • Follow all safety requirements to avoid injury to self and fellow employees
  • Create and maintain a safe work environment; repair and/or report non-conformances to company safety policies and guidelines
  • Perform the necessary safety requirements to avoid injury to self and fellow employees
  • Demonstrates safe and efficient operating skills of machine shop equipment
  • Housekeeping/6S

Required Qualifications
  • High school diploma or GED
  • 5- 15 years of Header experience

Skills & Competencies
  • Progressive Header experience

Physical & Environmental Requirement
  • Un-airconditioned, well-ventilated manufacturing facility
  • Able to regularly walk and stand for 10 hours a day
  • Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs. regularly
  • Visual acuity for detailed work
  • Manual dexterity
  • Mechanical ability
  • Able to bend, twist, and squat in sometimes awkward positions for prolonged periods of time while exerting force (pushing or pulling) on hand tools to adjust machine

Required Qualifications
  • High school diploma or GED
  • 5- 15 years of Header experience

Skills & Competencies
  • Progressive Header experience

Physical & Environmental Requirement
  • Un-airconditioned, well-ventilated manufacturing facility
  • Able to regularly walk and stand for 10 hours a day
  • Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs. regularly
  • Visual acuity for detailed work
  • Manual dexterity
  • Mechanical ability
  • Able to bend, twist, and squat in sometimes awkward positions for prolonged periods of time while exerting force (pushing or pulling) on hand tools to adjust machine