10 of the Most Popular Types of Header Operator Jobs in 2026
See what kind of roles similar to Header Operator jobs are hiring now
The qualifications that you need to become a header operator include a high school diploma and the skills to use a cold header machine. You load materials into the header, so you need the physical ability to lift heavy objects. You also need fundamental math skills to calculate the amount and ratio of raw metals for each production run. You do not need a college education to perform the duties of a header operator, but you do need metalworking or manufacturing experience. You learn to handle the responsibilities of this job through job training or by working as an assistant.
If you are interested in a job related to Header Operator, here are some popular related job searches with the most open positions on ZipRecruiter.
Top Types Of Header Operator Jobs

Cold Header
Salary range: $44,500 - $64,500
Cold Header is a common job search query. Most salaries for Cold Header jobs pay between $44,500 (25th percentile) and $64,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Cold Header job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Cold Heading Machine Operator
Salary range: $34,000 - $40,500
Cold Heading Machine Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Cold Heading Machine Operator jobs pay between $34,000 (25th percentile) and $40,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Cold Heading Machine Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Gerber Cutter
Salary range: $30,000 - $37,500
Gerber Cutter is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Gerber Cutter jobs pay between $30,000 (25th percentile) and $37,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Gerber Cutter job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Cold Heading
Salary range: $44,500 - $64,500
Cold Heading is a common job search query. Most salaries for Cold Heading jobs pay between $44,500 (25th percentile) and $64,500 (75th percentile) annually. You’ll find many open positions nationwide for Cold Heading job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Thread Roll Operator
Salary range: $36,000 - $42,000
Thread Roll Operator is a typical job search query Most salaries for Thread Roll Operator jobs pay between $36,000 (25th percentile) and $42,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Thread Roll Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Honing Machine Operator
Salary range: $50,000 - $58,500
Honing Machine Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Honing Machine Operator jobs pay between $50,000 (25th percentile) and $58,500 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Honing Machine Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Polar Cutter Machine Operator
Salary range: $33,000 - $42,000
Polar Cutter Machine Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Polar Cutter Machine Operator jobs pay between $33,000 (25th percentile) and $42,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Polar Cutter Machine Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Slitting Machine Operator
Salary range: $35,500 - $42,500
A slitting machine operator works in a factory and operates equipment to cut materials in slats of a set length and width. You use a variety of raw materials, such as metal, plastic, or cardboard, with each project having unique specifications and production guidelines. Your responsibilities include loading the product, aligning it properly, and ensuring all cuts adhere to specifications throughout the machine process. You handle a wide range of materials, depending on the type of manufacturing. Your duties include the safe operation of the equipment including necessary maintenance and documentation.
Key Punch Operator
Salary range: $36,500 - $44,000
Key Punch Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Key Punch Operator jobs pay between $36,500 (25th percentile) and $44,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Key Punch Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Homag
Salary range: $44,000 - $58,500
Homag is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Homag jobs pay between $44,000 (25th percentile) and $58,500 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Homag job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.