GuidesContractor Getting Started Guide
For Contractors

Contractor Getting Started Guide

15 min read•7 sections

1Welcome, Professional!

This guide walks you through everything you need to know to start finding opportunities and earning on Automate America. Follow these steps to set up your profile, showcase your skills, and connect with companies looking for your expertise.

2Step 1: Creating Your Profile

Your profile is your professional storefront. A complete, compelling profile dramatically increases your chances of being matched with quality opportunities.

Getting Started

1. Visit automateamerica.com and click "Sign Up"

  • Enter your name, email, phone number and a password

  • Enter the six-digit code we send you (there is one account type for everyone, so there is nothing to choose)

    Profile Essentials

    Your profile should include:

    - Professional Photo: A clear, professional headshot helps customers trust who they are hiring

  • Headline: An assignment description of your expertise (e.g., "Senior PLC Programmer | Rockwell & Siemens Specialist")

  • Location: Your primary work location and travel radius

  • Base Rate: The rate you enter is the rate everyone sees

  • Availability: When you can start new contracts

    • 3Step 2: Adding Skills and Experience

    Your skills and experience are how companies find you. The more detailed and accurate this section, the better your matches will be.

    Skills Section

    Add your technical skills:

  • PLC Programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Mitsubishi, etc.)

  • HMI/SCADA Development (FactoryTalk, WinCC, Ignition)

  • Robotics (Fanuc, KUKA, ABB, Universal Robots)

  • Industrial Networking (Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus)

  • Vision Systems (Cognex, Keyence)

  • Motion Control (Servo systems, VFDs)

  • Electrical Design (Panel building, Schematics)

    Rate your proficiency honestly:

  • Beginner: Learning, need supervision

  • Intermediate: Can work independently on standard tasks

  • Advanced: Expert level, can troubleshoot complex issues

  • Expert: Can train others, architect solutions

    • 4Step 3: Uploading Compliance Documents

    Many contracts require specific certifications, insurance, and safety credentials. Having these ready speeds up the hiring process.

    Required Documents

    Certifications:

  • OSHA 10 or OSHA 30

  • First Aid/CPR

  • Confined Space Entry

  • Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)

  • Forklift Operation

  • Manufacturer certifications (Rockwell, Siemens, etc.)

    Insurance:

  • General Liability Insurance

  • Professional Liability/E&O Insurance

  • Workers' Compensation (if applicable)

    Automatic Reminders

    Automate America tracks document expirations and sends reminders:

  • 90 days before expiration

  • 30 days before expiration

  • 7 days before expiration

    • 5Step 4: Finding and Applying to Opportunities

    Now that your profile is complete, you're ready to find work!

    The Feed

    Your personalized feed shows opportunities matched to your:

  • Skills and certifications

  • Location and travel preferences

  • Rate expectations

  • Availability

    Applying

    When you find an opportunity that fits:

    1. Click View Details to read the full description

  • Review the requirements to ensure you qualify

  • Click Apply Now

  • Add a personalized message explaining why you're a great fit

  • Click Submit Application

    Pro Tips

    - Apply quickly—good opportunities fill fast

  • Personalize every application message

  • Only apply if you genuinely meet the requirements

  • Keep your availability status current

    • 6Step 5: Managing Contracts

    Congratulations on landing a contract! Here's how to manage it successfully.

    Contract Overview

    Your Contracts dashboard shows:

  • Active contracts with status

  • Start and end dates

  • Contact information

  • Key deliverables

  • Payment terms

    Time Tracking

    For hourly contracts:

  • Log your hours daily or weekly

  • Add notes for each entry

  • Submit timesheets for approval

  • Track approved vs. pending hours

    • 7Step 6: Getting Paid

    The best part—getting paid for your work!

    Payment Methods

    Set up your preferred payment method:

  • Direct Deposit (ACH) to the bank account on your profile

  • Payment follows the net terms the customer set for the contract (shown on the contract)

    Invoice Submission

    For time-based contracts:

  • Submit approved timesheet

  • Invoice is automatically generated

  • Review invoice details

  • Confirm submission

    Payment Timeline

    Every contract carries the net terms the customer chose when posting it — for example Net 15, Net 30 or Net 60 — and you are paid on those terms.

    • Ready to Get Started?

    Create your profile and start finding opportunities today.

    Create Free Profile