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Bale Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hangers of Hope

Baler Operator (Warehouse)

Tyler, TX · On-site

Bale Operator The Hangers of Hope Bale Operator is primarily responsible for the baling of the textile bale. This is an important part of the thrift business that allows us to support Bethesda Health ...

Hangers of Hope

Baler Operator (Warehouse)

Tyler, TX · On-site

Bale Operator The Hangers of Hope Bale Operator is primarily responsible for the baling of the textile bale. This is an important part of the thrift business that allows us to support Bethesda Health ...

Owens Corning

Bale Breaker Operator

Wahpeton, ND · On-site

$20/hr

Bale Loader Operator, Fiber Prep Operator Key Responsibilities * Equipment Operation: Skillfully operate and monitor bale breaking equipment, including Bale Conveyors, Bale Breakers, Hammermill, and ...

Owens Corning

Bale Breaker Operator

Wahpeton, ND

$20/hr

Bale Loader Operator, Fiber Prep Operator Key Responsibilities * Equipment Operation: Skillfully operate and monitor bale breaking equipment, including Bale Conveyors, Bale Breakers, Hammermill, and ...

New

Altium Packaging LLC

Bale Break Operator

Reidsville, NC · On-site

$15.25 - $18.25/hr

The Bale Breaker is also expected to follow our company's Good Manufacturing Practices. The Bale Breaker will transport staged, raw materials to the bale breaker for the grinding process. The Bale ...

New

Consolidated Container

Bale Break Operator

Reidsville, NC · On-site

$15.25 - $18.25/hr

The Bale Breaker is also expected to follow our company's Good Manufacturing Practices. The Bale Breaker will transport staged, raw materials to the bale breaker for the grinding process. The Bale ...

New

Hangers of Hope

Distribution Supervisor

Tyler, TX · On-site

... Bale Operator to keep the salvage and bale organized in the warehouse Ensure that the forklift does not run out of propane by bringing both propane tanks to be filled as needed Fill up the truck with ...

Hangers of Hope

Distribution Supervisor

Tyler, TX · On-site

... Bale Operator to keep the salvage and bale organized in the warehouse Ensure that the forklift does not run out of propane by bringing both propane tanks to be filled as needed Fill up the truck with ...

WESTERN STATES ENVELOPE COMPANY

Baler Operator

Butler, WI

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Loads the bale onto semi-truck for shipment. * Musts keep up and have available empty waste carts for manufacturing. * Performs 5S duties and keeps work area clean. * Performs safety checks on ...

Glanbia

BCR Operator

Twin Falls, ID · On-site

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

BCR Operator - March 2020 Supervisor's Title: Production Team Leader Department: Production ... Move cardboard bale to recycle area * Ensures area machines are functioning properly ...

Glanbia

BCR Operator

Twin Falls, ID

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

BCR Operator - March 2020 Supervisor's Title: Production Team Leader Department: Production ... Move cardboard bale to recycle area * Ensures area machines are functioning properly ...

Fiber Brite, Ltd.

Forklift Operator

Wilson, TX · On-site

$9.50 - $12.50/hr

Experience operating forklift bale clamps is preferred, but not required. Job is seasonal, but has potential to be full time depending on work ethic etc. Responsibilities: * Operate various vehicles ...

Brown & Root

Clamp Forklift Operator(no per diem)

Ontario, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

Clamp Forklift Operator - Recycled Paper Bale Handling (Outdoor Environment) Position Summary: The Clamp Forklift Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient handling of compacted bales of ...

Brown & Root

Clamp Forklift Operator(no per diem)

Ontario, CA · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

Clamp Forklift Operator - Recycled Paper Bale Handling (Outdoor Environment) Position Summary: The Clamp Forklift Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient handling of compacted bales of ...

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Bale Operator information

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$12

$18

$23

How much do bale operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for bale operator in the United States is $18.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Bale Operator vs Forklift Operator?

AspectBale OperatorForklift Operator
CertificationsTypically requires OSHA or industry-specific safety trainingRequires OSHA forklift certification
Work EnvironmentWorks mainly in warehouses, recycling plants, or agricultural settings handling baled materialsOperates forklifts in warehouses, construction sites, or manufacturing facilities
Job DutiesLoads, unloads, and manages baled materials like hay, paper, or textilesMoves pallets, loads trucks, and transports goods within facilities

Both roles involve operating machinery in industrial settings, but Bale Operators focus on managing baled materials, while Forklift Operators handle various goods using forklifts. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What is the highest paying heavy equipment operator?

Bale operators, as specialized heavy equipment operators, typically earn higher wages when working in industries like agriculture or construction with advanced machinery. The highest-paying heavy equipment operators often have certifications, extensive experience, and operate complex or specialized equipment such as cranes or excavators, which can significantly increase earning potential.

What are some common challenges faced by a Bale Operator, and how can they be overcome?

Bale Operators often encounter challenges such as managing the physical demands of operating heavy machinery and handling large volumes of materials. Maintaining safety standards while working in fast-paced environments is crucial, as is ensuring that equipment remains in good working order to prevent downtime. Effective communication with team members and supervisors helps quickly address issues and maintain workflow. Staying organized and attentive to detail also supports accurate record-keeping and efficient operation.

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

To thrive as a Bale Operator, you need practical knowledge of machinery operation, attention to detail, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with baling machines, forklifts, and safety protocols is typically required, and some employers may prefer forklift certification. Physical stamina, teamwork, and a strong focus on safety are crucial soft skills for this position. These skills ensure efficient production, minimize workplace accidents, and maintain smooth operations in manufacturing or recycling facilities.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

Bale operators typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are usually associated with executive, specialized medical, or high-level corporate roles. Some highly compensated jobs in the US include surgeons, anesthesiologists, corporate executives, and successful entrepreneurs, often requiring advanced skills, certifications, or extensive experience. Bale operators generally earn moderate wages aligned with skilled trades or manufacturing positions.

What is a bale operator?

A bale operator is a worker responsible for operating machinery that compresses and binds materials such as hay, straw, or recyclables into bales for storage or transport. The role typically involves operating balers, ensuring safety procedures, and maintaining equipment in agricultural or industrial settings.

What jobs make $3,000 a day?

Bale operators typically do not earn $3,000 a day; such high daily earnings are more common in specialized roles like high-level executives, certain medical specialists, or skilled trades such as crane operators or offshore drillers. These positions often require extensive experience, certifications, and working in demanding environments or remote locations. Most bale operator roles have lower daily pay, but earnings can increase with overtime, union benefits, or supervisory responsibilities.
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Bale Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Bale Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 62% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 2% Nights, and 3% Summer. Highlights an 70% Physical, and 30% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $37,805 per year, or $18.2 per hour.
Baler Operator (Warehouse)

Baler Operator (Warehouse)

Hangers of Hope

Tyler, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Bale Operator

Job Description: The Hangers of Hope Bale Operator is primarily responsible for the baling of the textile bale. This is an important part of the thrift business that allows us to support Bethesda Health Clinic’s patients. The baling machine is at the Warehouse for Hangers of Hope and supplied with textiles by the Lead Distribution Driver collecting salvage from the thrift stores. This position would also be responsible for organizing and recording the other items of salvage/gaylords before they are sold to a wholesaler.

Requirements:

Ability to lift 50 lbs

Bending, twisting, lifting, reaching, squatting, pulling, and pushing pallet jacks

Forklift experience

Forklift Certification (when required)

Complete Goals set by Warehouse Manager

Pass Hangers of Hope physical

Duties:

Keep work area tidy which includes notifying the manager when more supplies are needed, breaking down the empty gaylords so they can be returned to the stores, moving the empty pallets outside, keeping floors clean/swept free of debris for forklift, etc

Operate a baler by themselves (or with assistance) including loading the clothing and baling it safely. Complete Bale goals for each day.

Weigh all the textile bales (minimum 2 people when weighing)

Operate a pallet jack and forklift (minimum 2 people in the building when using the forklift)

Accurately record number of textile bales and salvage gaylords along with their weight for wholesale records

Work with the Lead Distribution Driver to keep the salvage and bale organized in the warehouse

Complete any other duties assigned by Warehouse Manager

Assist others as needed (move seasonal gaylords for Pricer, sort hangers for stores, move supplies for manager, help load supplies when needed, etc)


Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm