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Bale Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CJK Group

Baler Operator (1st shift)

Lebanon Junction, KY · On-site

$13.75 - $17/hr

The Recycling Equipment Operator is responsible for maintaining the machinery that shreds ... Thread tie bands around bale and twists or clamps ends of bands to tighten bands. * Opens ...

Canusa Hershman Recycling LLC

Plant Operator

Wellford, SC · On-site

Recycle 1 - Plant Operator Your Responsibilities * Follows all safety rules and procedures; attends ... Cleans up areas of the facility (stock off floor, bale organizing, and other cleaning assignments ...

Posted today

GFL Environmental

Equipment Operator

Rainbow City, AL

$14.75 - $20/hr

Operate necessary equipment to bale and load waste material into trailers. Perform inspection and ... Operator will use a two-way radio to communicate with co-workers in the field and or office ...

Pratt Industries

Baler Operator 3rd Shift

Valparaiso, IN · On-site

$18.70/hr

BALER OPERATOR 3rd Shift (11 pm - 7 am) REPORTS TO: Corrugator Supervisor Starting Wage $18.70 per ... Bale and remove scrap as required, stacking bales correctly in trailers. Maintain accurate bale ...

New

Pratt Industries

Baler Operator

Wapakoneta, OH · On-site

$14 - $17.50/hr

Replace bale wire on machine, as needed. * Troubleshoot baler issues immediately. * Thorough and ... Previous Baler Operator experience preferred. * Professional Attitude & conduct to co-workers ...

Pratt Industries

Baler Operator

Rock Hill, SC

$13 - $16.25/hr

Replace bale wire on machine, as needed. * Troubleshoot baler issues immediately. * Thorough and ... Previous Baler Operator experience preferred. * Professional Attitude & conduct to co-workers ...

Pratt Industries

Baler Operator

Gary, IN · On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

Replace bale wire on machine, as needed. * Troubleshoot baler issues immediately. * Thorough and ... Previous Baler Operator experience preferred. * Professional Attitude & conduct to co-workers ...

Pratt Industries

Baler Operator

Rock Hill, SC

$13 - $16.25/hr

Replace bale wire on machine, as needed. Troubleshoot baler issues immediately. Thorough and proper ... Previous Baler Operator experience preferred. Professional Attitude & conduct to co-workers ...

GFL Environmental

Equipment Operator

Rainbow City, AL · On-site

$14.75 - $20/hr

Key Responsibilities: • Operate necessary equipment to bale and load waste material into trailers ... Operator will steer, guide and or drive the above listed equipment at the assigned site, if the ...

Pratt Industries

Baler Operator

Rock Hill, SC · On-site

$13 - $16.25/hr

Replace bale wire on machine, as needed. Troubleshoot baler issues immediately. Thorough and proper ... Previous Baler Operator experience preferred. Professional Attitude & conduct to co-workers ...

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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.
More about Bale Operator jobs
What states have the most Bale Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Bale Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Bale Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Bale Operator jobs are:
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 (1st shift)

Baler Operator (1st shift)

CJK Group

Lebanon Junction, KY • On-site

$13.75 - $17/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Who We Are - Sheridan Lebanon Junction, a CJK Company, provides high-quality publication and book printing services. Our talented teams and strong capabilities transform ideas into results. With continued growth ahead, we are looking for someone interested in learning and career advancement opportunities, to join our Warehouse team as a Baler Operator.
What We Offer:
  • Qualified new hires will receive a $500 bonus now through 8/31/26
  • A safe, values-based company that acts with integrity and respect for all.
  • On-the-job training programs through Sheridan Academy
  • Career advancement opportunities
  • Tuition reimbursement for approved coursework
  • Paid time off & holidays
  • Employee referral program
  • Medical, Dental, Vision
  • First Stop Health - convenient telemedicine services at little to no cost
  • Confidential and free EAP program for wellness and mental health
  • Company-paid basic life, AD&D, and short-term disability insurance
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match

Job Description
Baler Operator
Job Summary:
The Recycling Equipment Operator is responsible for maintaining the machinery that shreds, compresses, and binds paper by-products from the print manufacturing process and preparing materials for disposal or recycling. This role includes threading and securing tie bands, removing and transporting bales using lifting equipment, and maintaining accurate records of bale weights and material types. The operator also performs routine maintenance on baling equipment, clears obstructions in the cyclone, and may assist with loading bales for shipment, completing manifests, and documenting containers for verification. Additional duties may include handling LP tanks, using materials tracking systems, and performing basic equipment upkeep to ensure safe and efficient operations.
Duties/Responsibilities:
  • Tend machines that shred and/or compresses and binds paper by-products generated from the print manufacturing process to facilitate disposition of the waste materials.
  • Thread tie bands around bale and twists or clamps ends of bands to tighten bands.
  • Opens compression chamber doors and removes bale from machine.
  • Truck bales to storage location using pallet jacks or hoist trucks. Complete daily forklift condition report.
  • Weigh the bales and keep records of the gross weight, materials grade of the bales.
  • May load bales on trucks, rail cars for disposal and complete shipping manifest.
  • Perform routine maintenance on the baling machinery and remove obstructions in the cyclone as needed.
  • May photograph container and seals for verification purposes
  • May require knowledge of procedures for proper LP Tank removal, filling, replacement and storage
  • May require knowledge of Materials Tracking and Control System (scanning and interpreting screen information)
  • Minor lubrication maintenance and attention to condition of functionality of equipment operated
  • Performs other related duties and participates in special projects as assigned.

Basic Qualifications:
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Able to apply rational systems to solve practical problems involving concrete variables in situations with limited standardization. Must be able to interpret written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule-form instructions.
  • Proficient in arithmetic, algebraic, and geometric procedures for standard practical applications.
  • Able to read and interpret work instructions, safety rules, and procedural documents. Capable of effective written communication using proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
  • Mechanical skills using small hand tools, and necessary safety requirements
  • Skill to read and understand instructions to fulfill each individual job.
  • A team player who works well with others

Desired Skills and Abilities:
  • 3 to 6 months of related training, or experience in a similar role or environment.
  • Previous forklift experience

Physical Requirements
  • Job requires the ability to exert 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
  • Ability to team lift up to 100 pounds frequently.
  • Frequent standing, walking, kneeling, and stooping throughout the shift.
  • Occasional sitting, climbing, and balancing required.
  • Frequent use of hands and fingers for handling materials and operating machinery.
  • Ability to operate foot controls and pallet jacks or hoist trucks.
  • Visual acuity (near and far) and hearing required frequently for safety and task performance.
  • Occasional need for depth perception, color vision, and peripheral vision.
  • Exposure to moderate noise levels and occasional atmospheric conditions (e.g., dust).
  • Continuous use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Must be able to safely move through and work in all areas of the production facility.

Travel Requirements
  • 0%

Sheridan is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation to apply for employment, please contact the location HR Team at sljhrteam@sheridan.com.
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