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Bale Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ... Previous Baler Operator experience preferred. * Professional Attitude & conduct to co-workers ...

Pratt Industries

Baler Operator

Gary, IN

$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 ...

SPR PACKAGING LLC

Reach Operator

Greenville, TX · On-site

$14.50 - $16.50/hr

Bale and scrap by grade: clear and mix. Track the scrap tickets that go with each bale and turn ... Experience operating a reach and sit-down. * Experience working with high rack layouts. * Ability ...

Allegiance Staffing

Grinder Operator

Salisbury, NC

$12.50 - $14.50/hr

Grinder Operator-- 1st Shift Pay: $12.50-$14.50/hr (based on experience) Shift: Monday-Friday, 1st ... Cut bale straps using required PPE (full face shield + gloves) * Remove all wire strapping and ...

GFL Environmental

Heavy Equipment Operator

Mayfield, KY · On-site

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

WM T BURNETT Holding LLC

Baler Operator

Jessup, MD · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

Description Job Summary The Baler Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining an ... Accurately weigh foam bales and record bale weights. * Load baled scrap foam into trailers or ...

WM T Burnett Foam LLC

Baler Operator

Jessup, MD · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

Description: Job Summary The Baler Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining an ... Accurately weigh foam bales and record bale weights. * Load baled scrap foam into trailers or ...

GFL Environmental

Heavy Equipment Operator

Mayville, WI · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

... bale, load and move waste material. Pay: $25-30/hour Shift: Tuesday - Friday (6am - 2:30pm ... Operator will steer, guide and or drive the above listed equipment at the assigned site, if the ...

Workforce

Baler Operator

Henrico, VA · On-site

$16/hr

Read scales and document bale weight and material grade accurately as a Baler Operator * Load trailers with baled materials using proper weight distribution techniques as a Material Handler * Operate ...

GFL Environmental

Heavy Equipment Operator

Mayville, WI · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

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

Workforce

Baler Operator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$16/hr

Read scales and document bale weight and material grade accurately as a Baler Operator * Load trailers with baled materials using proper weight distribution techniques as a Material Handler * Operate ...

Mid Valley Disposal & Transfer

Baler Operator

Fresno, CA · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Equipment Operator (Baler Operator) Job Summary Mid Valley Disposal is seeking a skilled and safety ... Identify abnormalities in material flow, bale density, wire/tie systems, and system alerts

Carpenter Co.

Operator B

Riverside, CA · On-site

$25.96/hr

Operating the bale machine Skills and requirements * Must be able to read and interpret a tape measure * Basic computer knowledge and ability to use computerized equipment in daily operations * Basic ...

Bast Fibre Technologies

Production Operator

Lumberton, NC · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

The incumbent provides support and acts as a resource to the other operating team members as ... Operate a clamp truck to store the finished product bale in the warehouse and other designated ...

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All JobsBale Operator Jobs

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

Baler Operator

Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site

$13/hr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Description
Position Summary
Safely and efficiently bale non-sellable textiles for sale to salvage vendors. Operate bale and material handling equipment as needed to meet production requirements.
Essential DutiesOther duties within the scope of this position may be assigned.
1. Bale salvage textile while safely adhering to company policies and procedures.
2. Maintain a safe and clean work environment, reporting all issues of safety concern to leadership.
3. Maximize salvage processing production to limit product backup and to receive and meet and exceed salvage revenue goals of the department.
Supervisory Responsibilities
The associate in this position does not have any supervisory responsibilities.
Education / Experience / Certificates / Security Clearance
* High School Diploma or GED, required.
* 1 Year experience in a related field, required.
* No professional certifications are required for this position.
* The associate is not required to drive as part of their job duties.
* The associate in this position will be required to successfully pass a criminal background check.
* Forklift certification is not required at hiring. Some associates may be selected after hire to obtain certification and operate a forklift as a regular part of their job.
Competencies
Lives the Values, Drives for Results, Customer Focus, Communication, Job Skills Knowledge
Safety Statement
Associates are required to follow Goodwill's safety rules and regulations, as outlined in Goodwill's policy and procedure manual.
Information Privacy and Security
This associate may have access to Confidential Information (CI) and is required to be familiar with the Goodwill Privacy policy 10.23 related to the handling of CI, and follow all related procedures required to protect the privacy and security of CI.
Physical Demands / Work Environment / Work Conditions
* The associate is required to lift 50 pounds with frequent lifting and/or carrying objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
* The associate works in an environment with frequent exposure to extreme atmospheric conditions (temperature, noise, fumes, dust, etc.)
* The associate must be available to work evenings and/or weekends as business needs dictate.
Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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.
Please click on this link to access our EEO / Affirmative Action Program posters and learn about your rights as an applicant.
If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation or have questions regarding the listed compensation, please contact the recruiting team at Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia at 804-745-6300 or via email at RecruitingAccommodations@goodwillvirginia.org . All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.
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