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Baler Operator Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Pratt Industries

Baler Operator 1st Shift

Lewisburg, OH · On-site

$18.15/hr

BALER OPERATOR Pay starts at $18.15, based on experience plus differential! REPORTS TO: Waste Champion SUMMARY: Responsible for all activities associated with safely running the baler including ...

The Reynolds and Reynolds Company

Baler

Celina, OH · On-site

$16/hr

Position Description As the Baler, you will be responsible for completing daily preventive maintenance, and required to perform all activities related to baling, cutting, and shredding at the ...

gesmv

Baler - Sidney

Sidney, OH

$14 - $17.50/hr

Operates baler to prepare 1200 - 1500 pound bales for shipment. * Hand-load baler when necessary ... Experience Requirements Experience operating a baling machine and counter-balance scale preferred.

Goodwill Industries of Akron

Baler-State Use

Akron, OH · On-site

$14.35/hr

Goodwill Industries of Akron, OH is looking to hire a Baler. Are you goal-oriented and looking for an opportunity to prove yourself? Are you a get-it-done type of person who is interested in the ...

Goodwill Industries of Akron

Baler-State Use

Akron, OH · On-site

$14.35/hr

Goodwill Industries of Akron, OH is looking to hire a Baler. Are you goal-oriented and looking for an opportunity to prove yourself? Are you a get-it-done type of person who is interested in the ...

Goodwill Industries of Akron

Baler-State Use

Akron, OH

$14.25 - $18/hr

Goodwill Industries of Akron, OH is looking to hire a Baler. Are you goal-oriented and looking for an opportunity to prove yourself? Are you a get-it-done type of person who is interested in the ...

gesmv

Baler - Sidney

Sidney, OH

$14 - $17.50/hr

Operates baler to prepare 1200 - 1500 pound bales for shipment. * Hand-load baler when necessary ... Experience Requirements Experience operating a baling machine and counter-balance scale preferred.

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Baler Operator information

See Ohio salary details

$6

$15

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How much do baler operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for baler operator in Ohio is $15.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $17.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Baler Operator, you need a solid understanding of machinery operation, basic mechanical aptitude, and usually a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with industrial balers, safety protocols, and sometimes forklift certification are typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and strong problem-solving skills help ensure efficient, safe operation and quick response to equipment issues. These skills are essential for maintaining productivity, preventing accidents, and ensuring the smooth processing of recyclable materials.

What are some common challenges Baler Operators face and how can they be addressed on the job?

Baler Operators often encounter challenges such as equipment malfunctions, material jams, and maintaining consistent output quality. Staying attentive during operations and performing regular equipment inspections can help prevent major breakdowns. Additionally, effective communication with maintenance teams and following established safety protocols are crucial for resolving issues promptly and ensuring a safe work environment. Many facilities also provide ongoing training to help operators troubleshoot problems and improve efficiency.

What does a Baler Operator do?

A Baler Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining baling machines that compress materials like cardboard, paper, plastics, or textiles into compact bales for recycling or disposal. They monitor the machine to ensure proper operation, clear jams, and tie off completed bales. Baler Operators also inspect materials for contaminants and maintain a clean and safe work area. Their role is essential in recycling centers, warehouses, and manufacturing facilities to promote efficient waste management.

What is the difference between Baler Operator vs Forklift Operator?

AspectBaler OperatorForklift Operator
CertificationsTypically requires OSHA safety training, equipment operation certificationRequires forklift certification and safety training
Work EnvironmentWorks mainly in recycling plants, warehouses, manufacturing facilitiesWorks in warehouses, distribution centers, construction sites
Job DutiesOperates balers to compress recyclable materials or wasteOperates forklifts to move pallets and materials
Industry UsageCommon in recycling, waste management, manufacturingCommon in logistics, warehousing, construction

While both roles involve equipment operation and safety certifications, Baler Operators focus on compressing recyclable materials using baling machines, primarily in recycling or waste management industries. Forklift Operators handle material movement within warehouses and distribution centers. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right role aligned with their skills and industry interests.

What Is a Baler Operator?

A baler operator controls and maintains an automatic machine that bales rubber pellets. As a baler operator, your primary duties are to calibrate the machine, observe the meters on the machine during operation, and take the wet bales out of the machine. Qualifications needed for a career as a baler operator include a high school diploma or GED certificate, job experience operating heavy machinery or postsecondary training to prepare you for mechanical operations, mechanical skills, a keen eye for detail, and knowledge of all safety practices.

More about Baler Operator jobs
What are popular job titles related to Baler Operator jobs in Ohio? For Baler Operator jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Baler Operator jobs in Ohio look for? The top searched job categories for Baler Operator jobs in Ohio are:
What are popular job titles related to Baler Operator jobs in OH? For Baler Operator jobs in OH, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Baler Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Baler Operator job openings in Ohio as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, and 16% Part Time. Highlights an 94% Physical, and 6% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $31,828 per year, or $15.3 per hour.
Baler Operator

Baler Operator

Goodwill Industries of Gr. Cleveland & East Central Ohio

Cleveland, OH • On-site

$15.90/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Goodwill Industries of Greater Cleveland and East Central Ohio is seeking a Baler Operator to join our team at our East Cleveland warehouse!

In this role, you will operate the baler and tie off baled textiles, following established operating procedures and safety standards. Responsible for conveying 275-500 lb. Gaylords are transported from the warehouse to the baler area and convey bales weighing more than 1,130 lbs. to the shipping area. Assist in the operation of the dock area and in transporting material.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Load the baler in a manner that is highly efficient and safe.
  • Ensure that only appropriate textile pieces are being baled by removing any other items.
  • Work with the lead baler to maintain equipment, reports, and the quality of bales.
  • Keep the baler room, dock area, and warehouse clean, orderly, and operating safely.
  • Adhere to agency safety/security policies, procedures, and practices. Wear required personal protective equipment.
  • Place specific trash in a regular or metal dumpster or compactor as designated.
  • Other relevant duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Specific Experience/Skills/Abilities:

  • Tow motor experience preferred
  • Ability to judge distance, speed, and movement of objects

Basic Requirements:

  • High School diploma
  • Must be able to perform physical requirements of the position including but not limited to frequent standing, walking, climbing, balancing, stooping/bending, crouching/squatting, bilateral reaching all levels: bilateral handling and fingering, fine fingering and simple grasping ability; occasional sitting and kneeling; frequent lift/carry up to 10 lbs., occasional lift/carry 51-100 lbs.; frequent push/pull up to 500 lbs. at varying distances. Indoor/outdoor conditions.
  • Safety toe footwear is preferred but not required.
  • Safety-sensitive position that is subject to random drug testing.

This is a full-time hourly position with offered benefits of Health, Dental, Vision, Voluntary Term Life, Retirement, and Paid Time Off.

Goodwill is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Background check required.


Job Posted by ApplicantPro