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Baler Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mancan

Baler Operator

North Canton, OH

$17/hr

Massillon Mancan is assisting a local Navarre Company who is looking for Baler Operator. This will be a 1st shift position from 6:00 am-2:30 pm Monday through Friday. Must be able to lift 50lbs and ...

Mancan

Baler Operator

Barberton, OH

$17/hr

Massillon Mancan is assisting a local Navarre Company who is looking for Baler Operator. This will be a 1st shift position from 6:00 am-2:30 pm Monday through Friday. Must be able to lift 50lbs and ...

Mancan

Baler Operator

Navarre, OH

$17/hr

Massillon Mancan is assisting a local Navarre Company who is looking for Baler Operator. This will be a 1st shift position from 6:00 am-2:30 pm Monday through Friday. Must be able to lift 50lbs and ...

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 hour Overview The Baler Operator is responsible for safely operating the baler and hogger systems to ...

FXI

Baler Operator

Baldwyn, MS · On-site

$12 - $15/hr

Responsibilities: • Loads scrap foam, skins, and/or fabric into baler. • Continually supplies baling machine with scrap and ensures that finished bales are properly pack and contained with ...

Packaging Corporation of America

BALER OPERATOR

Waco, TX · On-site

$20.19/hr

Communicate with the Operator on Baler and Shredder performance, while exchanging information to the incoming Operator. Document any movement and perform a checklist of baler and shredder machines ...

International Paper

Baler Operator 1

Springfield, OR

$20.74/hr

Baler/Loader Operator 1 Pay Rate : $20.74/hr Category/Shift : Hourly Full-Time Monday - Friday Physical Location : 800 N. 48th Street, Springfield, OR 97478 The Job You Will Perform: * Complete pre ...

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 hour Overview The Baler Operator is responsible for safely operating the baler and hogger systems to ...

Pratt Industries

Baler Operator 2nd Shift

Valparaiso, IN · On-site

$18.70/hr

BALER OPERATOR - 2nd Shift (3pm-11pm) Starting Wage: $18.70 per hour REPORTS TO: Corrugator Supervisor / Lead Overview The Baler Operator is responsible for safely operating the baler and hogger ...

Pratt Industries

Baler Operator 2nd Shift

Beloit, WI · On-site

$18.50/hr

Baler Operator 2nd shift Location: Pratt (Beloit Corrugating), LLC - 1405 Gateway Blvd, Beloit, WI Starting Pay: $18.50/hour. Eligible for pay increases after 90 days and 6 months based on ...

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Baler Operator information

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How much do baler operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for baler operator in the United States is $16.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $18.03 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.

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Baler Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Baler Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 94% Physical, and 6% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $33,479 per year, or $16.1 per hour.
Baler Operator / Bagger

Baler Operator / Bagger

Interstate Waste Services

Danbury, CT • On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Interstate Waste Services in Danbury, CT is looking for an Baler Operator / Bagger

Full TIme Monday thru Firday with some Saturdays

Full Union Benefit Package

Early start time

$20.00 to $24.00 per Hour

Interstate Waste Services is the most progressive and innovative provider of solid waste and recycling services in the greater New York, New Jersey and Connecticut markets with a rail-served landfill in Ohio!  IWS is committed to delivering high-quality waste, recycling and environmental services, while prioritizing the safety of our employees, customers and communities. We cater to a diverse range of industrial, medical and commercial/residential customers. 

Founded in 1998, IWS has grown over the years through acquisitions, many of which were family-owned businesses that remain a part of our team today. We’re proud to combine the resources of a large company with the values and care of a family-run business. 


The Baler Operator is responsible for operating baling equipment to compress, bind, and package materials into bales. This position is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the baler, as well as monitoring the flow of materials and ensuring they are loaded correctly into the baler.  You also will be bagging up the material after it has been pressed, packaging it up for it's final destination.


  • Performing basic adjustments and preventative maintenance to ensure the machine is in good working order
  • Observing meters during operation and making adjustments to ensure bales meet quality and safety standards
  • Performs daily inspection of equipment.
  • Monitors levels of material in bunkers.
  • Change baler settings for each commodity to be baled.
  • Operate conveyors to bring materials from bunkers to baler.
  • Activate the controls of baler to compress and wire tie bales.
  • Trucks bales to storage place, weighs bales, and records weight
  • Keeping the work area and equipment clean and orderly
  • Keeps accurate production records on bales produced
  • Following safety regulations: Being able to work safely and accurately in a fast-paced environment
  • Report any worker-public safety factors and/or equipment malfunctions.
  • Attend weekly/monthly safety/operations meetings
  • Other duties as assigned.

  • Experience with heavy equipment is preferred.
  • Must be able to lift to 50 pounds or more with assistance.
  • Must be 18 years of age.
  • Required to read and review operators manual prior to operation of equipment

This job description is intended to be an accurate representation of the general functions of the job, rather than exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or experience. Other duties may be assigned, requested, or required. Aspects of the job may be altered without notice.

 

Interstate Waste Services provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.


USD $20.00/Hr.
USD $24.00/Hr.

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