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Baler Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Pratt Industries

Baler Operator 1st Shift

Hebron, KY · On-site

$14.50 - $18/hr

BALER OPERATOR SUMMARY Responsible for all activities associated with safely running the baler including operation, cleanup, and recommending improvements to operations. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Career Site

Baler Operator (2nd shift)

Lebanon Junction, KY · On-site

$13.75 - $17/hr

Baler Operator (We'll Train You!) 2nd shift (3pm-11pm)| Full-Time | Competitive Pay + Overtime Opportunities Help Keep Our Production Moving At Sheridan Lebanon Junction , we're passionate about ...

Pratt Industries

Baler Operator 1st Shift

Hebron, KY · On-site

$14.50 - $18/hr

BALER OPERATOR SUMMARY Responsible for all activities associated with safely running the baler including operation, cleanup, and recommending improvements to operations. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Costco Wholesale Corporation

Maintenance Clerk

Louisville, KY · On-site

$15.75 - $19/hr

... baler, and dock plates. * Builds and repairs fixtures, structures, and displays using hand and power tools. Measures, cuts, affixes, shapes, sands and paints various materials. * Repairs plumbing ...

Costco Wholesale Corporation

Maintenance Clerk

Florence, KY · On-site

$16.75 - $20.25/hr

... baler, and dock plates. * Builds and repairs fixtures, structures, and displays using hand and power tools. Measures, cuts, affixes, shapes, sands and paints various materials. * Repairs plumbing ...

Costco Wholesale Corporation

Maintenance Clerk

Louisville, KY · On-site

$15.50 - $18.75/hr

... baler, and dock plates. * Builds and repairs fixtures, structures, and displays using hand and power tools. Measures, cuts, affixes, shapes, sands and paints various materials. * Repairs plumbing ...

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Baler information

See Kentucky salary details

$6

$13

$18

How much do baler jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for baler in Kentucky is $13.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.55 and $15.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a baler?

A baler is a machine operator. They use heavy machinery to bale materials such as clothing, paper products, waste, and plastic wrapping. Their job duties may also include tieing off the bales and moving them to another part of the warehouse. Qualifications for this career include a high school diploma, mechanical aptitude or experience, and the ability to follow all safety instructions. If the job position requires the use of a crane to transport bales, some states may require licensure.

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

To thrive as a Baler, you need physical stamina, attention to detail, and a basic understanding of warehouse operations, often with a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with baling machines, conveyor systems, and basic safety certifications like OSHA training is typically required. Strong teamwork, reliability, and adherence to safety protocols are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills ensure efficient material handling, workplace safety, and consistent productivity in recycling or waste management environments.

What are some typical safety challenges faced by balers, and how can they be managed in the workplace?

Balers often work with heavy machinery and compressed materials, which can present safety challenges such as entanglement, repetitive motion injuries, and exposure to dust or debris. To manage these risks, employers usually provide thorough safety training, require the use of personal protective equipment like gloves and eye protection, and implement strict lockout/tagout procedures. Regular equipment maintenance and clear communication with team members also help ensure a safe and efficient work environment. Staying attentive and following established protocols are key to minimizing hazards in this role.

What is the difference between Baler vs Machine Operator?

AspectBaler
Required CertificationsTypically none, but safety training may be required
Work EnvironmentFactories, recycling plants, warehouses
Employer & IndustryManufacturing, recycling, waste management
Job FocusOperating baling machines to compress materials

While a Baler specializes in operating baling equipment to compress and bind materials, a Machine Operator may handle various machinery in manufacturing settings. The Baler role is more focused on specific equipment used in recycling or packaging, whereas Machine Operators often work with different types of machinery across industries. Both roles require safety awareness and basic mechanical skills, but baler operators typically need specific training related to baling equipment.

More about Baler jobs

What job categories do people searching Baler jobs in Kentucky look for?

The top searched job categories for Baler jobs in Kentucky are:

Baler jobs near you
Infographic showing various Baler job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $29,077 per year, or $14 per hour.

Baler Operator 1st Shift

Pratt Industries

Hebron, KY • On-site

$14.50 - $18/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Pratt Industries rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 109 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

45th of 120 rated packaging manufacturers

Job description

POSITION TITLE: BALER OPERATOR

SUMMARY

Responsible for all activities associated with safely running the baler including operation, cleanup, and recommending improvements to operations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Make good, neat bales.
  • Operate baler and use up all unusable and corrugated scrap.
  • Maintain accurate bale reports.
  • Operate a forklift in a safe manner when necessary.
  • Turn in maintenance work orders to supervision for needed repairs. Be proactive in the maintenance of equipment.
  • Comply with all company policies and procedures, including safety and maintaining good housekeeping.
  • Work safely at all times, be aware of surroundings and understand and comply with Pratt Industries Safety rules, operating procedures, and help hold co-workers responsible for safety related items. Participate in Plant Safety Committee.
  • Follow at all times GMPs (Good Manufacturing Processes)
  • Comply with all company policies and procedures, including safety and maintaining good housekeeping.
  • Must be able to work overtime as necessary

Additional duties may be assigned by management.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

High school diploma or GED.

Candidates are PREFERRED who offer the following:

Prior work experience in the corrugated industry.

Prior work experience as a forklift operator.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Able to read and follow instructions on factory masters.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Able to read a tape measure with speed and accuracy. Able to calculate figures and amounts such as percentages, measurement, volume and rate. Able to apply concepts of high school math.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or graphic form. Ability to deal with problems involving one or more concrete variables in standardized situations.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

The individual must have a working knowledge of the following:

Equipment design and capabilities that can be translated into efficient operation.

Product layouts and production specifications

Product quality specifications

Quality standards

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

May be required to maintain a current Lift Truck Operator License.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 to 60 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

Pratt is America's 5th largest corrugated packaging company and the world's largest, privately-held 100% recycled paper and packaging company, with more than 10,000 highly-skilled, green-collar employees dedicated to the environment and sustainability.

Why Choose Us?
At Pratt Industries, we care about our employees by providing secure jobs, a safe work environment, and many supportive benefits. By investing in employees, we are able to offer growth opportunities to build a thriving, lifelong career.

Perks of Pratt?
Paid Holidays from DAY ONE
Insurance benefits and wellness reimbursement program within ONE MONTH of hire
3 Months: 401(k) with match
6 Months: PAID vacation days
12 Months: FULL tuition reimbursement and PAID childbearing and parenting leave

What Pratt Industries employees say

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