1

Baler Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

$16.50/hr

4910 Executive Ct Frederick Maryland, 21703, Starting Pay: $16.50 Hourly Position Description : Operates various equipment to include baling machines to produce bales for sale to salvage or recycle ...

Eastern Lift Truck Co. Retail Service Technician Currently, we are seeking a Retail Service Technician in the Virginia Beach, VA area. We offer tremendous opportunity for growth, competitive ...

General Technician Ship/R-ASC

Richmond, VA · On-site

$16.75 - $20.75/hr

Responsible for the Safety, cleanliness and organization of the warehouse, baler room, truck docks, bander, associated grounds by supplying support to Press Operation, Baler Room, and overall plant ...

General Technician Ship/R-ASC

Richmond, VA

$16.75 - $20.75/hr

Responsible for the Safety, cleanliness and organization of the warehouse, baler room, truck docks, bander, associated grounds by supplying support to Press Operation, Baler Room, and overall plant ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Baler information

See Virginia salary details

$7

$15

$21

How much do baler jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for baler in Virginia is $15.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $17.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are balers?

Balers are workers responsible for operating machines that compress materials—such as cardboard, paper, plastics, or textiles—into compact bales for easier handling, storage, and transportation. Balers often work in recycling centers, warehouses, factories, or agricultural settings. Their duties may include loading materials into the baler, monitoring the machine during operation, tying off and removing finished bales, and performing basic equipment maintenance. Attention to safety procedures is crucial due to the heavy machinery involved. The job typically requires physical stamina and the ability to work in environments that may be noisy or dusty.

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 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 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 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.

What are popular job titles related to Baler jobs in Virginia? For Baler jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Baler job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,192 per year, or $16 per hour.
Baler Operator

$13/hr

Full-time

Posted 26 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.
Applicants using Assistive Technology are encouraged to use our Indeed job board to submit applications. Click here to go to our Indeed Job board.