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Collator Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Assists the Dump Operator I/II and Batch Operator or Batch Assistant with dumping of tomato bins, drums and other raw materials as needed for each product. 3. Keeps dump room area and bin and drum ...

Bin Dump Operator III

Los Banos, CA · On-site

$19.27 - $25.05/hr

Assists the Dump Operator I/II and Batch Operator or Batch Assistant with dumping of tomato bins, drums and other raw materials as needed for each product. 3. Keeps dump room area and bin and drum ...

Machine Operator

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Job Summary The Machine Operator - Collator/Packer is responsible for operating and maintaining collating equipment, troubleshooting issues, and performing packing activities. This role ensures that ...

Collator Operator information

See California salary details

$13

$21

$31

How much do collator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for collator operator in California is $21.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $21.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a collator operator?

A Collator Operator is a skilled worker responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining collating machines, which assemble printed materials, such as books, pamphlets, or magazines, in the correct sequence. They ensure that pages are properly aligned and ordered before binding or packaging. Collator Operators also inspect finished products for quality, troubleshoot machine issues, and may perform minor repairs or adjustments as needed.

What does a collator operator do?

A collator operator maintains and operates the machine used to assemble pages in numerical sequence for printed material. Your duties in this career are to place pages in holding trays, start the machine, and remove assembled pages. You handle assembling the final product, which includes stapling, gluing, folding, and cutting the sheets of paper. Your responsibilities also include performing safety inspections, adjusting the control that regulates the stroke of the paper pusher, assessing speed for the machine according to the size of the sheet, checking for accuracy of the final product, making corrections as needed, and troubleshooting any printing issues. A collator operator typically works in printing and bookbinding.

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

To thrive as a Collator Operator, you need a solid understanding of mechanical equipment, attention to detail, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with collating machines, basic computer systems, and occasionally inventory or production software is typically required. Strong organizational skills, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are important soft skills in this position. These skills ensure efficient operation, minimal downtime, and high-quality output in fast-paced printing or manufacturing environments.

What are some common challenges faced by collator operators and how can they be addressed?

Collator Operators often encounter challenges such as machine jams, misfeeds, and maintaining consistent output quality on tight deadlines. Staying proactive with regular machine maintenance, closely monitoring feed mechanisms, and promptly addressing any misalignments can help minimize downtime. Additionally, effective communication with team members and supervisors ensures that any production issues are quickly resolved. Continuous learning about new equipment and process improvements also helps operators adapt to changes and advance in their careers.

What is the difference between Collator Operator vs Inserter Operator?

AspectCollator OperatorInserter Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentPrinting plants, mailing facilitiesMailing centers, printing facilities
Industry UsagePrinting and mailing industryMailing and fulfillment industry
Job FocusAssembling printed materials into sorted groupsInserting documents into envelopes or packages

Both Collator Operators and Inserter Operators work in printing and mailing environments, often within the same industry. While Collator Operators focus on sorting and assembling printed materials, Inserter Operators handle inserting documents into envelopes or packages. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right role based on their skills and interests.

What are popular job titles related to Collator Operator jobs in CA?

For Collator Operator jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Collator Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,392 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

Bin Dump Operator III

Kagome

Los Banos, CA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Description
Employee shall stage, accurately track lot numbers of staged material, and continuously provide raw materials to the batching system for further processing. Included tasks are material handling, material tracking, and CIP/COP of processing rooms and equipment. CIP and sanitation documentation and safe use of chemicals and concentrations of usage. Assist with implementation and support of MES System. Assist with implementation and support of 5S Program.
Support and ensure compliance with all programs, policies, and procedures outlined in the Food Safety and Quality Management System. Fulfill assigned food safety and regulatory responsibilities in accordance with the SQF Food Safety Code, including promptly reporting any concerns to initiate corrective action. Actively contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, including 5S and EOS.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Prepares and transfers bins, drums, and other containers of raw materials into the batching process. Keeps complete and accurate documentation of material lot number and ID codes in accordance with the Materials requirement list(picklist) and MSP.
2. Pre-stages bins, drums and other containers of raw materials in the dump room and/or batch room. Assists the Dump Operator I/II and Batch Operator or Batch Assistant with dumping of tomato bins, drums and other raw materials as needed for each product.
3. Keeps dump room area and bin and drum storage areas clean and organized throughout the shift. Keep all utensils used in manufacturing products clean and organized throughout the shift.
4. Assist the Bin Dump Operator I and/or II and learns to complete equipment CIP/COP and room sanitation. Ensures proper use of safety equipment during sanitation, gloves, safety glasses, face shield and wash down rain suit during CIP/COP.
5. Completes material tracking, CIP/COP, and daily sanitation paperwork accurately and neatly.
6. Performs other duties as needed or assigned by Supervisor or Line Lead.
POSITION DIMENSIONS AND QUALIFICATIONS
Internal Contacts:
Operations Supervisor, Line Lead, Batch Operator, Filler Operator, Quality Personnel and Maintenance Technician
External Contacts:
None
Education Level and Focus:
High school diploma or equivalent preferred
Years and Type of Related Experience Required:
Food industry and forklift experience preferred
Positions Supervised:
None
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Uphold Kagome's Values:
Employee works well with others as a team and treats others with respect. Conducts self in a professional manner and exhibits the highest level of integrity. Maintains a positive attitude through good working relationships with our customers, visitors, and co-workers that emphasizes our commitment to good customer service.
Attendance:
Reliability and acceptable attendance are required. It is critical to be punctual and arrive on time for work and for meetings (if applicable).
Productivity:
Must consistently fulfill job responsibilities, knowing how to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively.
Employee Retention:
Build a culture employees and/or co-workers want to be a part of. Be helpful to others and work as a team toward company goals. Participate in an exceptional onboarding experience for new hires and ensure they have the necessary tools to succeed in their roles by welcoming and assisting them.
Interpersonal and Communication:
Ability to function with minimal supervision, including the capacity to learn and follow processing, CIP and sanitation procedures, safety rules and other directives; ability to speak and write English. Must be able to communicate effectively with co-workers and management team.
Technical and Analytical:
Ability to read gauges, labels, and instructions; basic math skills and the ability to learn how to operate a forklift
Administration and Operations:
Ability to complete shift reports accurately; ability to prioritize tasks
Physical Demands:
Standing for long periods of time, lifting 50+ lbs., climbing stairs, bending, and availability to work various shifts
Work Environment:
Food plant and outside holding areas, high noise levels, wet working environment, extreme hot and cold conditions, forklift traffic. This is a Safety Sensitive position.
Special Equipment Used:
Hydraulic bin and drum dumper, forklift-operated drum dumper, paste pump, forklift, portable foam unit and high-pressure wash unit, tote elevators, product transfer tube, steel totes, scales, RFID scanners and communication radio.