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Collator Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

J.F. Shea Family of Companies

$21 - $22/hr

As a member of the Landscape Maintenance Team, the Operator 1 position is responsible for the upkeep and manicuring of all landscaped areas and hardscapes within the community. This is an entry-level ...

Tree Island Steel

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 ...

All JobsCollator Operator JobsCollator Operator Jobs in California

Collator Operator information

See California salary details

$13

$21

$31

How much do collator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 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 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 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 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 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.

More about Collator Operator jobs
What are popular job titles related to Collator Operator jobs in California? For Collator Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Collator Operator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Collator Operator jobs in California are:
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:
Collator Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Collator Operator job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 15% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 10% Temporary, 34% Contract, and 34% Nights. Highlights an 21% Physical, 16% Hybrid, and 63% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,392 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

Pressman or collator operator business forms. Chino California

K & G Forms and Graphics

Chino, CA • On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

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Job description

Didde web press operator or collator operator.

Company Description

Business Forms Manufacturer.