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Collator Operator Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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Collator Operator information

See Illinois salary details

$12

$20

$30

How much do collator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for collator operator in Illinois is $20.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $21.44 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.

More about Collator Operator jobs

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

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

What job categories do people searching Collator Operator jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Collator Operator jobs in Illinois are:

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

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

Collator Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Collator Operator job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,588 per year, or $21 per hour.

1st Shift Collator Machine Operator (AU#337416)

Barton Staffing Solutions

Saint Charles, IL

$22 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Bring your Machine Operator experience and land this job NOW!

Excellent Temp-to-Hire Opportunity with long-term potential!

Schedule: Monday–Thursday, 5:00 AM–3:30 PM
Pay: $22.00–$25.00/hour

  1. Follow all applicable sop’s (standard operating procedures).
  2. Review shift production schedule with supervisor with regard to the specific overlays and magnetic foils that will be required for the particular job, review ticket and proof, make sure that is stamped ‘gate 3’.
  3. Read and understand job ticket specifications and be able to comprehend all instructions of ticket with the ability to ask questions and report problems.
  4. Able to load trolleys (1-3) with required stock.
  5. Check collator for possible causes of scratches.
  6. Check overlay for proper coating (some are coated inside, some are coated outside).
  7. Record the necessary information in the first piece log book.
  8. Ensure cutter and tacking are operating properly. Check all aspects of machine operation and product quality throughout the run. Give QC 5 sheets every half-hour to check specifications. Have a system in place to catch errors early in the cycle.
  9. Keep machine well maintained and work area clean. Use appropriate safety while performing maintenance.
  10. Be able to learn tasks of adjacent workers, under a programmed schedule, and fill in during emergencies.
  11. Log down the job number, customer’s name, and quantity of sheets done.
  12. Responsible to understand and maintain sop’s m0300, m309, m0315, qualify standards thereof.
  13. Perform other duties as required by shift supervisor.
  14. Able to maintain consistent production results per scheduled requirements. 



#ZR 

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

  1. Must be very knowledgeable (once trained) of key technical standards for equipment operation. 
  2. Must be able to lift 30 lbs.
  3. Must have good communication and comprehension skills (reasonably proficient at reading and speaking English).
  4. Technical skill – Ability to trouble-shoot machine operational adjustments. Assist maintenance staff.
  5. Basic computer skills and comprehension. (See operating instructions and set-up manual).

Aply NOW by Clicking on "Apply Now"

Or Call Gabby, Lidia, Marisol, or Yaitza at (630) 897-3591

Or Send your resume to Aurora@BartonStaffing.com

Or Apply online at www.BartonStaffing.com

Or We'd love to meet you - come in and apply in person:

     1000 Corporate Blvd., Suite A

      Aurora, IL 60505


Here is why YOU should work for Barton Staffing Solutions:

  • Weekly Pay every Wednesday – always on time!
  • Medical Insurance Benefit options
  • Holiday Paid Time Off for long-term good attendance
  • Employment offers are contingent upon successfully passing a drug test, E-Verify verification, and background check.
  • Referral Program – get paid a BONUS for referring your friends!
  • Many jobs are TEMP-to-HIRE with Long-Term Career Potential!!


Come in or just call us to ask about these and other reasons, working for Barton Staffing Solutions is your best option

Company Description

You can be good at a lot of things. We prefer to be great at one thing. For us, that is staffing and recruiting.

As a prospective Barton Staffing Solutions employee, we provide employment opportunities at Greater Chicago-land’s leading companies, good pay, and the opportunity to expand your knowledge and skills while keeping your career moving forward.

Excellence is our minimum standard. If this sounds like the way you work and you are ready to learn more about how we can help your career, contact us today.