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Compactor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Compactor Technician

East Haven, CT · On-site

$20 - $32.50/hr

Compactor Technician All American Waste All American Waste All American Waste is at the forefront of waste and hauling and processing, innovating every step of the way as we work to find the best ...

Compactor Technician

New Haven, CT · On-site

$20 - $32.50/hr

Compactor Technician All American Waste All American Waste is at the forefront of waste and hauling and processing, innovating every step of the way as we work to find the best solutions for safe and ...

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Compactor Sales Technician

Austin, TX · On-site

$50K - $75K/yr

Modern Compactor Repair Location Texas territory - mandatory recurring travel to Dallas and San Antonio Job Type Initial 6-month contract, with revised compensation structure thereafter Reports To ...

Compactor/Baler Technician | Retail Service Technician Currently, are seeking a Compactor/Baler Technician in New Jersey . We offer tremendous opportunity for growth, competitive compensation and ...

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Compactor Sales Technician

Austin, TX · On-site

$50K - $75K/yr

Modern Compactor Repair Location Texas territory - mandatory recurring travel to Dallas and San Antonio Job Type Initial 6-month contract, with revised compensation structure thereafter Reports To ...

Compactor/Baler Technician | Retail Service Technician Currently, are seeking a Compactor/Baler Technician in New Jersey . We offer tremendous opportunity for growth, competitive compensation and ...

With supervision from a Compactor Shop Technician A, Lead Compactor Shop Technician Supervisor or Manager, a Mobile Compactor Repair Tech performs troubleshooting, design, installation and repairs of ...

With supervision from a Compactor Shop Technician A, Lead Compactor Shop Technician Supervisor or Manager, a Mobile Compactor Repair Tech performs troubleshooting, design, installation and repairs of ...

With supervision from a Compactor Shop Technician A, Lead Compactor Shop Technician Supervisor or Manager, a Mobile Compactor Repair Tech performs troubleshooting, design, installation and repairs of ...

Compactor Operator A Compactor Operator works in a high traffic warehouse and will operate various industrial equipment and machines, such as a trash compactor and bailer. The Compactor Operator also ...

With supervision from a Compactor Shop Technician A, Lead Compactor Shop Technician Supervisor or Manager, a Mobile Compactor Repair Tech performs troubleshooting, design, installation and repairs of ...

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Compactor information

See salary details

$9

$27

$51

How much do compactor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for compactor in the United States is $27.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $34.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Compactor vs Loader?

AspectCompactorLoader
Required CertificationsOSHA safety training, equipment operation certificationsOSHA safety training, equipment operation certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, waste management facilities, recycling plantsConstruction sites, warehouses, construction zones
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction, waste management, recycling industriesConstruction, logistics, material handling industries

Compactors and loaders often share similar certifications and work environments, especially in construction and waste management sectors. While compactors focus on compressing materials, loaders are used for moving and lifting materials. Both roles are essential in construction and waste industries, but they serve different functions on the job site.

What does a compactor operator do?

A compactor operator operates machinery used to compress and compact waste, recyclables, or soil to reduce volume and prepare materials for disposal or processing. They inspect equipment, follow safety procedures, and may need certifications depending on the industry. The job typically involves working in waste management, construction, or recycling facilities and requires attention to safety and operational protocols.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

A compactor operator can earn around $4,000 per week with experience, especially in industrial or construction settings that require operating heavy machinery. High-paying roles in skilled trades, such as crane operators or specialized equipment operators, may also reach this level without a college degree, often requiring certifications and on-the-job training.

What's the highest paying job in waste management?

In waste management, the highest paying roles are often supervisory or managerial positions such as Waste Management Directors or Operations Managers, which can earn six-figure salaries. These roles typically require extensive experience, strong leadership skills, and knowledge of environmental regulations and waste processing technologies.

What do compactors do?

Compactors operate machinery that compresses waste, recyclables, or other materials to reduce volume and facilitate disposal or storage. They work in environments such as landfills, construction sites, or recycling facilities and often require safety training and proper equipment handling skills.

What are some common safety challenges faced by Compactors, and how are they typically addressed on the job?

Compactors often work in environments where heavy machinery and moving vehicles are present, making safety a top priority. Common challenges include maintaining awareness of surroundings, preventing equipment malfunctions, and managing exposure to dust or noise. To address these, employers typically provide comprehensive safety training, require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and enforce strict protocols for equipment maintenance and site communication. Regular safety briefings and clear signage also help ensure a safe work environment.

What are compactors and what do they do?

Compactors are machines or devices used to reduce the size of material through compaction, primarily by applying pressure to compress waste, soil, or other materials. Commonly used in construction, waste management, and recycling, compactors help minimize space needed for disposal or transport. They come in various types, such as trash compactors, plate compactors, and landfill compactors, each designed for specific tasks. By using compactors, organizations can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and promote cleaner environments.

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

To thrive as a Compactor, you need a good understanding of heavy machinery operation, basic mechanical skills, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with compactor equipment, safety regulations, and sometimes OSHA certification are typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and strong communication help ensure safe and efficient work on construction sites. These skills and qualifications are important for maintaining safety standards, minimizing downtime, and achieving project goals efficiently.
More about Compactor jobs
What cities are hiring for Compactor jobs? Cities with the most Compactor job openings:
What states have the most Compactor jobs? States with the most job openings for Compactor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Compactor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, and 24% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $56,446 per year, or $27.1 per hour.
Compactor Technician

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


All American Waste rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 76 rated recycling and waste


Job description

Compactor Technician

All American Waste

All American Waste

All American Waste is at the forefront of waste and hauling and processing, innovating every step of the way as we work to find the best solutions for safe and efficient residential and commercial services. From building the largest state-of-the-art recycling facility in the country, powering our buildings with solar energy, and fueling our trucks with all-American natural gas, we are committed to you, our communities, and the planet.

Our story started with a single truck. In 1974, founder Guy "Sonny" Antonacci and his wife, Mary Ann, began Somers Sanitation - named after our hometown of Somers, Connecticut. Today, three generations of family and a dedicated team of professionals are leading our company into the future. While our fleet, facilities, services, and family have all grown, we take pride in continuing to operate our businesses based on the fundamental principle that has guided us since the beginning - to provide exceptional service and innovation to the communities and people we serve.

Join a team committed to taking leaps forward to remain at the forefront of sustainability.

Some see waste. We see possibilities.

Position Summary:

The Compactor Technician should be a motivated worker with welding/fabrication and basic hydraulic background experience. This person will work under general supervision both inside a shop and out in the field to install/fabricate industrial machinery, specifically waste compactors and containers, with a creative mind for fabrication on unique job sites, diagnose and repair electrical/hydraulic issues on 3-phase compactor electric motors, perform preventative maintenance, and inspect equipment in the field.

Your Role:

  • Work under limited supervision in a team environment and select from written instructions and established procedures to accomplish assigned tasks.
  • Performs installs, removals, fabrication, rebuilds, preventative maintenance, and diagnostics.
  • Performs inspection, diagnosis/repair of electrical and hydraulic systems as needed.
  • Estimate times and material costs on compactor and container repairs and requisitions of new parts.
  • Performs service calls for emergency breakdowns after hours.
  • Conducts safety checks on compactors and containers.
  • Completes required paperwork, documenting parts usage, and accounting for repair times.
  • Assists senior technician in the completion of project work.
  • Maintains a clean, safe work area in compliance with corporate/OSHA standards and performs all work by established safety procedures.
  • Participate in all required Company meetings, including weekly safety meetings.
  • Maintains reasonable, regular, and punctual attendance consistent with Company policies, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and other federal, state, and local standards.
  • Adapts to changing duties, as required, based on business needs.

Your Skills:

  • Ability to work with minimal supervision.
  • Must have excellent communication skills to interact with customers professionally and pass along information according to our company standards/procedures.
  • Reliable and dependable.

Requirements:

  • E-2 Electrician general electrical repair
  • Welding/fabrication experience
  • Basic hauling theory
  • Gritty, outgoing, and eager to learn.
  • The environment is fast-paced, and the person in this role must be proactive, hardworking, highly organized, and an independent critical thinker.

This Position Features:

  • Family Oriented Environment
  • Excellent Benefits and Bonus Potential

Physical Demands:

Listed below are key points regarding the job's environmental demands and work environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

  • Required to use motor coordination with finger dexterity (such as keyboarding, machine operation, etc.), most of the workday.
  • Required to exert physical effort in handling objects less than 70 pounds.
  • Ability to stand for up to 12 hours.
  • Must be able to work in all weather conditions.
  • Local travel

AAW1


All American Waste, LLC EEO Statement: The Company is committed to and supports equal employment opportunity and affirmative action to all employees and applicants. Equal employment opportunity means equal treatment of employees and applicants without regard to the following legally-protected characteristics: race, color, religion, creed, sex (gender identity), pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, medical condition, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), veteran status, physical or mental disability status or any other legally-protected status.


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