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Compactor Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DFM Industrial

Compactor

Cannel City, KY · On-site

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 ...

Red White and Blue Thrift Store

Porter

Lake Worth, FL · On-site

$16.50 - $18.50/hr

The Trash Compactor Operator manages waste efficiently and maintains a clean and organized workspace. Responsible for operating and maintaining the trash compactor equipment, ensuring the proper ...

RED WHITE AND BLUE THRIFT STORE

Material Handler

Manassas, VA · On-site

$16.75 - $20.25/hr

The Trash Compactor Operator manages waste efficiently and maintains a clean and organized workspace. Responsible for operating and maintaining the trash compactor equipment, ensuring the proper ...

Reworld

Crane Operator

Derwood, MD · On-site

Filling in for other positions as needed, including/but not limited to, equipment operator, compactor operator and shuttle driver occasionally * Aid mechanic on equipment repairs requiring additional ...

Reworld

Crane Operator

Derwood, MD · On-site

Filling in for other positions as needed, including/but not limited to, equipment operator, compactor operator and shuttle driver occasionally * Aid mechanic on equipment repairs requiring additional ...

Red White and Blue Thrift Store

Porter

Bradenton, FL · On-site

$16.50 - $18.50/hr

The Trash Compactor Operator manages waste efficiently and maintains a clean and organized workspace. Responsible for operating and maintaining the trash compactor equipment, ensuring the proper ...

Red White and Blue Thrift Store

Porter

New Orleans, LA · On-site

$13 - $14/hr

The Trash Compactor Operator manages waste efficiently and maintains a clean and organized workspace. Responsible for operating and maintaining the trash compactor equipment, ensuring the proper ...

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Compactor Operator information

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$14

$21

$29

How much do compactor operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for compactor operator in the United States is $21.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $25.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a compactor operator?

A Compactor Operator is responsible for operating heavy machinery designed to compress and compact materials such as soil, waste, or asphalt. They work in construction, waste management, or road maintenance to ensure surfaces are stable and materials are properly condensed. Duties include inspecting equipment, following safety protocols, and maintaining efficiency during operation. This role requires attention to detail, physical stamina, and knowledge of machine operation and maintenance.

What does a compactor operator do?

A typical workday for a Compactor Operator involves inspecting and preparing the compactor, operating the machine to compress waste or materials, and performing routine maintenance checks to ensure optimal performance. You’ll work closely with site supervisors and other equipment operators to coordinate tasks and maintain smooth workflow at construction sites, landfills, or recycling facilities. The role often requires being outdoors in varying weather conditions and adhering to strict safety protocols. Effective communication and situational awareness are important, as you'll frequently interact with other team members and be responsible for keeping work areas safe and organized.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a compactor operator?

To thrive as a Compactor Operator, you need experience operating heavy machinery, good hand-eye coordination, and a strong understanding of safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with specific compactor equipment, maintenance procedures, and safety certifications such as OSHA training are common requirements. Attention to detail, communication skills, and reliability are valued soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure the safe and efficient operation of equipment, minimize downtime, and support overall site productivity.

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Compactor Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Compactor Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 38% Full Time, 60% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,993 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

Compactor

DFM Industrial

Cannel City, KY • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

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 performs a variety of janitorial and custodial duties which are related to the general appearance and cleanliness of the interior/exterior of the facility/building.
Essential Duties amp; Responsibilities:
  • Maintains a safe working environment by complying with DFMS standards and policies.
  • Sort material for compactor and/or plastic bailer.
  • Prepares material by operating compactor equipment and palletizing compacted material.
  • Maintains a clean and debris-free work environment.
  • Supports General Cleaning team members when needed.
  • Cleans and inspects industrial machines and equipment.
  • Operates industrial type equipment and tools such as sledgehammer, hammer, box cutter, skid jack, skid hook, vacuum cleaners, carpet cleaners and using chemicals and cleaning solutions as required.
  • Operates powered floorcare equipment such as driver scrubber and walk-behinds.
  • Sweep and mop floors, hallways, corridors, and stairways.
    • Strip and wax floors both manually and with the use of industrial equipment.
    • Clean carpets with industrial carpet cleaning equipment.
  • Cleans fans and cobwebs above 25 feet use of aerial lifts which may require lock out-tag out.
  • Washes, cleans, disinfects, deodorizes, and maintains restrooms, break rooms, and cafeterias.
  • Moves trash, scraps, and other material to pick up points.
  • Performs all other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications amp; Prior Experience:
  • High school diploma or GED.
  • Valid operator’s license.
  • Experience operating a trash compactor and/or bailer is highly preferred.
  • Experience operating hand tools and industrial equipment is highly preferred.
  • Performing physically demanding and continuous repetitive lifting, pushing, and pulling up to 50 lbs for a minimum of 8 hours per day.
  • Stoop, kneel and bend continuously for a minimum of 8 hours per day to complete assignments.
  • Standing, walking (including stairs) for a minimum of 8 hours per day.
  • Must be able to work in a non-climate controlled environment.
  • May be required to working in tight spaces and be exposed to moderate to loud noise.
  • Vision requirements: close, distance and peripheral vision.

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