ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Compactor Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

TMS

RN - PreOp (Surgical)

Saint Helena, CA · On-site

$2.3K - $2.4K/wk

Active RN license (CA or compact eligible) * Minimum 2 years nursing experience preferred * Experience in Pre-Op, PACU, or Surgical Services preferred * Strong assessment and critical thinking skills

United Surgical Partners

RN OR FT

Stockton, CA · On-site

$50 - $65/hr

May have additional responsibilities as designated by the Nurse Manager of the Operating Room and ... Compact licenses must obtain state license within 90 days of hire. * CPR required, advanced life ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCompactor Operator JobsCompactor Operator Jobs in California

Compactor Operator information

See California salary details

$14

$21

$28

How much do compactor operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for compactor operator in California is $21.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $24.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a typical workday look like for a Compactor Operator?

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's the highest paid heavy equipment operator?

The highest paid heavy equipment operators are often those who specialize in operating large or complex machinery such as cranes, bulldozers, or excavators, especially in industries like oil and gas or construction in high-demand regions. Experienced operators with certifications and a strong safety record tend to earn higher wages, with top earners making significantly above the industry average. Salary can vary based on location, experience, and the specific equipment operated.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Compactor Operator position, and why are they important?

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.

What is the highest paying heavy equipment operator?

Heavy equipment operators such as crane, bulldozer, and excavator operators tend to have higher salaries, especially those with specialized skills or certifications. Among these, crane operators often earn the highest wages due to the complexity and safety requirements of their work. Experience, location, and industry also influence compensation levels for heavy equipment operators.

What does a compactor operator do?

A compactor operator operates machinery used to compress and compact waste or recyclable materials in landfills, recycling centers, or construction sites. They inspect equipment, follow safety procedures, and ensure the compaction process is efficient, often requiring knowledge of machinery operation and safety protocols.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Compactor operators typically do not earn $2,000 a day; their wages depend on experience, location, and industry, but high-paying roles in construction or industrial settings may reach such levels with overtime or specialized skills. Generally, jobs paying $2,000 daily are rare and often involve executive, consulting, or highly specialized roles that require advanced skills and certifications.

What is a Compactor Operator job?

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 are popular job titles related to Compactor Operator jobs in California? For Compactor Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Compactor Operator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Compactor Operator jobs in California are:
Compactor Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Compactor Operator job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,404 per year, or $21.3 per hour.
Warehouse Operator I

Warehouse Operator I

GOODWILL OF SILICON VALLEY

San Jose, CA • On-site

$18.45/hr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Receives, sorts, moves, and places donations, trash, and materials in designated areas and tracks production output.

  • Loads and unloads trailers and transports products to appropriate departments or for shipping.

  • Operates material handling equipment and maintains work areas in a neat and orderly manner with regular clean-up activities.

Job description

Summary
Founded in Santa Clara County in 1928, Goodwill of Silicon Valley is dedicated to improving employment opportunities, increasing standards of living, providing economic independence, and restoring our clients' sense of self-worth. We achieve this through workforce creation, vocational training, and environmental stewardship. With 18 retail stores, an online store, an extensive reuse/recycling operation, and our Contract Services division, we help individuals overcome barriers to employment, build sustainable lives and communities.
Job Responsibilities
Major Responsibilities:
  • Receives, moves and places carts, containers and barrels containing donations, trash, and as-Is for processing in designated areas. Weighs and tracks where applicable
  • Receives and sorts all donations provide donor with a receipt when asked
  • Unloads trailers and transports product to appropriate departments
  • Loads trailers and trucks with product for shipping
  • Place appropriate storage labels on the containers/boxes
  • Tracks production output as well as product levels throughout the day
  • Replenishes unsorted donations at the sorter workstations
  • Tests electrical products and/or stack and wrap E-waste pallets
  • Stocks designated departments for processing or sales and removes residual product for transport to compactor or other departments
  • Setup and breakdown of As-Is sales floor to include movement of product and trash boxes, handling of furniture, receiving donations from the public
  • While working on the recycle line, extracts recyclable material from the conveyor belt, removes full boxes, and/or operates a "tipper" to feed the line with material
  • Tracks productivity according to the workstation using proper forms
  • Handles mattresses, household hazardous waste, metal, furniture, tires, etc, when necessary
  • Maintains work areas in a neat and orderly manner with clean-up activities performed throughout the day
  • Works with clients who are assigned for vocational services as requested
  • Follows and enforces all company procedures
  • Performs other duties as requested

Requirements
  • Knowledge of general arithmetic (adding/subtracting) required.

Preferred Qualifications/Experience
  • Proficient in the English language preferred
  • Experience in material handling

Equipment Used
  • Pallet jacks, Electric walkie stacker, watermelon boxes, barrels, plastic totes, hand truck, furniture dolly and forklift (if certified to operate), electric and manual hand tools.

Equipment Operation and Maintenance:
  • Operates material handling equipment such as forklifts, hand trucks, or pallet jacks to move, stack, or transport materials.
  • Inspect and maintain equipment regularly, reporting any malfunctions, damages, or safety concerns to supervisors.
  • Follow safety guidelines and protocols while operating equipment and ensure the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when required.
  • Operates all equipment effectively such as Auto-tie baler and Gemini recycler balerJob specifications:

Working conditions
  • Work is primary done in a warehouse environment with constant standing and moving
  • Work is also performed outside at loading dock, and donation sites. The temperature and exposure to elements will fluctuate depending on weather conditions
  • There is exposure to dust and dirt as well as consist of forklift traffic
  • Work is completed independently but in cooperation with others. There is occasional contact with the public
  • The noise volume will vary throughout the day with exposure to both machine and forklift noise
  • Material handling equipment (forklift, hand truck, moveable containers) may be operated in or near work areas

Emotional Effort
  • Moderate: Occasional short deadlines. The work environment is occasionally hectic with occasional high activity, with great emphasis on teamwork.

Physical requirements
  • The work pace is steady requiring lifting and/or carrying of up to 50 lbs consistently. On a regular basis heavier item of up to 75 lbs will be lifted. Heavy items will be moved either with assistance from another person or by using appropriate material handling equipment
  • Normal or corrected talking, hearing, and seeing abilities are sufficient to perform the required tasks
  • Mobility required walking up and down ramps and climbing in and out of trucks and walking on uneven ground

Goodwill of Silicon Valley is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer encouraging diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sex, age,physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, marital status, family responsibilities, pregnancy,genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, transgender, sex stereotyping, order of protection status, protected veteran or military status, or an unfavorable discharge from military service, and other categories protected by federal, state or local law

Apply