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Compactor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Online Sanitation - Belgravia (Days)

Fresno, CA ยท On-site

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

Operate trash compactor * Additional functions include other duties as assigned Qualifications * Must be able to stand for long periods of time (8+hrs) on concrete/metal grate ergo stands or on the ...

Showing results 21-40

Compactor information

See California salary details

$9

$26

$50

How much do compactor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for compactor in California is $26.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $34.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a compactor?

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.

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 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 job categories do people searching Compactor jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Compactor jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Compactor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, and 26% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $55,706 per year, or $26.8 per hour.

$43K - $58K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

To hire the very best team members, Chukchansi Gold understands we have to make the very best offer. In addition to our competitive wages and employee perks, Chukchansi Gold team members receive $43,000-$58,000 in benefits alone, including medical, vision, 401K with employer match and immediate vesting, life insurance, meals, reduced workday hours, paid time off and more. Join the team at Chukchansi Gold and enjoy the best benefits package in the Valley!
Chukchansi Gold team members enjoy unrivaled perks. You'll also receive free and discounted meals in the Team Dining Room, paid time off, holidays gifts and raffles. Additionally, discounts for Costco memberships, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Six Flags, Verizon Wireless and Chukchansi Park.
Voted the Valley's No. 1 best local employer, Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino is California's premier integrated resort offering lively gaming, world-class entertainment and luxurious accommodations, welcoming thousands of guests each year.
Job Description:
SUMMARY:
Responsible for safely and efficiently performing heavy equipment operations in order to run and maintain all casino waste/recyclables by using proper equipment to push trash; maintaining the appropriate grade and compaction levels; hauling trash; loading waste receptacles by hand and or tool; use of chain hoist; walk/deliver waste to casino compactor site; sorting trash and recyclables in order to grade; maintain all work areas in accordance to casino policy.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:
Interacts effectively with the public and Team Members. Performs excellent customer service at all times.
Gathers/collects/sorts/transports all casino trash from casino facilities as directed.
Operates trash/cardboard compactors.
Works outside in the weather elements.
Handles and sorts glass, cans, plastic, metals, flatten cardboard.
Prepares recyclable materials for collection and transport as directed.
Performs general maintenance work in and out of the compactor facility.
Responsible for the proper use, operation and cleanliness of the compactor equipment.
Responsible for safely operating chain hoist in accordance with standard operating procedures.
Observes instruments and surroundings while hoist is in motion.
Continuously monitors waste for evidence of unacceptable waste in materials sorting as needed.
Demonstrates excellent hand, eye, and foot coordination.
Must withstand odors from compactor job site conditions as well as noise from other equipment.
Cleans and inspects all compactor equipment in an effort to increase life expectancy and improve reliability.
Participates in cleanup activities as directed.
Operates high pressure water gun for cleanup.
Ensures that all cleaning materials, chemicals and equipment are used per the manufacturer's instructions.
Reports any hazardous conditions or broken equipment immediately to the supervisor.
Advises management of repairs, or supply shortages in assigned areas and is accountable for cleanliness and overall condition of the compactor facilities.
Complies with established safety precautions when using equipment and supplies.
Performs other related duties as may be required.
Maintains a consistent, regular attendance record and communication with management.
Performs any reasonable request made by management.
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily:
Perform job duties, demonstrate excellent work habits, and deliver exceptional service to internal and external guests.
Exhibit the highest degree of professionalism, including appearance, attendance, reliability, teamwork, ethics, integrity, and comply with all governing policies and procedures.
Employ positive and professional communication skills and exercise professional interpersonal abilities (tact, diplomacy, and respect) with guests and co-workers at all times.
Maintain a high level of organization, including an orderly and neat work area and excellent time management skills leading to the highest levels of productivity.
Demonstrate a desire to succeed and willingness to help others succeed.
Participate in open communication and provide feedback to management regarding operations, staffing, personal development, and operational productivity.
Serve as contributing Team Member of CGRC enhancing operations in all its business endeavors.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:
High School diploma or GED equivalent preferred. One-year experience operating heavy equipment for environmental services company; or six months to a year experience working in an environmental services field; or equivalent combination of education and progressive and relevant direct experience may be considered in lieu of minimum educational/experience requirements. Bi-lingual Spanish preferred.
LANGUAGE SKILLS:
Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence and memos. Ability to communicate with supervisors and other team members.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:
Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
REASONING ABILITY:
Ability to apply common sense reasoning to a variety of situations.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the Team Member is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The Team Member frequently is required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The Team Member is occasionally required to climb or balance. The Team Member is regularly required to lift and/or move up to 70 pounds and is required to push and/or pull up to 500 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Team Member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the Team Member regularly works near moving mechanical parts and is regularly exposed to risk of electrical shock. The Team Member is regularly exposed to risk of exposure to cleaning chemicals used in the maintenance of the property and is required to work in a smoke filled environment. Requires strenuous physical effort to perform manual work involving walking over rough, uneven terrain, repeated bending, and climbing, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching or lifting objects up to 100 pounds.
The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. When on the casino floor, the noise level increases to loud. Exposed to strong odors and waste residue. When on the casino floor, the Team Member will be exposed to a smoke-filled environment.