How to hire a baler operator

How to hire a baler operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step baler operator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a baler operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new baler operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a baler operator, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A baler operator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, baler operators from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   Here's a comparison of baler operator salaries for various roles:

   Type of Baler Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Baler Operator	Material moving machine operators use machinery to transport various objects. Some operators move construction materials around building sites or excavate earth from a mine... Show more	$12-18
   Machine Operator/Forklift Operator	A machine operator/forklift operator is responsible for operating industrial trucks to move merchandise around the warehouse facilities and other assigned areas. Machine operators/forklift operators also assist with inventory tasks by scanning orders and ensuring the correct merchandise for shipment... Show more	$12-18
   Material Handler/Forklift Operator	A material handler and forklift operator is responsible for transporting and storing various kinds of goods, even including fragile or hazardous shipments. The duties and location will vary depending on the line of work or industry involved... Show more	$13-21

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Perform Routine Maintenance
   • Routine Maintenance
   • Rail Cars
   • Baling
   • Pallets
   • Hand Tools
   • Basic Math
   • Load Trucks
   • General Maintenance
   • Pallet Jack
   • Waste Paper
   • RAN
   • Recycle
   • Semi Trailers

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
   • Operate forklift to load and unload pallets, run baler to compact the recycled cardboard and stack the bales.
   • Hand stack pallets, customize based on needs and requirements of customer.
   • Perform specialized production line and quality control duties in a professional production environment specializing in plastic extrusion.
   • Move inventory in support of logistics management.

   More baler operator duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in the baler operator job description is a good way to get more applicants. A baler operator salary can be affected by several factors, such as the location of the job, the level of experience, education, certifications, and the employer's prestige.

   For example, the average salary for a baler operator in Louisiana may be lower than in North Dakota, and an entry-level engineer typically earns less than a senior-level baler operator. Additionally, a baler operator with lots of experience in the field may command a higher salary as a result.

   Average baler operator salary

   $15.68hourly

   $32,608 yearly

   ---

   Entry-level baler operator salary

   $27,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 16, 2025

   Average baler operator salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Colorado	$39,158	$19
   2	Massachusetts	$36,525	$18
   3	Pennsylvania	$34,998	$17
   4	North Carolina	$34,501	$17
   5	California	$33,953	$16
   6	Montana	$33,440	$16
   7	Illinois	$33,384	$16
   8	Wisconsin	$33,068	$16
   9	Ohio	$32,543	$16
   10	Missouri	$32,475	$16
   11	Georgia	$30,945	$15
   12	Kentucky	$30,825	$15
   13	Michigan	$30,040	$14
   14	Alabama	$29,278	$14
   15	Mississippi	$29,197	$14
   16	Tennessee	$29,157	$14
   17	Texas	$27,881	$13

   Average baler operator salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Schnitzer Steel	$40,831	$19.63
   2	Greif	$39,326	$18.91	37
   3	International Paper	$37,940	$18.24	24
   4	Republic Services	$37,724	$18.14	26
   5	WestRock	$37,496	$18.03	39
   6	Casella Waste Systems	$36,910	$17.75	24
   7	Graphic Packaging International	$36,477	$17.54	26
   8	Accredo Packaging	$34,855	$16.76	4
   9	LSC Communications	$34,741	$16.70
   10	4over	$34,690	$16.68	8
   11	RRD	$33,932	$16.31	53
   12	Athens Services	$33,792	$16.25	1
   13	Macy's	$33,739	$16.22	5
   14	Jostens	$33,313	$16.02
   15	NEXTAFF	$33,019	$15.87	20
   16	Cartamundi Usa, Inc.	$32,911	$15.82	1
   17	Area Temps	$32,874	$15.80	15
   18	Adecco	$32,783	$15.76	294
   19	Express Employment Indy South	$32,652	$15.70	19
   20	Sheridan	$32,155	$15.46

4. Writing a baler operator job description

   A baler operator job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a baler operator job description:

   Baler operator job description example

   About: Macy's is proudly America's Department Store. There's a reason we've been around for 160 years. Customers come to us for fashion, value, and high-quality products. Now is an exciting time to join Macy's. The face of retail is changing, and change requires innovation. Online sales are booming at Macy's. Our Distribution Center teams are key to our success in the modern retail landscape. They make sure that products arrive at our stores - and each customer's doorstep - on time, in perfect condition. Behind the scenes, a lot goes into getting products to customers. When a shopper makes an online purchase, we plan, prep, and package the merchandise to get it delivered as quickly and efficiently as possible - across the country and around the world. It takes a lot of smart people working together to make that happen, and so there are many roles you can play, including (but not limited to): material handlers, equipment drivers, inventory control, packers, quality assurance, safety specialists, asset protection, and many more. Whatever role you play - we value you as a colleague. Choose the challenge that's right for you! Job Overview: Macy's Baler Operators perform all functions related to the processing of trash and recycling according to local standards. Essential Functions: Inspect, sort and bale all waste cardboard and plastic. Maintain balers and compactor clear of trash that can build up and create a malfunction. Maintain the dock area (area surrounding baler). General Housekeeping. Qualifications and Competencies: High School Diploma or equivalent required No experience required Ability to read and interpret instructional documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedural manuals Resourceful self-starter, works well independently as well as part of a team Must be proficient in the use of computers and handheld technology Ability to work a flexible schedule, including day, evening, weekends, and/or holidays Physical Requirements: Position requires prolonged periods of standing/walking around store or department May involve reaching, crouching, kneeling, stooping, climbing ladders, depth perception and color vision Frequent use of computers and other technology necessary to perform job duties, including handheld electronic equipment. Frequently lift/move up to 50lbs WAREHOUSE00

   Supply Chain Only and Colleagues Working in a Supply Chain Facility except in locations governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement

   Random drug testing for all colleagues will be conducted on a monthly or semi-monthly basis, depending upon factors including but not limited to the size of the facility and the number of colleagues on roll. Colleagues will be randomly selected for testing by a third party. Testing must be completed on the same workday the colleague is informed of selection for testing, absent extenuating circumstances. In all circumstances, testing must be completed within 24 hours of notification.

   Candidates in Colorado: Click here for Pay Range and here to learn about Benefits .

   Candidates in Connecticut: Click here for Pay Range

   Candidates in Nevada: Click here for Pay Range

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find baler operators for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any baler operators they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level baler operators with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your baler operator job on Zippia to find and recruit baler operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with baler operator candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new baler operator

   Once you've found the baler operator candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   To prepare for the new baler operator first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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