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Cat Loader Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Martin Marietta

Loader Operator

Hughson, CA · On-site

$45.89/hr

... typically ranging from CAT 982 to CAT 988 sizes) within an aggregate sales yard or plant ... As a frontline representative of Martin Marietta, the Loader Operator ensures a "Safety First ...

Martin Marietta

Equipment Operator

Irwindale, CA · On-site

$24 - $50/hr

... loader (typically ranging from CAT 982 to CAT 988 sizes) within an aggregate sales yard or plant ... As a frontline representative of Martin Marietta, the Loader Operator ensures a "Safety First ...

Aguinaga Green Inc

Heavy Machine Operator

Silverado, CA · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Job Qualifications Hands on learner with a team player attitude Experience operating Cat heavy loaders Ability to work Monday through Friday 6:30am - 4pm with Saturdays as needed.

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ERRG

Equipment Operator

San Francisco, CA

$22.50 - $30.75/hr

Operate equipment with both CAT and John Deere controls. Maintain and perform minor equipment ... Load and move dirt, rocks, equipment, and materials, using trucks, shovels, graders, or related ...

ERRG

Equipment Operator

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

Operate equipment with both CAT and John Deere controls. Maintain and perform minor equipment ... Load and move dirt, rocks, equipment, and materials, using trucks, shovels, graders, or related ...

Martin Marietta

Equipment Operator

Santa Margarita, CA · On-site

$28 - $35/hr

Safely operate entry-to-mid-level mobile equipment, including but not limited to Haul Trucks (off-road), Water Trucks, and Front-End Loaders (e.g., CAT 980/988 series). * Responsible for operating ...

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Cat Loader Operator information

See California salary details

$10

$19

$27

How much do cat loader operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for cat loader operator in California is $19.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $22.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you become a loader operator?

To become a loader operator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training or an apprenticeship. Some employers prefer candidates with experience operating heavy machinery and may require certification in equipment operation or safety training. Gaining skills in equipment maintenance and safety procedures is also beneficial.

What jobs pay $700 a day?

Certain high-paying construction roles, such as experienced heavy equipment operators like cat loader operators, can earn around $700 per day, especially with specialized skills, certifications, and overtime. Jobs in skilled trades, project management, or consulting in construction and industrial sectors may also reach this daily rate. Compensation varies based on experience, location, and project scope.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Cat Loader Operator?

A Cat Loader Operator’s day usually involves operating Caterpillar loaders to move, load, or distribute materials such as soil, gravel, or debris at construction or industrial sites. Tasks include conducting equipment inspections, performing minor maintenance, adhering to safety regulations, and following instructions from site supervisors. Operators often work closely with truck drivers, site managers, and other heavy equipment operators to coordinate the smooth flow of materials. The role can involve working outdoors in varying weather conditions and may require flexibility to handle multiple priorities throughout the workday.

What is a Cat Loader Operator job?

A Cat Loader Operator is responsible for operating a Caterpillar (Cat) wheel loader to move, load, and transport materials such as dirt, gravel, or other construction and mining materials. They ensure safe and efficient operation of the equipment while following project specifications and safety protocols. Operators may work in construction, mining, quarrying, or other heavy industrial environments. Regular maintenance checks and minor equipment troubleshooting are also part of the job.

What is the highest paid heavy equipment operator job?

The highest paid heavy equipment operators are often those who specialize in operating large machinery such as crane operators, bulldozers, or excavators in industries like oil and gas, construction, or mining. Crane operators, in particular, tend to have higher salaries due to the skill and certification requirements involved. Experience, certifications, and working in high-risk environments can significantly increase earning potential for heavy equipment operators.

Is a loader operator a good job?

A loader operator is a skilled trade involving operating heavy machinery like front-end loaders, often in construction, mining, or landscaping. The job typically offers steady employment, competitive wages, and requires safety training and certification. It can be physically demanding and involves working outdoors in various weather conditions.

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

To thrive as a Cat Loader Operator, you need strong equipment operation abilities, physical stamina, basic mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with Caterpillar machinery, possession of heavy equipment operator certifications, and experience with safety protocols and onboard control systems are typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication skills, and teamwork are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities help ensure safe, efficient material handling and successful collaboration in settings like construction and mining sites.

What are popular job titles related to Cat Loader Operator jobs in California? For Cat Loader Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cat Loader Operator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Cat Loader Operator jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Cat Loader Operator jobs? Cities in California with the most Cat Loader Operator job openings:
Cat Loader Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cat Loader Operator job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Temporary. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,648 per year, or $19.5 per hour.
Loader Operator

Loader Operator

Martin Marietta

Hughson, CA • On-site

$45.89/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Martin Marietta Materials rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 131 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

337th of 527 rated manufacturers

Job description

The Sales/Yard Loader is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of a front-end loader (typically ranging from CAT 982 to CAT 988 sizes) within an aggregate sales yard or plant environment. The primary focus of this role is to load finished products into customer trucks and/or railcars while maintaining the integrity of product stockpiles. As a frontline representative of Martin Marietta, the Loader Operator ensures a "Safety First" culture by managing traffic flow, asserting leadership over visiting drivers, and performing essential preventative maintenance to keep equipment and yard operations running smoothly. 
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES 
  • Safely operate heavy-duty front-end loaders to move raw materials from stockpiles to customer vehicles, ensuring accurate weight distribution and material types. 
  • Regulate the flow of materials to and from conveyors, surge piles, chutes, and storage bins to maximize plant production. 
  • Maintain the quality and separation of various product stockpiles to prevent contamination and ensure environmental compliance. 
  • May assist in operating other mobile equipment as needed, including haul trucks, excavators, or skid steers- dependent on-site requirements. 
  • Maintain safe working speeds and manage the flow of external truck drivers and equipment within the yard to prevent accidents. 
  • Strictly adhere to all MSHA compliance/regulations and Martin Marietta’s internal 24/7 Safe culture policies. 
  • Conduct daily pre-shift and post-shift safety inspections of the equipment and the working area, ensuring the presence of adequate berms and clear roadways. 
  • Ensure safe operations around high-risk areas such as conveyors, crushers, and steep surge piles. 
  • Perform routine preventative maintenance (PMs), including checking tire pressure, oil levels, and diesel fuel, and greasing all moving parts daily. 
  • Use standard operating procedures to identify and report equipment malfunctions, leaks, or mechanical issues to the maintenance team or supervisor. 
  • Keep the loading area, roadways, and plant floor clean by shoveling, sweeping, and removing debris to ensure a professional and safe environment. 
  • Maintain a professional and helpful attitude when interacting with external drivers and customers, adapting to various personalities and needs. 
  • Accurately complete daily pre-shift inspection reports, maintenance logs, and (if applicable) customer ticketing or weighing via the scale house. 
  • Communicate effectively via CB radio or hand signals with plant operators and co-workers to coordinate vehicle movements. 
  • Willing and able to use a shovel when required. 
  • Willing to work overtime and weekends as needed.  
QUALIFICATIONS 
Education 
High School diploma, GED, or relevant experience 
Work Experience 
No prior experience is required; 6 months to 1 year of experience in the operation and maintenance of a front-end loader is preferred. 
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 
Road specifications and slopes 
Familiarity with heavy equipment components 
Mechanical aptitude 
Troubleshooting 
MSHA compliance and regulations  
Time management 
ADDITIONAL DETAILS 
Physical Requirements 
Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. for plant maintenance and equipment servicing. 
Required to bend, stoop, climb, and reach. You must be able to maintain three points of contact when climbing on/off machinery or on ladders. 
Strong hand-eye-foot coordination is essential for operating hand/foot controls. You must have good depth perception with or without seeing aid for distances up to 150 feet. 
Working Conditions 
All duties require outside assignments and require periods of work in all weather conditions, cold, wet, dry and dusty. Must be able to work in areas where noise levels are up to 85 dbs.  
Union 
We are excited to share the base hourly rate for this position is $45.89+. Membership with the International Union of Operating Engineers Local Union No, E03 is required upon hire. Condition and terms of employment and benefits are in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement.  

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About Martin Marietta

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Martin Marietta is an American-based company and a leading supplier of building materials - including aggregates, cement, ready mixed concrete and asphalt.

Industry

Coal, metals and minerals mining

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1994

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