2

Entry Level Wheel Loader Operator Jobs in Detroit, MI

We are seeking an entry-level Wheel Designer to join the Wheel Design team at General Motors. This ... Proactive, selfdriven, and comfortable operating in a fastpaced studio environment. Portfolio ...

We are seeking an entry-level Wheel Designer to join the Wheel Design team at General Motors. This ... Proactive, self-driven, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced studio environment. Portfolio ...

We are seeking an entry-level Wheel Designer to join the Wheel Design team at General Motors. This ... Proactive, self-driven, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced studio environment. Portfolio ...

Operator

Novi, MI · On-site

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION An Equipment Operator is responsible for operating machinery such as cranes, bulldozers, crawler and wheeled tractors with dozer attachments, scoop loaders, backhoe loaders ...

This position is ideal for candidates seeking entry-level manufacturing jobs with opportunities to ... Load, unload, and prepare molds and tooling for production runs. * Cut composite materials using ...

... as entry-level candidates looking to grow in manufacturing. Pay - $26+ per hour. Shift - 1st or ... Load raw materials (wire/coil stock) into machines and maintain proper feed. * Complete production ...

Be Seen First

... for an Entry-Level Diesel Mechanic Apprentice to join our maintenance team. This position is ... Wheel loaders * Excavators * Material handlers * Forklifts * Other equipment used in recycling ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Wheel Loader Operator information

See Detroit, MI salary details

$10

$18

$25

How much do entry level wheel loader operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level wheel loader operator in Detroit, MI is $18.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.96 and $21.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a wheel loader?

To become a wheel loader operator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with on-the-job training or a vocational program in heavy equipment operation. Many employers require certification from a recognized training program and a valid driver's license; experience with equipment controls and safety procedures is also important.

What jobs pay $700 a day?

Entry level wheel loader operators typically do not earn $700 a day; such high daily pay is usually associated with experienced heavy equipment operators, specialized construction roles, or union positions that require certifications and extensive experience. These roles often involve working long hours, overtime, or in high-demand environments to reach that earning level.

How much do beginner operators make?

Entry-level wheel loader operators typically earn between $15 and $20 per hour, depending on location, company, and experience. Starting salaries may increase with certifications, such as OSHA or equipment-specific training, and familiarity with machinery and safety protocols.

Can you get a heavy equipment operator job with no experience?

Entry level wheel loader operator positions often do not require prior experience, but candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may need to complete on-the-job training or certification programs. Having knowledge of equipment operation, safety procedures, and physical fitness can improve job prospects for beginners.

What is the difference between Entry Level Wheel Loader Operator vs Equipment Operator?

AspectEntry Level Wheel Loader OperatorEquipment Operator
CertificationsOSHA safety training, equipment-specific certificationsOSHA safety training, equipment-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, mining, material handlingConstruction, industrial, mining, and transportation settings
Job DutiesOperate wheel loaders for loading, moving materialsOperate various heavy machinery including loaders, excavators

Both roles require safety certifications and involve working in construction or industrial environments. The main difference is that an Entry Level Wheel Loader Operator specializes in operating wheel loaders specifically, while an Equipment Operator may handle a variety of heavy machinery. The choice depends on the specific equipment and tasks involved in the job.

What are the most commonly searched types of Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Detroit, MI? The most popular types of Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Detroit, MI are:
What cities near Detroit, MI are hiring for Entry Level Wheel Loader Operator jobs? Cities near Detroit, MI with the most Entry Level Wheel Loader Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Wheel Loader Operator job openings in Detroit, MI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,078 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


General Motors rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

General Motors

Based on 305 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Automakers average

Based on 6,266 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Description

We are seeking an entry-level Wheel Designer to join the Wheel Design team at General Motors. This role focuses on the creation of innovative wheel designs that reinforce GM's brand character (Cadillac, Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC/Hummer) and support the proportion, stance, and performance of our vehicles. You will work closely with exterior design, digital modeling, Color & Material, and engineering partners to take ideas from early sketches through digital models and production-feasible solutions.

Key Responsibilities

  • Generate high-quality wheel concept sketches that explore proportion, spoke architecture, surfacing, and detailing.
  • Develop refined digital renderings using Adobe Photoshop to communicate design intent, color/finish, and material breakup.
  • Integrate AI-assisted tools (e.g., generative image/model workflows) into your process for rapid ideation, variation studies, and visualization while maintaining a clear, original design point of view.
  • Collaborate with exterior designers, digital modelers, and colors & materials teams to align wheel designs with overall vehicle vision.
  • Prepare clear presentations of design work for design reviews, including sketches, digital renders, and 3D views.
  • Support the transition from concept to production by refining designs in response to engineering, aerodynamics, brake-cooling, and manufacturing feedback.

Required Skills & Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree (or in final year of study) in Transportation Design, Industrial Design, Automotive Design, or a closely related field, or equivalent portfolio-based experience.
  • Strong portfolio demonstrating:
    • Advanced hand sketching and quick ideation skills.
    • Photoreal digital rendering (Photoshop, VRED, or equivalent).
    • Solid 3D surfacing capability (e.g., Alias, Blender, or similar).
    • Use of AI tools (image generation, variation, or assistive workflows) as part of an integrated design process.
  • Strong communication skills and comfort presenting work to crossfunctional teams and leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience designing wheels for production or advanced concept vehicles.
  • Previous work in a global OEM or advanced studio environment.
  • Deep automotive knowledge: understanding of vehicle architectures, wheel/tire fitment, brake package constraints, and brand/segment trends.
  • Proven ability to take designs from early concept through to productionviable solutions.

Personal Attributes

  • Genuine passion for automotive design and emerging mobility trends.
  • Highly creative with a strong sense of proportion, stance, and detail.
  • Collaborative, open to feedback, and able to iterate quickly.
  • Proactive, selfdriven, and comfortable operating in a fastpaced studio environment.

Portfolio Submission

Please submit:

  • Resume highlighting education and relevant experience.
  • Digital portfolio (PDF or online link) featuring:
    • Freehand sketches and ideation pages
    • Photoshop renderings of wheels or related components
    • Blender or other 3D work (screenshots or turntables)
    • Any examples of AI-assisted design workflows, clearly labeled.

About GM

Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.

Why Join Us

We believe we all must make a choice every day - individually and collectively - to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team.

Benefits Overview

From day one, we're looking out for your well-being-at work and at home-so you can focus on realizing your ambitions. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting Total Rewards resources.

Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)

General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.

All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws.

We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire.

Accommodations

General Motors offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, email us or call us at 1-800-865-7580. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.


Working at General Motors


What General Motors employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


General Motors logo

About General Motors

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

General Motors is a company with global scale and capabilities, headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, with employees around the world. The company employs over 165,000 people, serves six continents, operates across 22 time zones, and has a diverse workforce speaking 75 languages1. GM’s vision is to drive the world forward by pioneering innovations that move and connect people to what matters. The company is working towards an all-electric future with its new Ultium Platform and is pushing transportation options beyond our wildest imaginations with autonomous vehicles. GM is also committed to becoming the most inclusive company in the world.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Detroit, MI, US

Year founded

1908