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Entry Level Wheel Loader Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Front-End Loader Operator

Massillon, OH · On-site

$16.25 - $21.25/hr

As a Front-End Loader Operator, you will be responsible for the safe and efficient operations of wheel loaders at a metals recycling center. Duties include loading and moving material and debris ...

Wet Feed Loader

Poteet, TX

$14.75 - $18/hr

Position Responsibilities Key duties of the Wet Feed Loader Operator include but are not limited to: Operate wheel loader, excavator, dozer, haul truck, skid loader and screener Operation and ...

Wet Feed Loader

Poteet, TX · On-site

$20/hr

Position Responsibilities Key duties of the Wet Feed Loader Operator include but are not limited to: * Operate wheel loader, excavator, dozer, haul truck, skid loader and screener * Operation and ...

Wheel Loader/Terminal Operator

Louisville, KY · On-site

$16 - $21.50/hr

This position carries a variety of responsibilities, which includes operating a front-end loader to load trucks with granular fertilizer and conducting various maintenance/housekeeping jobs as ...

New

Wet Feed Loader

Poteet, TX · On-site

$20/hr

Position Responsibilities Key duties of the Wet Feed Loader Operator include but are not limited to: * Operate wheel loader, excavator, dozer, haul truck, skid loader and screener * Operation and ...

Traveling Loader Operator

Monett, MO · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Operate wheel loaders safely and efficiently to support crusher operations * Feed raw material into the crusher and manage the removal of processed material * Maintain organized material stockpiles ...

Traveling Loader Operator

Monett, MO · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Operate wheel loaders safely and efficiently to support crusher operations * Feed raw material into the crusher and manage the removal of processed material * Maintain organized material stockpiles ...

Loader Operator

Clearwater, FL · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Equipment operated may include wheel loader, car crusher, skid loader, forklift etc... * Check fluids each day equipment is used and lubricate equipment at recommended intervals. Communicate any ...

Loader Operator

Houston, TX

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

Equipment operated may include wheel loader, car crusher, skid loader, forklift etc... * Check fluids each day equipment is used and lubricate equipment at recommended intervals. Communicate any ...

Loader Operator

Chattanooga, TN

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Equipment operated may include wheel loader, car crusher, skid loader, forklift etc... * Check fluids each day equipment is used and lubricate equipment at recommended intervals. Communicate any ...

Loader Operator

Greensboro, NC

$16.25 - $21.50/hr

Equipment operated may include wheel loader, car crusher, skid loader, forklift etc... * Check fluids each day equipment is used and lubricate equipment at recommended intervals. Communicate any ...

Loader Operator

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Equipment operated may include wheel loader, car crusher, skid loader, forklift etc... * Check fluids each day equipment is used and lubricate equipment at recommended intervals. Communicate any ...

Loader Operator

Greensboro, NC · On-site

$16.25 - $21.50/hr

Equipment operated may include wheel loader, car crusher, skid loader, forklift etc... * Check fluids each day equipment is used and lubricate equipment at recommended intervals. Communicate any ...

Loader Operator

Oklahoma City, OK

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Equipment operated may include wheel loader, car crusher, skid loader, forklift etc... * Check fluids each day equipment is used and lubricate equipment at recommended intervals. Communicate any ...

Loader Operator

Nashville, TN · On-site

$16.25 - $21.50/hr

Equipment operated may include wheel loader, car crusher, skid loader, forklift etc... * Check fluids each day equipment is used and lubricate equipment at recommended intervals. Communicate any ...

Loader Operator

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

Equipment operated may include wheel loader, car crusher, skid loader, forklift etc... * Check fluids each day equipment is used and lubricate equipment at recommended intervals. Communicate any ...

Loader Operator

Fontana, CA · On-site

$17 - $22.50/hr

Equipment operated may include wheel loader, car crusher, skid loader, forklift etc... * Check fluids each day equipment is used and lubricate equipment at recommended intervals. Communicate any ...

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Entry Level Wheel Loader Operator information

See salary details

$10

$18

$25

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

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level wheel loader operator in the United States is $18.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $21.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do loader operators make a year?

Entry level wheel loader operators typically earn between $35,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. With additional certifications and skills, such as operating different machinery or working in specialized environments, wages can increase.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Entry level wheel loader operator roles typically do not pay $2000 a day; such high daily earnings are usually associated with highly experienced or specialized positions, often in construction, mining, or heavy equipment contracting. These roles may require certifications, extensive experience, or working in remote or high-demand environments, and pay can vary based on project scope and location.

Do you have to be certified to run a loader?

Entry level wheel loader operators typically do not need formal certification to operate loaders, but many employers prefer or require OSHA-compliant training and a valid driver's license. Certification may be required for certain specialized or commercial roles, and safety training is essential for all operators. Regulations can vary by state or company policies.

Can you be a machine operator 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 basic knowledge of safety procedures and equipment operation can improve job prospects, but employers often provide training for new operators.

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.

More about Entry Level Wheel Loader Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Wheel Loader Operator jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Wheel Loader Operator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Wheel Loader Operator jobs? The most popular types of Wheel Loader Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Wheel Loader Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Wheel Loader Operator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Wheel Loader Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, and 18% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,474 per year, or $19 per hour.
Front-End Loader Operator

Front-End Loader Operator

SA Recycling

Massillon, OH • On-site

$16.25 - $21.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 24 days ago


SA Recycling rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

47th of 71 rated recycling and waste


Job description

SA Recycling, a world leader in the metals recycling and processing industry, is actively looking for a dependable and experienced individual to join our team as a Front-End Loader (Wheel Loader) Operator, specifically a Volvo H180S, or similar models. As a Front-End Loader Operator, you will be responsible for the safe and efficient operations of wheel loaders at a metals recycling center. Duties include loading and moving material and debris, organizing work areas, maintaining equipment, and supporting yard operations.
This position will work outside in varying weather conditions, and SA Recycling strictly adheres to all Metals Recycling Business Health, Safety, and Environmental standards.
This is a rotating schedule working 4 days on, 2 days off from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.
SA Recycling offers:
  • Competitive Pay
  • Eligible for Safety and Performance Bonuses
  • Comprehensive benefits including affordable medical options, dental and vision care
  • 401k with a Company Match
  • Growth opportunities and promotions from within
  • Weekly Pay
  • Referral Incentives
  • Company provided uniforms and PPE

Responsibilities of a Front-End Loader Operator
  • Preform pre- and post- operations inspections of assigned equipment according to Company policy to ensure windows, lights, mirrors, review cameras, and safety features are clean and operable.
  • Continuously check the condition of the equipment to ensure it is always operationally ready to minimize production downtime.
  • Determine load weights and verify against lifting abilities to prevent overloads and dangerous situations.
  • Safe and efficient operations of the assigned machine to move vehicles for decommissioning, debris to proper storage site, and the loading of trucks and/or train cars.
  • Aid in yard organization to help meet targeted production goals.
  • Preform routine maintenance functions of assigned machine (fueling, lubricating, and cleaning).
  • Perform daily loader inspections and report any concerns, defects or needed repairs to supervisor.
  • Comply with all applicable federal, state, local, & SA Recycling safety, health, & environmental rules, regulations, policies, & procedures.

Qualifications of a Front-End Loader Operator
  • High School diploma, GED Certification, or equivalent work experience.
  • 1-year experience running a Front-End Loader; operations in the scrap metal, mining, or construction industries preferred.
  • Bi-lingual (English and Spanish) a plus.
  • Ability to follow instructions provided in written or oral form.
  • Ability to learn new tasks as assigned required.

PLEASE NOTE: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.
An offer of employment by SA Recycling is contingent on the satisfactory completion of a post-offer drug screen, physical exam, and background check with a credit check (if position specified).
All US applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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