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Front End Loader Operator Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Operate a forklift, pallet jack, and potentially front-end loaders. Essential Skills * 2+ years of forklift operating experience. * Strong math skills for weighing materials. * Experience operating ...

Three years of progressive experience operating heavy motorized equipment to include: backhoe, bulldozer, excavator, front-end loader, grapple truck, rail-bound equipment, tractor and skid-steer ...

Three years of progressive experience operating heavy motorized equipment to include: backhoe, bulldozer, excavator, front-end loader, grapple truck, rail-bound equipment, tractor and skid-steer ...

Highway Worker

Lebanon, IN · On-site

$48K - $60K/yr

... for operating various trucks and heavy equipment to maintain County roads and rights-of-way ... front-end loader, backhoe, dump truck, snow plow, compaction roller, tractor, jack hammer, skid ...

... front-end loader, backhoe, dump truck, snow plow, compaction roller, tractor, jack hammer, skid ... Ensures all equipment is safe to use prior to operating. Operates all equipment in a safe manner.

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Front End Loader Operator information

See Indiana salary details

$10

$18

$26

How much do front end loader operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for front end loader operator in Indiana is $18.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.25 and $21.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Front End Loader Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Front End Loader Operator, you need proficiency in operating heavy machinery, a high school diploma or GED, and often a valid equipment operator’s license or certification. Familiarity with hydraulic systems, basic mechanical maintenance, and safety protocols is essential, along with experience using loaders and related construction equipment. Strong attention to detail, situational awareness, and effective communication help operators work safely and efficiently within a team. These skills are vital to ensure safe operations, reduce accidents, and maintain productivity on construction or industrial sites.

What is the difference between Front End Loader Operator vs Excavator Operator?

AspectFront End Loader OperatorExcavator Operator
CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL) often preferred, OSHA safety trainingOSHA safety training, sometimes specialized certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, mining, agriculture, loading/unloadingConstruction sites, demolition, excavation projects
Employer & IndustryConstruction, mining, agricultureConstruction, demolition, infrastructure projects

Both roles require safety training and operate heavy machinery, but Front End Loader Operators primarily handle loading and moving materials with wheel loaders, while Excavator Operators operate hydraulic excavators for digging and trenching. The choice depends on the specific project needs and machinery used.

What are Front End Loader Operators?

Front End Loader Operators are skilled workers who operate heavy machinery known as front end loaders, which are used to lift, move, and transport materials like soil, gravel, sand, and debris on construction sites, quarries, and other work environments. These operators are responsible for safely maneuvering the equipment, performing routine maintenance, and ensuring efficient material handling. They play a crucial role in site preparation, earthmoving, and loading materials into trucks or other machinery. Safety awareness, equipment knowledge, and attention to detail are essential skills for this job.

What are some common challenges faced by Front End Loader Operators on construction sites?

Front End Loader Operators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, navigating tight or uneven spaces, and maintaining safety while operating heavy equipment around other workers and machinery. Effective communication with site supervisors and fellow operators is crucial to ensure smooth coordination and to prevent accidents. Additionally, operators are expected to perform regular equipment checks and basic maintenance to minimize downtime and extend the life of the loader.
What are the most commonly searched types of Front End Loader Operator jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Front End Loader Operator jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Front End Loader Operator jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Front End Loader Operator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Front End Loader Operator jobs in IN? For Front End Loader Operator jobs in IN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Front End Loader Operator job openings in Indiana as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,193 per year, or $18.8 per hour.
Forklift Operator

Forklift Operator

Aerotek

La Porte, IN

$19/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Heavy Equipment Operator
Job Description

The selected candidate will play a versatile role within the facility, with an emphasis on cross-training in all processes.

Responsibilities

  • Lift and handle 50 lbs consistently throughout the day.
  • Break down raw materials efficiently.
  • Fill sacks and stack them on pallets for the forklift operator.
  • Move pallets of material within the facility.
  • Operate a forklift, pallet jack, and potentially front-end loaders.
Essential Skills
  • 2+ years of forklift operating experience.
  • Strong math skills for weighing materials.
  • Experience operating mobile equipment such as forklifts, sit-down forklifts, overhead cranes, and heavy equipment.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
  • 2+ years of heavy equipment operation experience with machinery like bulldozers, front-end loaders, bobcats, and overhead cranes.
  • Ability to reliably lift 50+ pounds.
  • Proven reliability and attendance.
  • Leadership experience is a plus.
  • Experience as a farm hand or railroad experience is beneficial.
Why Work Here?

Employees have the potential to become full-time with great benefits after 90 days, including PTO. There is also the possibility of being hired directly before the 90-day period.

Work Environment

The facility is not climate-controlled and is dusty on the shop floor, with some outside work required. The position operates on the first shift from 6:00 am to 2:30 pm.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of La Porte, IN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $19.00 - $19.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in La Porte,IN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 19, 2026.

About Aerotek

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

Company Description

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.