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Front End Loader Operator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Loader Operator

Atlantic, IA · On-site

$17.75 - $23.25/hr

Loader Operator Atlantic, IA 50022 Company Info Henningsen Const. Inc is a street and highway construction firm and a pre-engineered building construction firm that offers a challenging and rewarding ...

Seasonal Help

Osage, IA · On-site

$12.25 - $14.75/hr

Openings include Front-End loader operator for our dry plant, hopper bottom driver, or dry fertilizer tender driver. Experience driving semi-trucks or front-end loaders is required. This is a ...

Loader Operator

Atlantic, IA · On-site

$17.75 - $23.25/hr

Henningsen Const., Inc. is seeking a motivated loader operator for our portable asphalt plant. Most work consists of working at the Asphalt Plants stockpiling materials. Some heavy lifting is ...

Loader Operator

Atlantic, IA

$17.75 - $23.25/hr

Henningsen Const., Inc. is seeking a motivated loader operator for our portable asphalt plant. Most work consists of working at the Asphalt Plants stockpiling materials. Some heavy lifting is ...

Loader Operator I

Davenport, IA

$19.75 - $25.75/hr

The Loader Operator I is responsible for operating heavy equipment and trucks, setting up equipment for auction in yards and helping customers during and after auctions. IAA Holdings, LLC (IAA) IAA ...

... driving equipment, front-end loader, forklift, helping deman vehicles, etc. Brief Summary ... Other responsibilities as assigned, such as: operating equipment, loader operator, forklift ...

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Heavy Equipment Operator

Marion, IA · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Summary/Objective The heavy equipment operator operates a variety of contractor equipment and ... front-end loader, and hydraulic excavators. (Any of the equipment mentioned could be track or ...

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Front End Loader Operator information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$18

$26

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

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for front end loader operator in Iowa is $18.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $21.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a front end loader operator?

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.

Is operating a front end loader easy?

Operating a front end loader requires training and practice to develop the necessary skills for safe and efficient operation. While the controls are straightforward, understanding load handling, safety procedures, and equipment maintenance is essential, making it a job that involves learning and experience rather than being inherently easy.

What is a front end loader operator?

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 popular job titles related to Front End Loader Operator jobs in Iowa? For Front End Loader Operator jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Front End Loader Operator jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Front End Loader Operator jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Front End Loader Operator jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Front End Loader Operator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Front End Loader Operator jobs in IA? For Front End Loader Operator jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Front End Loader Operator job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,686 per year, or $18.6 per hour.

Loader Operator - Portable Asphalt Plant (Seasonal, Statewide Travel)

Manatts

Newton, IA • On-site

$16.25 - $21.50/hr

Other

Re-posted 10 hours ago


Manatt's rating

5.4

Company rating: 5.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Loader Operator

Operates rubber tired tractor type vehicle equipped with front mounted hydraulically powered bucket or scoop to lift and transport bulk materials to and from storage or processing areas, to feed conveyors, hoppers, or chutes, and to load trucks.

Family
  • Serves as a standard bearer for Manatt's mission to safely do everything we do better than anyone else and purpose of building legacies through standards of excellence.
  • Promotes, lives, and exemplifies Manatt's values: Family, Excellence and Human Potential.
Excellence
  • Inspects and maintains loader equipment such as tires, lights, back-up alarm, brakes, fuel (diesel), oil, water and all other fluids levels.
  • Charges plant with raw materials using wheel loader pursuant to plant output expectations.
  • Fastens seatbelt, starts engine, turns on lights, shifts gears, presses pedals, and turns steering wheel to operate loader.
  • Moves levers to lower and tilt bucket and drives front-end loader forward to force bucket into bulk material.
  • Moves levers to raise and tilt bucket when filled, drives vehicle to work site, and moves levers to dump material.
  • Cleans windows, mirrors, removes garbage, and maintains interior of loader in good working condition.
  • Performs preventative maintenance service and minor repairs on loader.
  • Assists in maintenance of clean and debris free plant site including but not limited to collection and removal of garbage and security in yard.
  • Assists with production of poured blocks including removal of forms and placing in assigned inventory location.
  • Reports to supervisor at end of each day to leave time card, fuel receipts/usage, mileage, and other information as well as receive instruction for next days work assignments.
  • Secondary functions of general laborer or other duties may be assigned.
  • Operates front-end loader in safe manner and abides with traffic laws, rules, and regulations, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules and regulations and company rules and safety policies.
Human Potential
  • Commits to continuous personal improvements on the path towards being best self.
  • Teach others to learn what you know to help them grow.
Qualifications

Education and Experience

  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Previous loader operator experience required.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

  • Must have a valid driver's license and a vehicle to get to the job site required, CDL preferred.

Other Qualifications

  • Acceptable driving record
  • Excellent work ethic.
  • Ability to work long hours, including weekends during peak season.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced outdoor and in industrial environments.
  • Ability to work seasonally.
Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to listen. The employee frequently is required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to walk; sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds with assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

What We Offer
  • Competitive seasonal wages.
  • Daily per diem for travel.
  • Opportunities for overtime.
  • A supportive team culture and opportunities to grow within Manatts.

About Us

Founded in 1947 and headquartered in Brooklyn, Iowa, Manatt's is a leader in Iowa's heavy highway construction and materials industry. We specialize in asphalt, concrete, and chipseal coating, with additional expertise in recycle crushing, stabilization, milling, grinding, subdrain installation, and more.

At Manatt's, we have the experts, equipment, resources, and top-quality materials needed to safely and efficiently complete any project. Our integrated approach and unwavering commitment to building exceptional relationships allow us to deliver uncompromising quality and construction services. Our mission is to continually set and reset the standard by which all other construction material companies are measured. We don't just build infrastructure; we build legacies through higher standards of work and a dedication to excellence in everything we do.


What Manatt's employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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