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Front End Loader Operator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

LOADER OPERATOR

Orange City, IA · On-site

$16.25 - $21.50/hr

Retrieves appropriate material with front end loader according to specifications given by the batch operator and loads material in the proper bin for processing. * Maintain proper levels of ...

LOADER OPERATOR

Orange City, IA · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Retrieves appropriate material with front end loader according to specifications given by the batch operator and loads material in the proper bin for processing. * Maintain proper levels of ...

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 ...

Equipment Operator

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Description ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB • Operating a dozer, excavator, front end loader and forklift • Ensuring all equipment is maintained and used in accordance with company health and ...

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Showing results 1-20

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 Jun 9, 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, 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 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,686 per year, or $18.6 per hour.
LOADER OPERATOR

LOADER OPERATOR

gcc

Orange City, IA • On-site

$16.25 - $21.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

What you will do:
Responsible for ensuring raw materials are properly received, stored, and loaded for production.  Also responsible for performing routine maintenance on plant equipment and ensuring that the yard area is properly maintained and organized. 

  • Ensure that the concrete plant and related equipment is operating properly at all times; inspect the plant for greasing and check oil fluid levels; grease and oil as required; keep plant and equipment clean and free of excess material; ensure all material handling equipment is working.
  • Prepares equipment for plant startup each morning.
  • Operates from end loader to unload raw materials and place in proper storage bins.
  • Retrieves appropriate material with front end loader according to specifications given by the batch operator and loads material in the proper bin for processing.
  • Maintain proper levels of aggregates and admixtures; notify plant manager of impending shortages on a timely basis; keep hoppers full of aggregates.
  • Keep equipment and plant site neat and clean at all times; wash outside of the plant and equipment whenever necessary; maintain plant grounds; pick up trash, etc. from grounds; make sure all equipment is in its proper place.
  • Follow all environmental regulations; clean up any excess material which would cause environmental problems; operate reclaimer.
  • Assist plant manager in batching and other duties as necessary.
  • Assist plant manager and dispatch in truck/driver communications.

Experience and abilities you will need:

  • High School or equivalent
  • Must have experience and training in operating a loader.
  • Must have at least one year of experience as a plant maintenance laborer.
  • Experience with general or routine maintenance tasks
  • Ability to safely operate a front-end loader.
  • Demonstrated ability to follow instructions and work independently.
  • Demonstrated ability to successfully handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Ability to read, write, and distinguish colors.

Who we are:
GCC is a world-class company that produces, distributes and markets cement, ready-mixed concrete, aggregates, and innovative products related to the construction industries in Mexico and the United States. We take pride in being a market leader with a culture of innovation, high performance and safety. GCC offers a very competitive benefits program including paid time off, medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability insurance plans, and a 401K.

You will love working here because:
At GCC, employees are our most important resource. As a part of the GCC family, you'll be welcomed into a culture that promotes the company vision and internal career growth. Our company vision is to have our customers recognize us as a business partner that generates the most value for their construction projects. We're a sustainable growing company, a great place to work, and a solid investment for our shareholders. GCC is an enterprise with a global and sustainable approach. Our production is mainly devoted to the manufacture and sale of gray Portland cement, mortar, premixed concrete, concrete blocks, plaster, aggregates, and other construction materials. Join the family!

An Equal Opportunity Employer
GCC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by law or regulation. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions are based on job-related factors.


GCC logo

About GCC

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Glendale , CO, US

Year founded

1941

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