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Front End Loader Operator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Golden Grain Energy LLC

Material Handler

Mason City, IA

$16.25 - $19.75/hr

Read, understand and follow standard operating procedures for operation of plant and associated ... Experience in truck loading and unloading, railcar loading, front end loader, skid loader and ...

Golden Grain Energy LLC

Material Handler

Mason City, IA · On-site

$16.25 - $19.75/hr

Read, understand and follow standard operating procedures for operation of plant and associated ... Experience in truck loading and unloading, railcar loading, front end loader, skid loader and ...

Trinity Health

GroundsKeeper

Cedar Falls, IA

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

Category III - Performs tasks that involve no exposure to blood, body fluid, or tissue. 3. Equipment Operated: Snow removal equipment, vehicles, front end loader, lawn equipment. 4. Physical Activity ...

Manatt's

Dump Truck Driver

Camanche, IA

$19 - $24.75/hr

Drives truck under loading hopper of plant or is loaded by front end loader with loose materials to ... Obey posted speed limit. (if not posted, 10 mph is a safe operating speed). * Proper PPE to be worn ...

Manatt's

Dump Truck Driver

Camanche, IA · On-site

$19 - $24.75/hr

Drives truck under loading hopper of plant or is loaded by front end loader with loose materials to ... Obey posted speed limit. (if not posted, 10 mph is a safe operating speed). * Proper PPE to be worn ...

Trinityhealth

GroundsKeeper

Cedar Falls, IA

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

Category III - Performs tasks that involve no exposure to blood, body fluid, or tissue. 3. Equipment Operated: Snow removal equipment, vehicles, front end loader, lawn equipment. 4. Physical Activity ...

Manatt's

Dump Truck Driver

Ames, IA

$19.50 - $25.50/hr

Drives truck under loading hopper of plant or is loaded by front end loader with loose materials to ... Obey posted speed limit. (if not posted, 10 mph is a safe operating speed). * Proper PPE to be worn ...

Manatt's

Dump Truck Driver

Ames, IA · On-site

$19.50 - $25.50/hr

Drives truck under loading hopper of plant or is loaded by front end loader with loose materials to ... Obey posted speed limit. (if not posted, 10 mph is a safe operating speed). * Proper PPE to be worn ...

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All JobsFront End Loader Operator JobsFront End Loader Operator Jobs in Iowa

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 11, 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 job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A front end loader operator can earn around $10,000 a month with experience, especially in high-demand industries like construction or mining. These roles typically require specialized training, certifications, and operating heavy machinery, but often do not require a college degree.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Front End Loader Operators typically do not earn $2000 a day; their pay depends on experience, location, and project scope. High-paying construction or heavy equipment roles may reach such daily rates, especially for specialized or overtime work, but these are less common. Skilled operators with certifications and experience working on large projects or in remote areas can sometimes earn high daily wages.

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.

How hard is it to operate a front-end loader?

Operating a front-end loader requires training to understand controls, safety procedures, and proper handling techniques. While it can be physically demanding and requires coordination, most operators learn through hands-on experience and certification programs. Proficiency develops over time with practice and adherence to safety standards.

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 jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

Front end loader operators typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are usually found in executive, specialized medical, or high-level corporate roles. Some highly experienced or owner-operator heavy equipment professionals in large construction or mining projects may approach high six-figure incomes, but reaching $500,000 is uncommon for this position. Earning this level often requires advanced skills, certifications, or ownership of business operations.
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Front End Loader Operator jobs near you
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.
Working/Equipment Operating - Yard Supervisor

Working/Equipment Operating - Yard Supervisor

Alter Trading Corp

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

$28 - $33/hr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Alter Trading rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

65th of 71 rated recycling and waste

Job description

Our Cedar Rapids, Iowa Ferrous Department is looking for its next Ferrous Supervisor who can help lead the team. This is a day shift position. They will be set up to succeed in managing the ferrous inbound/outbound, production quality and inventory. This position requires extensive equipment operating: material handler, grapple, front-end loader, skid-steer, dump truck In time, they will learn what makes this business work and oversee the entire operation.

More Details about this Role:

  • Manage flow of material inbound & outbound, and maintain inventory levels & quality control.
  • Work alongside Ferrous Manager to schedule and track daily production to meet expectations.
  • Record production data into Production Tracker and Monthly Production Logs.
  • Manage facility inventory
  • Ensure Materials shipped meet the exact requirements of the customer’s order and maintain traceability.
  • Work with department managers of Maintenance, Safety & Environmental to manage required tasks, metrics and expectations.
  • QA/QC
  • Drive efficiencies to maintain and lower monthly operating costs.
  • Communicate regularly with all levels of employees, vendors & customers.
  • Learn and Operate Equipment as needed to assist the team.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and/or Experience:

Similar work experience in an heavy industrial or manufacturing work environment is preferred. Position is requires frequent movement throughout the facility, in all weather conditions. Successful candidates will be hands-on with equipment and operations. Excellent open communication style is required to carry out responsibilities with all levels of employees. Travel less than 10%.

About Us:

Alter Trading is looking to add to its Cedar Rapids, IA Eastern Region team. Alter Trading Corporation, a 125 year old company, with 67+ scrap metal processing facilities throughout the Midwest and Southern region. Alter is committed to our customers by being the best source of both ferrous and non-ferrous metal and by giving great customer service.

Job Seekers with a background as a leader, lead, supervisor, manager, quality, technician, inventory, operator, typically do well in this position.