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Front End Loader Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Loader Operator

Hughson, CA · On-site

$45.89/hr

Safely operate heavy-duty front-end loaders to move raw materials from stockpiles to customer vehicles, ensuring accurate weight distribution and material types. * Regulate the flow of materials to ...

Loader Operator

Hinkley, CA · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Operate a front-end loader to load haul trucks with overburden, ore, or aggregate material * Maintain consistent production rates while minimizing spillage and rework * Ensure proper loading ...

Operate a front-end loader to load haul trucks with overburden, ore, or aggregate material * Maintain consistent production rates while minimizing spillage and rework * Ensure proper loading ...

Loader Operator

Hinkley, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $23/hr

Operate a front-end loader to load haul trucks with overburden, ore, or aggregate material * Maintain consistent production rates while minimizing spillage and rework * Ensure proper loading ...

Pumper/Loader

Cadiz, CA

$19 - $24.75/hr

Operates front end loader to load salt trucks * Performs pump transfers to fill truck storage ponds and load out tanks * Assists truck drivers during loading as needed * Cross trained to perform ...

Loader

Stockton, CA · On-site

$18.75 - $24.50/hr

Loads and unloads trailers, moves merchandise from area to area and uses conveyors or forklift equipment throughout Distribution Center. Essential job functions: * Load and unload merchandise.

Loader

Stockton, CA · On-site

$18.75 - $24.50/hr

Loads and unloads trailers, moves merchandise from area to area and uses conveyors or forklift equipment throughout Distribution Center. Essential job functions: * Load and unload merchandise.

Loader

Compton, CA · On-site

$18 - $23.50/hr

Operates a forklift to unload and load product in a timely and safe manner. Assists in maintaining certain tank inventories. Samples and tests of loads ensuring compatibity and treatability of waste ...

Loader

Compton, CA

$18 - $23.50/hr

Operates a forklift to unload and load product in a timely and safe manner. Assists in maintaining certain tank inventories. Samples and tests of loads ensuring compatibity and treatability of waste ...

Loader

Compton, CA · On-site

$18 - $23.50/hr

Operates a forklift to unload and load product in a timely and safe manner. Assists in maintaining certain tank inventories. Samples and tests of loads ensuring compatibity and treatability of waste ...

Loader

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$19.25 - $25/hr

Load and unload LPG transports. * Terminal Boss administration and data entry. * Perform monthly rail and loading rack preventative maintenance work orders and the Loader's Daily Plant inspection ...

Loader

Compton, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Operates a forklift to unload and load product in a timely and safe manner. Assists in maintaining certain tank inventories. Samples and tests of loads ensuring compatibity and treatability of waste ...

Loader

San Pedro, CA · On-site

$18 - $23.75/hr

Load and unload LPG transports. * Terminal Boss administration and data entry. * Perform monthly rail and loading rack preventative maintenance work orders and the Loader's Daily Plant inspection ...

Responsibilities and Duties Loads and unloads aircraft catering supplies onto delivery trucks according to manifest Handling and loading of wet and dry ice into ice chests for delivery to aircraft ...

Loader Operator

Rocklin, CA · On-site

$18.50 - $24.25/hr

The Loader Operator will contribute to the production team to ensure goals are met safely and efficiently while conforming to company policies. Process vehicles in a safe manner to produce core ...

Loader Operator

Rocklin, CA · On-site

$18.50 - $24.25/hr

Loader Operator The Loader Operator will contribute to the production team to ensure goals are met safely and efficiently while conforming to company policies. Process vehicles in a safe manner to ...

Cooler Loader Salary Range: $25.50 per Hour Status: Non-Exempt Location: Marina, CA | Yuma, AZ Reports to: Cooler Manager GENERAL DESCRIPTION / PRIMARY PURPOSE: Responsible for loading and unloading ...

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Showing results 1-20

Front End Loader information

See California salary details

$10

$19

$27

How much do front end loader jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for front end loader in California is $19.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $22.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Front End Loader operator, you need a solid understanding of heavy equipment operation, safety protocols, and often a high school diploma or equivalent, sometimes with specific equipment certification. Familiarity with machine controls, basic maintenance tools, and computerized systems used for diagnostics is typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to work well in a team are crucial soft skills for this position. These abilities ensure safe, efficient, and precise operation, minimizing workplace accidents and maximizing productivity on job sites.

What are some common challenges faced by front end loader operators and how can they be managed on the job?

Front End Loader operators often encounter challenges such as working in tight spaces, handling uneven terrain, and ensuring safety around other heavy equipment and personnel. Effective communication with team members and adherence to site safety protocols are crucial for preventing accidents. Regular maintenance checks on the loader can also help prevent unexpected breakdowns, and ongoing training ensures operators stay up-to-date with best practices for efficient and safe operation. Being proactive and vigilant helps operators manage these challenges successfully.

What is a front end loader?

Front End Loaders, also known as front loaders or wheel loaders, are heavy equipment machines used primarily in construction, agriculture, and other industries to move or load materials such as soil, gravel, sand, or debris. They feature a large bucket mounted at the front, which can be raised, lowered, and tilted to scoop and transport materials. Operators use front end loaders for tasks like loading trucks, clearing rubble, and leveling ground. These machines are valued for their versatility, efficiency, and ability to handle a wide variety of tasks on job sites.

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

AspectFront End LoaderBackhoe Operator
Primary EquipmentLoader bucket for loading and moving materialsBackhoe for digging and trenching
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, mining, agricultureConstruction, utility work, excavation
CertificationsOperator licenses, safety trainingOperator licenses, safety training
Common UsageLoading materials, stockpilingDigging trenches, excavations

While both Front End Loaders and Backhoe Operators work in construction and excavation, the main difference lies in their equipment and tasks. Front End Loaders are primarily used for loading and moving materials with a large bucket, whereas Backhoe Operators focus on digging and trenching with a backhoe attachment. Both roles require similar certifications and safety training, but their functions and equipment differ significantly.

What cities in California are hiring for Front End Loader jobs? Cities in California with the most Front End Loader job openings:
Infographic showing various Front End Loader job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,648 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Loader Operator

Martin Marietta

Hughson, CA • On-site

$45.89/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Martin Marietta Materials rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 131 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

352nd of 536 rated manufacturers


Job description

The Sales/Yard Loader is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of a front-end loader (typically ranging from CAT 982 to CAT 988 sizes) within an aggregate sales yard or plant environment. The primary focus of this role is to load finished products into customer trucks and/or railcars while maintaining the integrity of product stockpiles. As a frontline representative of Martin Marietta, the Loader Operator ensures a "Safety First" culture by managing traffic flow, asserting leadership over visiting drivers, and performing essential preventative maintenance to keep equipment and yard operations running smoothly. 
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES 
  • Safely operate heavy-duty front-end loaders to move raw materials from stockpiles to customer vehicles, ensuring accurate weight distribution and material types. 
  • Regulate the flow of materials to and from conveyors, surge piles, chutes, and storage bins to maximize plant production. 
  • Maintain the quality and separation of various product stockpiles to prevent contamination and ensure environmental compliance. 
  • May assist in operating other mobile equipment as needed, including haul trucks, excavators, or skid steers- dependent on-site requirements. 
  • Maintain safe working speeds and manage the flow of external truck drivers and equipment within the yard to prevent accidents. 
  • Strictly adhere to all MSHA compliance/regulations and Martin Marietta’s internal 24/7 Safe culture policies. 
  • Conduct daily pre-shift and post-shift safety inspections of the equipment and the working area, ensuring the presence of adequate berms and clear roadways. 
  • Ensure safe operations around high-risk areas such as conveyors, crushers, and steep surge piles. 
  • Perform routine preventative maintenance (PMs), including checking tire pressure, oil levels, and diesel fuel, and greasing all moving parts daily. 
  • Use standard operating procedures to identify and report equipment malfunctions, leaks, or mechanical issues to the maintenance team or supervisor. 
  • Keep the loading area, roadways, and plant floor clean by shoveling, sweeping, and removing debris to ensure a professional and safe environment. 
  • Maintain a professional and helpful attitude when interacting with external drivers and customers, adapting to various personalities and needs. 
  • Accurately complete daily pre-shift inspection reports, maintenance logs, and (if applicable) customer ticketing or weighing via the scale house. 
  • Communicate effectively via CB radio or hand signals with plant operators and co-workers to coordinate vehicle movements. 
  • Willing and able to use a shovel when required. 
  • Willing to work overtime and weekends as needed.  
QUALIFICATIONS 
Education 
High School diploma, GED, or relevant experience 
Work Experience 
No prior experience is required; 6 months to 1 year of experience in the operation and maintenance of a front-end loader is preferred. 
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 
Road specifications and slopes 
Familiarity with heavy equipment components 
Mechanical aptitude 
Troubleshooting 
MSHA compliance and regulations  
Time management 
ADDITIONAL DETAILS 
Physical Requirements 
Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. for plant maintenance and equipment servicing. 
Required to bend, stoop, climb, and reach. You must be able to maintain three points of contact when climbing on/off machinery or on ladders. 
Strong hand-eye-foot coordination is essential for operating hand/foot controls. You must have good depth perception with or without seeing aid for distances up to 150 feet. 
Working Conditions 
All duties require outside assignments and require periods of work in all weather conditions, cold, wet, dry and dusty. Must be able to work in areas where noise levels are up to 85 dbs.  
Union 
We are excited to share the base hourly rate for this position is $45.89+. Membership with the International Union of Operating Engineers Local Union No, E03 is required upon hire. Condition and terms of employment and benefits are in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement.  

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About Martin Marietta

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Martin Marietta is an American-based company and a leading supplier of building materials - including aggregates, cement, ready mixed concrete and asphalt.

Industry

Coal, metals and minerals mining

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1994