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Front Loader Operator Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS • Loads and/or unloads materials on trailers as needed. • Weighs, labels ... the front office for billing purposes. • Ensure the proper tare weight program is used for ...

Forklift Operator

Wixom, MI · On-site

$16.50/hr

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS • Loads and/or unloads materials on trailers as needed. • Weighs, labels ... the front office for billing purposes. • Ensure the proper tare weight program is used for ...

Residential Driver

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$18 - $24.25/hr

... front load trucks and containers, Priority Waste makes the customer experience our #1 priority. Job Purpose In your role as a Residential Truck Driver, you will be responsible for safely operating a ...

... front load trucks and containers, Priority Waste makes the customer experience our #1 priority. Job Purpose In your role as a Residential Truck Driver, you will be responsible for safely operating a ...

... front load trucks and containers, Priority Waste makes the customer experience our #1 priority. Job Purpose In your role as a Residential Truck Driver, you will be responsible for safely operating a ...

Roll Off Driver

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$19.75 - $25.25/hr

... front load trucks and containers, Priority Waste makes the customer experience our #1 priority. Job Purpose In your role as a Roll Off Truck Driver, you will be responsible for safely operating a ...

Roll Off Driver

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$19.75 - $25.25/hr

... front load trucks and containers, Priority Waste makes the customer experience our #1 priority. Job Purpose In your role as a Roll Off Truck Driver, you will be responsible for safely operating a ...

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Front Loader Operator information

See Michigan salary details

$9

$17

$24

How much do front loader operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for front loader operator in Michigan is $17.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Front Loader Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, spatial awareness, and experience or certification in operating heavy machinery. Familiarity with equipment like front-end loaders, safety protocols, and sometimes OSHA certification or a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) are typically required. Attention to detail, communication, and teamwork are crucial soft skills that help ensure tasks are completed safely and efficiently. These skills and qualifications are essential to maintain worksite safety, optimize productivity, and prevent costly accidents or equipment damage.

What are some common safety challenges faced by Front Loader Operators, and how are they typically addressed on the job?

Front Loader Operators often work in environments with heavy equipment, uneven terrain, and limited visibility, which can present significant safety challenges. To address these risks, operators are usually required to follow strict safety protocols, such as conducting pre-operation equipment inspections, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and adhering to site-specific traffic patterns. Regular safety training and clear communication with ground personnel are also crucial to prevent accidents and ensure a safe work environment. Employers typically provide ongoing training and emphasize a safety-first culture to support operators in minimizing workplace hazards.

What are Front Loader Operators?

Front Loader Operators are skilled workers who operate heavy machinery known as front-end loaders. These machines are used to move materials such as soil, gravel, sand, and debris at construction sites, mines, quarries, and other similar locations. Operators are responsible for safely maneuvering the loader, performing routine equipment checks, and ensuring materials are loaded and transported efficiently. They must have good hand-eye coordination, attention to safety protocols, and often require specialized training or certification. Front Loader Operators play a critical role in supporting construction and earth-moving projects.

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

AspectFront Loader OperatorExcavator Operator
CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL) often required, OSHA certificationOSHA certification, specialized excavator training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, loading docks, mining operationsConstruction sites, trenching, demolition
Industry UsageConstruction, agriculture, miningConstruction, demolition, utility work
Common Search/ComparisonOften compared for equipment operation skills and certificationsCompared for digging, trenching, and material handling

While both Front Loader Operators and Excavator Operators work in construction and mining environments, they operate different equipment suited for specific tasks. Front Loader Operators primarily handle loading and moving materials with wheel loaders, whereas Excavator Operators focus on digging and trenching with hydraulic excavators. Certifications and work environments overlap, but their roles are distinct based on the machinery used and the tasks performed.

What job categories do people searching Front Loader Operator jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Front Loader Operator jobs in Michigan are:
Infographic showing various Front Loader Operator job openings in Michigan as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 50% Physical, and 50% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,899 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

Cooler Sorter Associate | Swing Driver

THE KITCHEN INC

Sterling Heights, MI

$18 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:

We are seeking a reliable and self-motivated individual to join our team as a Cooler Sorter / Swing Driver Associate. This hybrid role involves working in a refrigerated environment sorting and organizing products, as well as serving as a backup delivery driver. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, organized, able to prioritize tasks efficiently, and maintains a professional demeanor at all times.
Key Responsibilities:

Cooler Sorting & Warehouse Duties (Primary Role):

  • Work in a 36–38°F cooler for the majority of your shift
  • Accurately sort products by route number or location and place into corresponding bins or totes
  • Lift and move items weighing up to 40 lbs
  • Stand, bend, and move for extended periods throughout the shift
  • Transport product on carts or wheeled racks between two buildings
  • Stack totes onto pallets and securely wrap them for delivery
  • Maintain a clean and organized work area, including sweeping, mopping, and sanitizing totes, bins, bathrooms, and removing garbage
  • Stay on task and maintain productivity while adhering to company protocols
  • Prioritize tasks based on customer needs and delivery schedules
Swing Driver Duties (As Needed):

  • Safely operate sprinter vans and 26’ box trucks for product deliveries
  • Maintain accurate and professional delivery records
  • Represent the company professionally with courteous and efficient customer service
Schedule:

  • Monday – Friday:
    Start Time: 6:30 AM
    End Time: Approximately 3:00 PM (may vary depending on production, +/- 1 hour)
  • Sunday Shift Required:
    Minimum of two (2) Sunday shifts per month
    • Cooler Sorting Shift: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    • Swing Driver Shifts: Posted a minimum of 2 weeks in advance
      • 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM or 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Requirements:

  • Valid Chauffeur’s License
  • Valid DOT Medical Card
  • Pallet jack experience (manual and/or electric)
  • Hi-Lo / forklift experience
  • Ability to drive a sprinter van and a 26’ box truck
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
  • Ability to work in a cold environment for extended periods
  • Dependable with a strong work ethic and positive attitude
Pay Rate:

$18.00 – $20.00 per hour
(Pay rate is based on experience)

Benefits:

  • Free lunch every day
  • 50% employer-paid medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance
  • Employer-sponsored life insurance
  • 401(k) with company match up to 4%
  • PTO / ESTA Time - 1 Hour earned for every 30 hours worked. PTO / ESTA Time is accrued during your first year of employment, and will be paid out at the end of your first year. At the start of your second year of employment you will be front loaded with 72 hours of PTO / ESTA. If they are not used during the calendar year, you will be paid out for any unused hours.