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Load Builder Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Loads and unloads materials onto or from pallets, trucks or customer vehicles and installs strapping, bracing or padding to prevent shifting or damage in transit. * Performs load-building ...

Title: Load Builder/Forklift Operator Classification: Full Time - Hourly Pay Range: $18 to $22 Location: Pacific Grove, Ca Reports To: Yard Supervisor About the Company: For 100 years and four ...

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Load Builder information

See California salary details

$13

$22

$30

How much do load builder jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for load builder in California is $22.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $25.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a load builder?

Load Builders are professionals responsible for assembling and preparing materials, such as lumber or building supplies, for delivery or shipment at distribution centers or lumber yards. Their main duties include reading work orders, gathering specified materials, and safely stacking or bundling items to ensure accurate and efficient delivery. Load Builders play a crucial role in supporting construction projects by ensuring materials are organized and ready for transport, often operating forklifts and other equipment as part of their job.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a load builder?

To thrive as a Load Builder, you need a solid understanding of construction materials, basic math skills, and the ability to read and interpret work orders, often requiring a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with inventory management systems, forklifts, and other warehouse equipment is typically necessary, with certifications like forklift operation being advantageous. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication are vital soft skills for ensuring accuracy and safety. These competencies are essential for assembling correct orders, maintaining workplace safety, and ensuring efficient delivery processes in a fast-paced environment.

What are some common challenges a load builder faces during peak construction seasons, and how can they be managed?

During peak construction seasons, Load Builders often encounter increased order volumes and tighter delivery timelines, which can lead to logistical bottlenecks and coordination challenges. Managing these demands requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication with both warehouse staff and delivery drivers. Proactively planning loads, double-checking material lists, and staying adaptable to last-minute changes help ensure accuracy and on-time deliveries, contributing to overall team success.

What is the difference between Load Builder vs Forklift Operator?

AspectLoad BuilderForklift Operator
CredentialsTypically requires safety training, OSHA certification, and possibly a high school diplomaRequires forklift certification and safety training
Work EnvironmentWarehouse, construction sites, manufacturing plantsWarehouses, distribution centers, construction sites
Job ResponsibilitiesAssembling, loading, and securing cargo or materialsOperating forklifts to move materials and pallets
Industry UsageLogistics, construction, manufacturingLogistics, warehousing, manufacturing

While both Load Builders and Forklift Operators work in warehouse and industrial settings, Load Builders focus on assembling and securing loads, whereas Forklift Operators specialize in operating machinery to move materials. Understanding these differences helps employers and job seekers find the right fit for their skills and certifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Load Builder jobs in California?

The most popular types of Load Builder jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Load Builder job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, and 16% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,846 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

Load Builder II Yard/Warehouse

builders

El Cajon, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Loads and unloads materials onto or from pallets, trucks, or customer vehicles and secures them for transit.

  • Performs load-building by determining the appropriate weight, composition, and placement of loads based on customer orders and vehicle capacity.

  • Conveys materials to or from storage using hand trucks, forklifts, or other devices, and handles materials with hand tools as needed.


Job description

PURPOSE 

Under general supervision performs routine loading and unloading of materials within yard or work site; assembles load packages into truck for delivery to customer job sites.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Loads and unloads materials onto or from pallets, trucks or customer vehicles and installs strapping, bracing or padding to prevent shifting or damage in transit.
  • Performs load-building, determining the appropriate weight, composition, and placement of load based on customer order and capacity of delivery vehicle to ensure load is balanced and safe for hauling.
  • Reads work order or follows oral instructions to determine materials to be moved or loaded.
  • Conveys materials to or from storage to designated area using hand truck, electric dolly, forklift or other device.
  • Opens containers, units, slings and loads, using steel cutters, crowbar, claw-hammer or other hand tools.
  • Attaches identifying tags or labels to materials or marks information on cases, bales or other containers so as to provide for correct identification of items.
  • Lifts heavy objects by hand or with power hoist, and cleans work area, machines, and equipment to assist machine operators.
  • May provide training and/or guidance to less experienced Load Builders.
  • Understands and observes all safety procedures and practices in order to prevent injury to self or co-workers; attends periodic safety meetings as required; may recommend changes to improve safety procedures.
  • Other duties may be assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS 

High school diploma or General Education Degree (GED) and 1-2 years of experience performing these or similar tasks; or equivalent combination of education and experience.  Forklift certification required.

COMPETENCIES

  • Requires forklift operator certification
  • Knowledge of company products sufficient to take into account weight, shape and handling requirements
  • Ability to read and write to handle work orders and labeling tasks
  • Manual dexterity
  • Ability to use simple hand tools
  • Knowledge of safety procedures while performing forklift driving and materials handling tasks
  • Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions
  • Ability to count items and verify against prepared lists.

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

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.
  • Work is performed within a production or yard environment, subject to temperature variations, hazardous chemicals, mechanical parts, equipment noise and dust. 
  • Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds frequently and on occasion up to 80 pounds.
  • May be required to perform specific tasks that involve climbing, lifting, pushing or kneeling.
  • While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms.
  • The employee is frequently required to walk and talk or hear.
  • The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
  • The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision and depth perception.