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Loader Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Graniterock

Loader Operator

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

Load customer finished aggregate into customer trucks when required. Inspect and manage inbound rubble stream as well as stockpiles. Assist the crushing plant operator perform routine maintenance ...

Turner Mining Group

Loader Operator

Hinkley, CA · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Overview Turner Staffing Group is hiring a Production Loader Operator to support a mining operation in Hinkley, California. This is a key production role responsible for efficiently loading haul ...

Turner Mining Group

Loader Operator

Hinkley, CA · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Overview Turner Staffing Group is hiring a Production Loader Operator to support a mining operation in Hinkley, California. This is a key production role responsible for efficiently loading haul ...

VSS International, Inc.

Loader/Operator

Monterey, CA · On-site

$18 - $30/hr

Minimum of one year of loader or heavy equipment operating experience preferred; construction, paving, asphalt, aggregate, or materials handling experience strongly preferred. * Valid driver ...

VSS International, Inc.

Loader/Operator

Monterey, CA · On-site

$18 - $30/hr

Minimum of one year of loader or heavy equipment operating experience preferred; construction, paving, asphalt, aggregate, or materials handling experience strongly preferred. * Valid driver ...

VSS International, Inc.

Loader/Operator

Watsonville, CA · On-site

$18 - $30/hr

Minimum of one year of loader or heavy equipment operating experience preferred; construction, paving, asphalt, aggregate, or materials handling experience strongly preferred. * Valid driver ...

VSS International, Inc.

$18 - $30/hr

Minimum of one year of loader or heavy equipment operating experience preferred; construction, paving, asphalt, aggregate, or materials handling experience strongly preferred. * Valid driver ...

VSS International, Inc.

Loader/Operator

Salinas, CA

$18 - $30/hr

Minimum of one year of loader or heavy equipment operating experience preferred; construction, paving, asphalt, aggregate, or materials handling experience strongly preferred. * Valid driver ...

VSS International, Inc.

Loader/Operator

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$18 - $30/hr

Minimum of one year of loader or heavy equipment operating experience preferred; construction, paving, asphalt, aggregate, or materials handling experience strongly preferred. * Valid driver ...

VSS International, Inc.

Loader/Operator

Salinas, CA · On-site

$18 - $30/hr

Minimum of one year of loader or heavy equipment operating experience preferred; construction, paving, asphalt, aggregate, or materials handling experience strongly preferred. * Valid driver ...

VSS International, Inc.

Loader/Operator

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$18 - $30/hr

Minimum of one year of loader or heavy equipment operating experience preferred; construction, paving, asphalt, aggregate, or materials handling experience strongly preferred. * Valid driver ...

VSS International, Inc.

Loader/Operator

Monterey, CA

$18 - $30/hr

Minimum of one year of loader or heavy equipment operating experience preferred; construction, paving, asphalt, aggregate, or materials handling experience strongly preferred. * Valid driver ...

VSS International, Inc.

Loader/Operator

Watsonville, CA · On-site

$18 - $30/hr

Minimum of one year of loader or heavy equipment operating experience preferred; construction, paving, asphalt, aggregate, or materials handling experience strongly preferred. * Valid driver ...

VSS International, Inc.

Loader/Operator

Monterey, CA · On-site

$18 - $30/hr

Minimum of one year of loader or heavy equipment operating experience preferred; construction, paving, asphalt, aggregate, or materials handling experience strongly preferred. * Valid driver ...

Ritchie Bros.

Loader Operator I

Fremont, CA · On-site

$23.50/hr

The Loader Operator I is responsible for operating heavy equipment and trucks, setting up equipment for auction in yards and helping customers during and after auctions. Responsibilities

Ritchie Bros.

Loader Operator I

Wilmington, CA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

The Loader Operator I is responsible for operating heavy equipment and trucks, setting up equipment for auction in yards and helping customers during and after auctions. Responsibilities

Ritchie Bros.

Loader Operator I

Fremont, CA · On-site

$23.50/hr

The Loader Operator I is responsible for operating heavy equipment and trucks, setting up equipment for auction in yards and helping customers during and after auctions. Responsibilities

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All JobsLoader Operator JobsLoader Operator Jobs in California

Loader Operator information

See California salary details

$10

$19

$27

How much do loader operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for loader operator 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 loader operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Loader Operator, you need expertise in operating heavy machinery, a high school diploma or equivalent, and often a valid equipment operator’s license or certification. Familiarity with equipment such as front-end loaders, forklifts, and basic maintenance tools is important, as is adherence to safety protocols. Attention to detail, reliability, and effective communication are essential soft skills for preventing accidents and ensuring smooth operations. These abilities are crucial for maintaining safety, productivity, and minimizing downtime on construction or industrial sites.

What are some common challenges faced by loader operators on construction sites, and how can they be managed effectively?

Loader Operators often encounter challenges such as working in confined spaces, managing heavy loads, and maintaining safety while operating machinery around other workers and equipment. Effective communication with site supervisors and other team members is essential to coordinate movements and avoid accidents. Regular equipment inspections and adherence to safety protocols help prevent breakdowns and injuries, ensuring smooth daily operations. Building experience and staying up to date with industry best practices can also make handling these challenges more manageable.

What is the difference between Loader Operator vs Excavator Operator?

AspectLoader OperatorExcavator Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, OSHA safety training, equipment-specific certificationsHigh school diploma, OSHA safety training, equipment-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, mining, material handlingConstruction sites, mining, excavation projects
Job DutiesLoading materials, moving debris, site cleanupDigging trenches, lifting heavy materials, excavation

Both Loader Operators and Excavator Operators require similar certifications and work in construction or mining environments. The main difference lies in their specific tasks: Loader Operators focus on loading and moving materials, while Excavator Operators handle digging and excavation work.

What is the role of a loader operator?

A loader operator is responsible for operating heavy machinery such as front-end loaders, skid steers, or backhoes to load materials like soil, gravel, or debris into trucks or containers. They inspect equipment, follow safety protocols, and may need certification or training to operate specific machinery. The role often involves working outdoors in construction, mining, or warehousing environments.

What are popular job titles related to Loader Operator jobs in California?

For Loader Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Loader Operator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Loader Operator jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Loader Operator jobs?

Cities in California with the most Loader Operator job openings:

Loader Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Loader Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 52% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,648 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Loader Operator

Graniterock

Redwood City, CA • On-site

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Place personal safety and safety of others before all else. Provide excellent customer service. Utilizing 988 Loader feed Telsmith Crushing Plant with recycled concrete and asphalt rubble. Load customer finished aggregate into customer trucks when required. Inspect and manage inbound rubble stream as well as stockpiles. Assist the crushing plant operator perform routine maintenance, repairs, plant and mechanical inspections. Perform daily safety equipment inspections and routine loader maintenance. Develop the skills through onsite training to become the backup Telsmith crusher plant operator. Maintain environmental records as well as environmental BMP infrastructure throughout branch site; work well independently and in a team environment; communicate effectively with team members and customers. Work in alignment with Graniterock's Strategic Priorities and business objectives.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION: High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
SKILLS: Loader operator, welding and mechanical skills; safety conscious; self-motivated; excellent customer service skills.
EXPERIENCE: 3-5 yrs. 980 or 988 (or equal) Loader operator experience.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
SKILLS: Welding and Mechanical skills. Bilingual English / Spanish.
EXPERIENCE: 8 yrs Loader Operator experience and crusher experience.
OTHER COMMENTS: Must have valid CA Driver's License and clean driving record. Must be a team player, have a positive attitude and be reliable.

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