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Loader Operator Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

Loader Operator

Gaston, SC

$16 - $21.25/hr

Martin Marietta is seeking a Loader Operator to join our team. The ideal individual will be safety conscious, dependable, and motivated. This individual will be responsible for safely and efficiently ...

Loader Operator

Gaston, SC

$16 - $21.25/hr

Martin Marietta is seeking a Loader Operator to join our team. The ideal individual will be safety conscious, dependable, and motivated. This individual will be responsible for safely and efficiently ...

Loader Operator

Gaston, SC

$16 - $21.25/hr

Martin Marietta is seeking a Loader Operator to join our team. The ideal individual will be safety conscious, dependable, and motivated. This individual will be responsible for safely and efficiently ...

Loader Operator

Gaston, SC · On-site

$16 - $21.25/hr

Loader Operator Position Summary: Martin Marietta is seeking a Loader Operator to join our team. The ideal individual will be safety conscious, dependable, and motivated. This individual will be ...

Loader Operator

Gaston, SC · On-site

$16 - $21.25/hr

Martin Marietta is seeking a Loader Operator to join our team. The ideal individual will be safety conscious, dependable, and motivated. This individual will be responsible for safely and efficiently ...

Pit Loader Operator

Ridgeway, SC · On-site

$16 - $21.25/hr

Pit Loader Operator Luck Stone's Fairfield Plant is seeking a Pit Loader Operator! Pit Loader Operators run machinery for the success of the aggregate extraction process. They are trained associates ...

Pit Loader Operator

Ridgeway, SC · On-site

$50K - $76K/yr

Pit Loader Operators run machinery for the success of the aggregate extraction process. They are trained associates who report to a supervisor or foreman. Loader Operators skillfully navigate the pit ...

Pit Loader Operator

Ridgeway, SC · On-site

$24.38 - $36.58/hr

Pit Loader Operators run machinery for the success of the aggregate extraction process. They are trained associates who report to a supervisor or foreman. Loader Operators skillfully navigate the pit ...

As a Loader Operator, you will play a vital role in maintaining productivity, ensuring a safe work environment, and supporting the daily operations of the steel manufacturing process. Loader ...

Outbound Loader

Columbia, SC · On-site

$14.75 - $18/hr

Loads product in a manner to avoid damages and maintain load stability to insure driver safety ... months operating an electric pallet jack or forklift and/or a history of physical nature roles ...

Pipe Crew

Columbia, SC · On-site

$17.50 - $23.25/hr

Loader Operator * General Laborer Physical Demands * Regularly works near moving machinery/tools which requires good manual dexterity and multi-limb coordination, must be able to move quickly and ...

Pipe Crew

Columbia, SC · On-site

$17.50 - $23.25/hr

Loader Operator * General Laborer Physical Demands * Regularly works near moving machinery/tools which requires good manual dexterity and multi-limb coordination, must be able to move quickly and ...

Dry Kiln Operator

Camden, SC · On-site

$14.25 - $18.75/hr

As a Forklift Operator , you'll be essential in transporting materials and products throughout our ... Load tilt-hoist (infeed) with designated lumber, while keeping account of loads. * Clean up work ...

Dry Kiln Operator

Camden, SC · On-site

$14.25 - $18.75/hr

As a Forklift Operator , you'll be essential in transporting materials and products throughout our ... Load tilt-hoist (infeed) with designated lumber, while keeping account of loads. * Clean up work ...

Operator

West Columbia, SC · On-site

$16.25 - $21.25/hr

Operator: * As bulk loader: * Inspect all incoming trucks and railcars and determine if cleaning is required. Wash out trucks or railcars if determined it is needed. * Load all incoming trucks and ...

Operator

West Columbia, SC

$16.25 - $21.25/hr

Operator: * As bulk loader: * Inspect all incoming trucks and railcars and determine if cleaning is required. Wash out trucks or railcars if determined it is needed. * Load all incoming trucks and ...

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Loader Operator information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$10

$18

$26

How much do loader operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for loader operator in Columbia, SC is $18.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.77 and $20.67 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 cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Loader Operator jobs?

Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Loader Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Loader Operator job openings in Columbia, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 53% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,104 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Martin Marietta Materials
Coal, Metals and Minerals Mining • 10K+ employees

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 135 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

377th of 544 rated manufacturers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Paid breaks


$16 - $21.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Position Summary:
 
Martin Marietta is seeking a Loader Operator to join our team. The ideal individual will be safety conscious, dependable, and motivated. This individual will be responsible for safely and efficiently operating a variety of off-road vehicles and heavy equipment utilized in Mining. The equipment operator will be responsible for operating various pieces of equipment in the quarry, including the water truck, haul truck, dozers, loaders, and excavators. Hours are 7:00 am - 5:00 pm, including weekends and overtime as necessary.
 
A typical day for a(n) Loader Operator may include:
  • Operating a variety of off-road vehicles and heavy equipment within the company guidelines and safety standards
  • Completing daily pre and post inspection of working areas and ensures they are equipped with adequate berms and roadways
  • Performing pre-shift safety inspection on equipment and reports needed repairs to the supervisor
  • Ensuring safe operations around conveyors, surge piles and crushers
  • Performing daily preventative maintenance - tire pressure, oil, grease, diesel fuel, hoses for leaks and all moving parts for proper function
  • Maintaining safe traffic flow throughout the site
  • Aiding in the training of co-workers as needed
  • Performing other duties as assigned by supervisor
You may be a good fit if you:
  • Possess a High School Diploma, GED or equivalent experience to perform the responsibilities associated with this position
  • Have experience in the maintenance and operation of mobile equipment, construction equipment and/or equipment used processing plants
  • Have experience in operation and maintenance of off-road vehicles and heavy equipment (preferred)
Employment Type: Full-Time

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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


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Pay

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