ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Loader Operator Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

Phillips, Inc.

Heavy Equipment Operator

Columbia, SC

This position is responsible for operating several types of construction equipment such as dump trucks, bulldozers, front end loaders, graders, tracked excavators or water trucks to excavate, move ...

Fresh Express

Stand Up Forklift Operator 2nd Shift

Columbia, SC · On-site

$15.75 - $18.50/hr

Loaders will pick their own orders and load the trailers based on customer freshness rules and trailer load configurations.All forklift operators will use the RF scan guns to capture the movement of ...

Fresh Express

Stand Up Forklift Operator 2nd Shift

Columbia, SC · On-site

$15.75 - $18.50/hr

Loaders will pick their own orders and load the trailers based on customer freshness rules and trailer load configurations. * All forklift operators will use the RF scan guns to capture the movement ...

Phillips, Inc.

Heavy Equipment Operator

Columbia, SC · On-site

This position is responsible for operating several types of construction equipment such as dump trucks, bulldozers, front end loaders, graders, tracked excavators or water trucks to excavate, move ...

Edwards, Inc.

Crane Operator

Columbia, SC · On-site

Monitoring crane stability and load weights. * Making minor repairs if necessary to the machinery ... Minimum of one year of verifiable operating experience. * Excellent communication skills and ...

Edwards, Inc.

Crane Operator

Columbia, SC

Monitoring crane stability and load weights. * Making minor repairs if necessary to the machinery ... Minimum of one year of verifiable operating experience. * Excellent communication skills and ...

Edwards, Inc.

Crane Operator

Columbia, SC · On-site

Monitoring crane stability and load weights.Making minor repairs if necessary to the machinery ... verifiable operating experience. Excellent communication skills and commitment to safety.

Edwards

Crane Operator

Columbia, SC · On-site

Monitoring crane stability and load weights. * Making minor repairs if necessary to the machinery ... Minimum of one year of verifiable operating experience. * Excellent communication skills and ...

CRH

Night Shift Forklift Operator

Ridgeway, SC · On-site

$16.25 - $19/hr

Minimum of 2 years' experience in operating a forklift to load and unload materials in a ... manufacturing/retail distribution environment * Excellent customer service skills are required What ...

Husqvarna Group

Blade Utility Operator

Columbia, SC · On-site

Last date to apply: We are continuously accepting applications As a Blade Utility Operator at ... Load and machine segments for radius grinding. * Prep and clean cores via washing, sandblasting ...

Husqvarna Group

Blade Utility Operator

Columbia, SC · On-site

Last date to apply: We are continuously accepting applications As a Blade Utility Operator at ... Load and machine segments for radius grinding. * Prep and clean cores via washing, sandblasting ...

ATP NORTH AMERICA LLC

Slitting Operator

West Columbia, SC · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

Load raw materials and unload finished goods according to bill of materials and product ... Participate in operator-led preventive maintenance to ensure consistent machine performance.

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsLoader Operator JobsLoader Operator Jobs in Columbia, SC

Loader Operator information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$10

$18

$26

How much do loader operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 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 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 certifications or training to operate specific machinery. Their work environment is typically construction sites, warehouses, or mining operations.

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 are popular job titles related to Loader Operator jobs in Columbia, SC? For Loader Operator jobs in Columbia, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Loader Operator jobs in Columbia, SC look for? The top searched job categories for Loader Operator jobs in Columbia, SC are:
What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Loader Operator jobs? Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Loader Operator job openings:
Loader Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Loader Operator job openings in Columbia, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,104 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Mechanical Operator

Westinghouse Electric Company, LLC

Hopkins, SC

$24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Are you interested in being part of an innovative team that supports Westinghouse's mission to provide clean energy solutions? At Westinghouse, we recognize that our employees are our most valuable asset and we seek to identify, attract and recruit the most qualified talent while recognizing and encouraging the value of diversity in the global workplace.

Operate equipment and perform manual tasks according to established procedures. Move between Mechanical Operations as need to meet production needs, to work off backlogs or to cover workforce shortage. Assist other operators as instructed by department Team Manager. Help troubleshoot or problems solving with experienced operators. All tasks performed following operating procedures.

Areas for Mechanical Operator:

ADU RODS

  • Load fuel rods, maintaining item control

IFBA

  • Operate the sand blaster
  • Perform the acid stripping process
  • Remove the screen from IFBA coater fixtures
  • Load/Unload pellets into/from coater fixtures

Tube Prep:

  • Perform fuel rod weigh scale operations
  • Clean fuel rod components (end plugs, springs)
  • Input data into computer system for components and contract cut-offs

Non-Fuel:

  • Perform insert welding operations

Grids:

  • Assemble grids
  • Perform miscellaneous grid cleaning operations

Final Assembly and Packing:

  • Perform fuel rod magazine loading.
  • Operate assembly washing process.
  • Load assemblies for shipment

All Areas:

  • Move and locate material(s) within designated work area (including use of forklift, overhead crane)
  • Perform product material traceability transactions and recordings (electronic and routings)
  • Follow accountability, criticality, safety, security and hygiene procedures
  • Perform housekeeping including mopping, manual wiping, painting, and other routine responsibilities as assigned

Minimum Requirements:

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • 0-6 months of experience is required.
  • We prefer 2 plus years of manufacturing experience.
  • Safety 1st Attitude; Ability to Read, Comprehend and Perform Procedure-Based Work; Mechanical Aptitude;

We are committed to transparency and equity in all of our people practices. The hourly rate for this position, which is dependent upon experience, qualifications and skills, is $24 per hour.

#LI-Onsite

Why Westinghouse?

Our benefits package is tailored to meet the diverse needs of our employees, while also promoting wellness and career growth. The following are representative of what we offer:

  • Comprehensive Medical benefits which could include medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage and Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contributions options

  • Wellness Programs designed to support employees in maintaining their health and well-being including Employee Assistance Program providing support for our employees and their household members

  • 401(k) with Company Match Contributions to support employees' retirement

  • Paid Vacations and Company Holidays

  • Opportunities for Flexible Work Arrangements to promote work-life balance

  • Educational Reimbursement and Comprehensive Career Programs to help employees grow in their careers

  • Global Recognition and Service Programs to celebrate employee accomplishments and service

  • Employee Referral Program

Westinghouse Electric Company is the global nuclear energy industry's first choice for safe, clean, and efficient energy solutions. We enable our delivery of this vision by living our value system:

  • Safety and Quality

  • Integrity and Trust

  • Customer Focus and Innovation

  • Speed and Passion to Win

  • Teamwork and Accountability

While our Global Headquarters are located in Cranberry Township, PA, we have over 11,000 employees working at locations in 19 different countries. You can learn more by visiting http://www.westinghousenuclear.com.

Westinghouse is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities

Get connected with Westinghouse on social media: Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn| YouTube

Apply