1

Loader Operator Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

Coating Line Operator

West Columbia, SC · On-site

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

Load raw materials and unload finished goods according to the bill of materials. * Maintain ... Participate in operator-led preventive maintenance activities to ensure efficient machine operation.

Loads, unloads, and, with the use of approved tools (including power-operated reel lift), moves reels to appropriate locations in accordance with operations workflows. * Sets up the jacketing process ...

The Asphalt Plant Operator is responsible for the start-up of the plant, operating controls within ... load-out occurs. Duties/Responsibilities: - Properly and safely operate plant - Assist in ...

Loads, unloads, and, with the use of approved tools (including power-operated reel lift), moves reels to appropriate locations in accordance with operations workflows. * Sets up the jacketing process ...

Loads, unloads, and, with the use of approved tools (including power-operated reel lift), moves reels to appropriate locations in accordance with operations workflows. * Sets up the jacketing process ...

Equipment Operator

Columbia, SC · On-site

$17.50 - $24/hr

These machines may include: scrapers, bulldozers, motor graders, front-end loaders, backhoes ... Operators may assist in loading and unloading of trucks and using hand tools as related to the ...

Night Shift Forklift Operator

Ridgeway, SC

$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 ...

What you'll need to succeed as a Forklift Operator at XPO Get a feel for the role. Watch this short ... Efficiently sort, handle, load and unload palletized and non-palletized freight * Use appropriate ...

Washdown Operator

Lexington, SC

$15 - $19.75/hr

Previous experience operating forklift, skid steer, loader or similar equipment * Prior knowledge of metal identification is a plus Your Education * High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent experience ...

Be Seen First

Press Brake Operator

Columbia, SC · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

As a Press Brake Operator you will be responsible for operating and maintaining a press brake ... Loads sheet material onto press machine. * Compares job router to customer supplied print to verify ...

What you'll need to succeed as a Forklift Operator at XPO Get a feel for the role. Watch this short ... Efficiently sort, handle, load and unload palletized and non-palletized freight * Use appropriate ...

What you'll need to succeed as a Forklift Operator at XPO Get a feel for the role. Watch this short ... Efficiently sort, handle, load and unload palletized and non-palletized freight * Use appropriate ...

Washdown Operator

Lexington, SC · On-site

$15 - $19.75/hr

Previous experience operating forklift, skid steer, loader or similar equipment * Prior knowledge of metal identification is a plus Your Education * High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent experience ...

The Crusher Operator works closely with the production team to ensure output meets quality ... Load, unload, and move materials to and from storage and production areas. * Keep work area clean ...

Showing results 41-60

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 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 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.

Heavy Equipment Operator- SC

Strack, Inc.

Blythewood, SC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

We are seeking a skilled and safety-conscious Heavy Equipment Operator to join our team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for operating a variety of heavy machinery used in construction, excavation, and site development projects. This role requires precision, attention to detail, and a strong commitment to safety and efficiency.
Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Operate heavy equipment such as dozers, excavators, loaders, haul trucks, scrapers and rollers.
  • Perform daily inspections and maintenance of equipment to ensure optimal performance.
  • Monitor and report equipment malfunctions or safety hazards.
  • Follow site plans and instructions from site supervisors to complete tasks accurately and on schedule.
  • Ensure compliance with quality and environmental regulations.
  • Safely load and unload materials and equipment.
  • Collaborate with site supervisors and other team members to ensure smooth operations.
  • Ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds.
  • Comply with all company policies and procedures.
Essential Requirements:
  • Must be willing and able to travel out of town, and/or out of state to work on job sites.
  • Must have reliable transportation.
  • Align with our company core values of Better Every Day, Mindful in Everything, Humble Hearts/Open Hands and Everyone Matters.
  • Must have good work ethics: Be on time, work hard and willing to learn.
  • Must be able to pay high degree of attention to safety and promote a safe work environment.
  • Possesses keen observation skills; pays attention to and remembers work related instructions, demonstrations, and procedures.
  • Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions.
  • Ability to prioritize tasks.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with GPS or automated control systems on equipment.
  • Ability to read and interpret blueprints, maps, and site plans.
Benefits
  • Competitive Salary – Paid Weekly
  • Medical Health Insurance Benefits after 30 days
  • Vision & Dental Insurance
  • Life Insurance Programs
  • 401k after 6 months of service plus company match
  • Corporate Giving Match
  • Vacation/Paid Time Off after 120-day probationary period
  • Equal Opportunity Employer

Powered by JazzHR

tix5AXYj4s