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Loader Operator Jobs in Lexington, SC (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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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 ...

Forklift Operator

Columbia, SC

$15.75 - $18.50/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 ...

Production Operator

Lexington, SC

$14.25 - $17.25/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 ...

Production Operator

Lexington, SC

$14.25 - $17.25/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 ...

MOR PPM, Inc.

Columbia, SC

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

The Operator is responsible for proper care and operation of equipment such as Bull Dozer, Front End Loader, and Backhoes and for maintaining a safe working environment. * Operates heavy equipment ...

Forklift Operator

Columbia, SC · On-site

$15.75 - $18.50/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 ...

Forklift Operator

Columbia, SC · On-site

$14 - $16.25/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 ...

Forklift Operator

Columbia, SC · On-site

$17.25 - $18.25/hr

Load and unload truck shipments by operating a Sit-Down Forklift. * Shipping and Receiving duties. Qualifications: * Minimum 2-years Sit-Down Forklift experience. * Shipping and Receiving experience ...

Showing results 41-60

Loader Operator information

See Lexington, SC salary details

$9

$16

$24

How much do loader operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for loader operator in Lexington, SC is $16.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.62 and $19.13 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 Lexington, SC are hiring for Loader Operator jobs? Cities near Lexington, SC with the most Loader Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Loader Operator job openings in Lexington, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 52% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,255 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Equipment Operator

Palmetto Corp

Columbia, SC • On-site

$17.50 - $24/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Palmetto Corp rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Application Instructions
Thank you for your interest in our company. Please review the Position Description and Requirements below to ensure that you possess the necessary qualifications. Then select Apply Now. You will be redirected to another screen with some additional tasks. Be sure to complete all necessary tasks prior to submitting your application. We look forward to evaluating your application.
Position Description
Job Summary: An equipment operator performs the hands-on aspect of using equipment and applying mechanical skill sets to operate a variety of machinery. These machines may include: scrapers, bulldozers, motor graders, front-end loaders, backhoes, paving machines, rollers, broom tractors, transfer vehicles, trackhoes, and off-road dump trucks.
Assignment to this position presumes the operation of such equipment as a regular assignment. Operators may assist in loading and unloading of trucks and using hand tools as related to the project.
May function as a lead worker, on a limited basis.
Essential Functions, skills and abilities:
  • Operate heavy, motorized equipment.
  • Perform a variety of skilled construction and maintenance tasks.
  • Perform a variety of manual tasks for extended periods in unfavorable weather conditions.
  • Work independently in the absence of supervision.
  • Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Ensure adherence to safe work practices.
  • Follow safety regulations and remove and minimize potential hazards.
  • Perform routine maintenance and ensure any needed repairs are made.
  • Report complex mechanical problems for shop repairs.

Position Requirements
Working Conditions:
  • Must travel from site to site.
  • Exposure to Dust
  • Loud Noises
  • Work in inclement weather conditions.

Physical Condition:
  • Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities such as: heavy lifting and climbing, operating motorized equipment and vehicles, work in confined spaces, work at heights, work around heavy construction equipment.

Equal Opportunity Employer
PALMETTO CORP IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. It is PALMETTO CORP's policy to assure that applicants are employed, and that employees are treated during employment, without regard to their race, religion, sex, color, national origin, age or disability. Such action shall include: employment, upgrading, demotion, or transfer; recruitment or recruitment advertising; layoff or termination; rates of pay or other forms of compensation; and selection for training, including apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, and/or on-the-job training. All such decisions are based on (1) individual merit, qualifications, and competence as they relate to the particular position, and (2) promotion of the principle of equal employment opportunity. All current employees are encouraged to refer minority and women recruits for employment whenever hiring opportunities are available.

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