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Loader Operator Jobs in Medford, OR (NOW HIRING)

... Heavy Equipment Operator (Track Excavator) to support a critical wastewater treatment plant ... Knowledge of the excavator/backhoe loading requirements; load charts; critical picks. * Perform ...

... Heavy Equipment Operator (Track Excavator) to support a critical wastewater treatment plant ... Knowledge of the excavator/backhoe loading requirements; load charts; critical picks. * Perform ...

... Heavy Equipment Operator (Track Excavator) to support a critical wastewater treatment plant ... Knowledge of the excavator/backhoe loading requirements; load charts; critical picks. * Perform ...

... Heavy Equipment Operator (Track Excavator) to support a critical wastewater treatment plant ... Knowledge of the excavator/backhoe loading requirements; load charts; critical picks. * Perform ...

... Heavy Equipment Operator (Track Excavator) to support a critical wastewater treatment plant ... Knowledge of the excavator/backhoe loading requirements; load charts; critical picks. * Perform ...

SMT Operator I

White City, OR · On-site

$17.50 - $23.25/hr

An SMT Operator Level 1 primarily sets up and operates Surface Mount Technology (SMT) equipment ... Load machine programs, feeders, and components onto SMT machines for specific jobs * Run the SMT ...

... load frozen product into cartons while maintaining established line speeds. Current minimum ... Operator and Case Packer for smooth product flow and efficient line operations Case Packer : • ...

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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

Loader Operator information

See Medford, OR salary details

$11

$20

$30

How much do loader operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for loader operator in Medford, OR is $21.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.08 and $23.70 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 is typically performed in construction, mining, or industrial settings.

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 a Loader Operator?

A Loader Operator is a skilled equipment operator who uses heavy machinery, such as front-end loaders or wheel loaders, to move materials like soil, gravel, sand, or debris on construction sites, mines, or other work environments. Their responsibilities include loading and unloading materials, maintaining the equipment, and following safety protocols to ensure efficient and safe operations. Loader Operators often work closely with other construction or site workers to keep projects running smoothly.

How much does a load operator make?

A loader operator's average salary varies by experience and location but typically ranges from $15 to $25 per hour, with annual earnings between $30,000 and $50,000. Skilled operators with certifications and experience in operating heavy machinery can earn higher wages and may receive additional benefits based on the employer and industry sector.

Is a loader operator a good job?

A loader operator is a skilled trade involving operating heavy machinery such as loaders and excavators, often requiring certification and safety training. The job typically offers steady employment, physical activity, and the potential for overtime, making it a viable career option in construction, mining, and logistics industries.

What jobs pay 700 a day?

Loader operators in construction, mining, or heavy equipment industries can sometimes earn around $700 per day, especially with overtime, specialized skills, or in high-demand projects. High-paying roles often require certifications, experience, and operating heavy machinery in demanding environments.
What cities near Medford, OR are hiring for Loader Operator jobs? Cities near Medford, OR with the most Loader Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Loader Operator job openings in Medford, OR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,679 per year, or $21 per hour.

CRUSHER FOREMAN

Knife River Corporation

Central Point, OR • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Knife River rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

226th of 536 rated manufacturers


Job description

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
  • Provide the necessary leadership and direction for daily activities of the crusher crew.
  • Operate and maintain the crusher in safe, efficient manner.
  • Keep inventory, prepare production schedules/reports and maintain operators log as necessary and comply with MSHA regulations.
  • Participate in quality control program to meet specifications.
  • Ensure all safety policies and procedures are followed to prevent any and all unsafe actions, processes and behaviors observed.
  • Other duties assigned as needed.

Minimum Requirements:
  • Must have detailed knowledge of crusher operation with screen and conveyor systems.
  • Requires high degree of skills in planning, organization, supervising, communication and observation.
  • Ability to read and comprehend specifications, operator's manuals and instructions.
  • Strong welding, fabrication and mechanical skills.
  • A valid Oregon driver's license with a clean driving record. This position will require some travel.
  • Ability to work flexible shifts which include days, nights, weekends and overtime.
  • Display a professional and courteous attitude towards all team members and customers.

Benefits:
Full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits:
  • Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Health Savings & Flexible Spending Accounts
  • 401K with Company Match
  • Profit Sharing
  • 8 Paid Holidays
  • Paid Time Off
  • Life Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Safety Incentives
  • Years of Service Recognition

How to Apply:
To be considered for this position, candidates must complete and submit an employment application at jobs.kniferiver.com by the posting deadline noted above. If unable to complete an application online you may print and send completed application to any Knife River NW address or stop in one of our locations to complete an application. Knife River is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status or any other protected category under applicable state/federal law.
If you are an individual with a qualified disability as defined by federal, state, or local law and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application for any reason, please contact your state employment agency or you may call 541-693-5900 to speak with a human resources representative.
Subject to pre-employment drug testing and background check.
Veterans: Put Your Skills to Work With Us!
At Knife River, we are committed to helping our military transition to civilian life. We are constantly looking to add veterans to our workforce and want to make the transition as smooth as possible. There are many jobs within the military that are transferable to our Crusher Foreman position.
Air Force:
Pavement and Construction Equipment Journeyman
Pavement and Construction Equipment Apprentice
Pavement and Construction Equipment Helper
Army:
Construction Equipment Supervisor
Motor Transport Operator
General Construction Equipment Operator
Rough Terrain Forklift & Loader Operator
Heavy Construction Equipment Operator
Horizontal Construction Engineer
Navy:
Equipment Operator
Equipment Operator Basic
Advanced Equipment Operator
Construction laborer
Marines:
Basic Engineer, Construction and Equipment Marine
Motor Vehicle Operator
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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