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Loader Operator Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Distribution Center Loader

Portland, OR · On-site

$17 - $20.75/hr

Prepares palletized loads for shipment by shrink-wrapping product to ensure safe transportation or storage, including safe and proper balancing and placement of products. Additionally, this position ...

Loader Supervisor FT

Portland, OR · On-site

$16.75 - $20.25/hr

Loader Supervisor R+L Carriers has an immediate need for Outbound Operation Supervisors at our Portland, OR Service Center to manage dock and dispatch operations. Loader Supervisor Starting pay - 70k ...

Loader Supervisor FT

Portland, OR

$16.75 - $20.25/hr

Loader Supervisor R+L Carriers has an immediate need for Outbound Operation Supervisors at our Portland, OR Service Center to manage dock and dispatch operations. Loader Supervisor Starting pay - 70k ...

Vehicle Rail Loader

Portland, OR · On-site

$31.27 - $32.92/hr

Auto Warehousing (AWC) has been family-owned and operated for more than 50 years and is North ... Our Vancouver location is looking to hire 1 Full-Time Rail Loader. For this position, you MUST be ...

Vehicle Rail Loader- Portland

Portland, OR · On-site

$19 - $22.25/hr

Auto Warehousing (AWC) has been family-owned and operated for more than 50 years and is North ... Our Vancouver location is looking to hire 1 Full-Time Rail Loader. For this position, you MUST be ...

Loads and unloads materials onto or from pallets, trucks or customer vehicles and installs strapping, bracing or padding to prevent shifting or damage in transit. * Performs load-building ...

Loads and unloads materials onto or from pallets, trucks or customer vehicles and installs strapping, bracing or padding to prevent shifting or damage in transit. * Performs load-building ...

Warehouse Loader (Night Shift)

Clackamas, OR · On-site

$19.75 - $23.50/hr

... load and unload tractor-trailer trucks per P.O requirements Process and re-stock returns if ... operating a forklift in a safe and lawful manner; handling customers' products safely and ...

Warehouse Loader (Night Shift)

Clackamas, OR · On-site

$19.75 - $23.50/hr

... load and unload tractor-trailer trucks per P.O requirements • Process and re-stock returns if ... operating a forklift in a safe and lawful manner; handling customers' products safely and ...

Loads and unloads materials onto or from pallets, trucks or customer vehicles and installs strapping, bracing or padding to prevent shifting or damage in transit. * Performs load-building ...

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Showing results 1-20

Loader Operator information

See Portland, OR salary details

$11

$21

$30

How much do loader operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for loader operator in Portland, 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 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 Portland, OR are hiring for Loader Operator jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Loader Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Loader Operator job openings in Portland, OR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 4% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,680 per year, or $21 per hour.

Distribution Center Loader

Genuine Parts Company

Portland, OR • On-site

$17 - $20.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Genuine Parts Company rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 58 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

236th of 408 rated retail wholesalers


Job description

Position Mission:
This position will be responsible for, among other things, stages, shrink wraps and loads products by trip number and store number as it is received from the packing and pulling areas of the stockroom. Prepares palletized loads for shipment by shrink-wrapping product to ensure safe transportation or storage, including safe and proper balancing and placement of products. Additionally, this position assists with safe and proper pallet building and selects products for specific routes.
Responsibilities:
  • Stages product on pallets, shrink wraps to prevent loss, and loads pallets on trucks
  • Inspects trailers for suitability before loading
  • Ensures correct parts are placed on the correct truck - packs the right parts for delivery to the right customers with accuracy and speed, maps out the organization of loading customer orders from skids to trucks
  • Operates pallet jack or forklift as needed
  • Maintains the integrity of products through proper handling and storage
  • Keeps work area clean to avoid potential accidents and to allow for rapid loading
  • Pulls stock orders until time to load trucks as needed
  • Assists with processing other DC shuttles
  • Works in a safe manner following all safety procedures, rules and regulations
  • Performs all other duties as assigned by management

Experience, Education, and Abilities:
  • High School Diploma or 6 months of equivalent work experience required
  • Forklift certified preferred
  • Regular, reliable, predictable attendance
  • Able to speak clearly and listen attentively
  • Capable of recognizing and distinguishing letters and numbers (both visually and aurally) and remembering their sequence
  • Should have basic computer APGJCe skills
  • Capable of lifting and moving merchandise of up to 60 lbs.
  • Able to push/pull up to 300 lbs. using mechanical aids, such as hand trucks, barrel dollies, hydraulic lifts, etc.
  • Able to bend or stoop to floor-level shelves and be able to reach shelves (eight feet) with use of stool or ladder when necessary
  • Must be able to get in and out of the back of truck with parts while using a ramp when necessary
  • Able to stand and walk for entire work shift

Work Environment:
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, hazardous materials, outside weather conditions of extreme heat and cold. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
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GPC conducts its business without regard to sex, race, creed, color, religion, marital status, national origin, citizenship status, age, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, military status, status as a veteran, or any other protected characteristic. GPC's policy is to recruit, hire, train, promote, assign, transfer and terminate employees based on their own ability, achievement, experience and conduct and other legitimate business reasons.

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