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Loader Operator Jobs in Wheat Ridge, CO (NOW HIRING)

A Loader/Unloader has a widely varying role, from checking in containers, double checking paperwork, moving/unloading specific waste containers, and operating a forklift. The ideal Loader/Unloader is ...

Work with Loader Operator to stage vehicles or pull vehicles in yard properly * Walk the yard and place debris in the cars being removed from the yard * Dismantle tires * Maintain a safe and clean ...

Crane Operator

Boulder, CO · On-site

$44.78 - $58.35/hr

Ensures safety first, along with safe lifting of the load, proper set-up of crane, while maintaining Customer focus. Follows all State and Federal laws while operating motor vehicles. Follows all ...

Crane Operator

Denver, CO

$44.78 - $58.35/hr

Ensures safety first, along with safe lifting of the load, proper set-up of crane, while maintaining Customer focus. Follows all State and Federal laws while operating motor vehicles. Follows all ...

Crane Operator

Boulder, CO

$44.78 - $58.35/hr

Ensures safety first, along with safe lifting of the load, proper set-up of crane, while maintaining Customer focus. Follows all State and Federal laws while operating motor vehicles. Follows all ...

Crane Operator

Boulder, CO

$44.78 - $58.35/hr

Ensures safety first, along with safe lifting of the load, proper set-up of crane, while maintaining Customer focus. Follows all State and Federal laws while operating motor vehicles. Follows all ...

Crane Operator

Denver, CO · On-site

$44.78 - $58.35/hr

Ensures safety first, along with safe lifting of the load, proper set-up of crane, while maintaining Customer focus. Follows all State and Federal laws while operating motor vehicles. Follows all ...

Crane Operator

Boulder, CO · On-site

$41.73 - $54.27/hr

Ensures safety first, along with safe lifting of the load, proper set-up of crane, while maintaining Customer focus. Follows all State and Federal laws while operating motor vehicles. Follows all ...

Crane Operator

Denver, CO

$44.78 - $58.35/hr

Ensures safety first, along with safe lifting of the load, proper set-up of crane, while maintaining Customer focus. Follows all State and Federal laws while operating motor vehicles. Follows all ...

Equipment Operator

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Operate all assigned equipment such as (but not limited to): front-end loaders, skid steers, track ... Experience operating equipment such as front-end loaders, skid steers, track loaders, articulating ...

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Showing results 1-20

Loader Operator information

See Wheat Ridge, CO salary details

$11

$21

$30

How much do loader operator jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for loader operator in Wheat Ridge, CO is $21.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.12 and $23.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 cities near Wheat Ridge, CO are hiring for Loader Operator jobs? Cities near Wheat Ridge, CO with the most Loader Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Loader Operator job openings in Wheat Ridge, CO as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,771 per year, or $21 per hour.
Loader/Unloader (10am-6pm) 6381

Loader/Unloader (10am-6pm) 6381

Daniels Health

Denver, CO • On-site

$22/hr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Daniels Health rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

We are looking to hire a Loader/Unloader for our Daniels' medical waste treatment facility in Denver, CO. A Loader/Unloader has a widely varying role, from checking in containers, double checking paperwork, moving/unloading specific waste containers, and operating a forklift. The ideal Loader/Unloader is an individual who likes variety in their work and can think through practical problems.
5400 Joliet St Denver
What will your job involve?
  • Weigh incoming sharps and regulated medical waste containers (using our Weighbridge)
  • Drive a forklift and operate hand trucks once trained
  • Lifting 55lbs and push a four-wheeled cart that weighs as much as 200lbs
  • Provide attention to detail, especially with the paperwork required to process these items
  • Standing for extended periods of time happily and comfortably
  • Working well with a team because we are all about team work!

What are we looking for?
  • Someone with a can-do attitude who is committed to efficient, timely scheduling that has previous experience in a labor-intensive job (repetitive lifting of 50lbs to 75lb containers!). A person with proven longevity with their employers that we can rely on!

Why work for us?
  • Job stability - as an essential service to healthcare we are non-seasonal and recession proof.
  • Opportunities for overtime - we always need extra hands on deck so overtime opportunities are plentiful
  • Consistent work hours- Full Time - 1st Shift 10AM to 6PM)
  • Benefits: Full time roles are provided benefits, sick leave and vacation leave from day one!
  • Permanent position - This is a Full-time permanent role of 40 hours per week!
  • Competitive salary - This position is offering a SET (non-negotiable) rate of $22.00per hour!

$22 - $22 an hour
Who are we?
We are a healthcare service company providing safety systems and medical waste collection for hospitals, medical centers, surgical centers, nursing homes and an array of customers within the healthcare setting. Our focus is delivering quality and safety-focused medical waste management services that reduce needlestick injuries, positively impact infection control and reduce environmental burden. As a service to our customers we dispose and treat medical waste on site at our treatment facilities across the U.S.
Daniels Health & Sharpsmart is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with anti-discrimination law, it is the purpose of this policy to effectuate these principles and mandates. Daniels Health & Sharpsmart prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Daniels Health & Sharpsmart conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.
Daniels Health conducts background checks and drug testing as part of the post-offer hiring process.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.