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Payloader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mueller Pallet

Payloader Operator

Sioux Falls, SD

$17 - $21/hr

Wood Grinder & Payloader Operator - Full-Time We are seeking a reliable and safety-conscious Wood Grinder & Payloader Operator to join our team. This role involves operating and maintaining a wood ...

Mueller Pallet

Payloader Operator

Sioux Falls, SD

$17 - $21/hr

Wood Grinder & Payloader Operator - Full-Time We are seeking a reliable and safety-conscious Wood Grinder & Payloader Operator to join our team. This role involves operating and maintaining a wood ...

Mueller Pallet

Payloader Operator

Sioux Falls, SD · On-site

$17 - $21/hr

Wood Grinder & Payloader Operator - Full-Time We are seeking a reliable and safety-conscious Wood Grinder & Payloader Operator to join our team. This role involves operating and maintaining a wood ...

U.S. Sugar

Payloader Operator 2

Clewiston, FL · On-site

Payloader Operator 2 Posting Start Date: 8/17/26 Job Location: UNITED STATES SUGAR MANUFACTURING SUMMARY Reporting to the Equipment Supervisor, this is a shift-work position with periodic overtime ...

advansix

Material Handler - Hopewell

Hopewell, VA

$20.91/hr

Payloader inspections and general payloader operation * Snow removal (Plant wide) including the use of pay loaders, shovels, and other equipment * Bobcat and forklift operation * Customer truck and ...

advansix

Material Handler - Hopewell

Prince George, VA · On-site

$20.91/hr

Payloader inspections and general payloader operation * Snow removal (Plant wide) including the use of pay loaders, shovels, and other equipment * Bobcat and forklift operation * Customer truck and ...

advansix

Material Handler - Hopewell

Hopewell, VA · On-site

$20.91/hr

Payloader inspections and general payloader operation * Snow removal (Plant wide) including the use of pay loaders, shovels, and other equipment * Bobcat and forklift operation * Customer truck and ...

advansix

Material Handler - Hopewell

Hopewell, VA

$20.91/hr

Payloader inspections and general payloader operation * Snow removal (Plant wide) including the use of pay loaders, shovels, and other equipment * Bobcat and forklift operation * Customer truck and ...

Canpotex

Operating Mechanic C - Warehouse

Riverview, FL · On-site

Safely operate heavy equipment including payloader, skid loader, and forklift. * Assist with routine industrial maintenance and troubleshooting. * Maintain a clean and safe work environment. * Comply ...

Canpotex

Operating Mechanic C - Warehouse

Tampa, FL · On-site

Safely operate heavy equipment including payloader, skid loader, and forklift. * Assist with routine industrial maintenance and troubleshooting. * Maintain a clean and safe work environment. * Comply ...

Kreher Family Farms

Compost Attendant I

Wolcott, NY · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

This individual is expected to have a strong aptitude for operating equipment (Payloader, Skid steer, dump truck) * Excellent organizational skills A high degree of initiative. * Able to work ...

Astec Industries

Equipment Operator I - Day Shift

Yankton, SD · On-site

$17.75 - $24.25/hr

Key Activities & Responsibilities · Serve as operator of yard equipment including forklifts, payloader, and trucks. · Responsible for unloading steel and other materials from incoming trucks, and ...

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All JobsPayloader Jobs

Payloader information

See salary details

$12

$27

$38

How much do payloader jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for payloader in the United States is $27.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.84 and $31.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a payloader?

Payloader operators are skilled workers responsible for operating payloaders, which are heavy machines used to move, load, and transport materials such as soil, gravel, sand, or debris at construction sites, quarries, and other industrial locations. Their main tasks include safely maneuvering the equipment, loading and unloading materials, and performing routine maintenance checks to ensure the machinery functions properly. Payloader operators must follow safety guidelines and work closely with site supervisors and other equipment operators to complete projects efficiently.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a payloader?

To thrive as a Payloader, you need strong mechanical aptitude, experience operating heavy machinery, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hydraulic systems, loader controls, and safety certifications such as OSHA training are typically required. Attention to detail, situational awareness, and effective communication help operators work safely and efficiently on construction or industrial sites. These skills ensure safe equipment operation, minimize workplace accidents, and contribute to timely project completion.

What are common challenges a payloader may encounter on the job, and how can they be addressed?

Payloader operators often face challenges such as working in tight or uneven spaces, handling heavy loads safely, and maintaining equipment efficiency. To address these, operators should consistently follow site safety protocols, communicate clearly with ground staff or supervisors, and perform regular equipment checks to prevent breakdowns. Continuous training on new machinery and staying aware of changing site conditions also help in overcoming these challenges and ensuring smooth workflow.

What is the difference between Payloader vs Forklift Operator?

AspectPayloaderForklift Operator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, equipment operation certificationHigh school diploma, forklift certification
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, mining, heavy-duty material handlingWarehouses, factories, distribution centers
Industry UsageConstruction, mining, heavy industryLogistics, manufacturing, warehousing
Common Search/ComparisonPayloader vs Forklift Operator

While both roles involve operating heavy machinery, a Payloader is primarily used for moving large quantities of materials in construction and mining environments, requiring specialized equipment operation certifications. A Forklift Operator typically works indoors in warehouses or factories, focusing on material handling with forklifts. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right role based on their skills and industry preferences.

What are the duties of a payloader operator?

A payloader operator is responsible for operating a front-end loader to move materials such as soil, gravel, or debris around construction sites or industrial settings. They perform tasks like loading materials into trucks, maintaining equipment, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. Proficiency with controls, safety awareness, and sometimes certification are important for this role.
More about Payloader jobs

What states have the most Payloader jobs?

States with the most job openings for Payloader jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Payloader jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Payloader jobs are:

Payloader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Payloader job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $56,859 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

Payloader Operator

Mueller Pallet

Sioux Falls, SD

$17 - $21/hr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Wood Grinder & Payloader Operator – Full-Time

We are seeking a reliable and safety-conscious Wood Grinder & Payloader Operator to join our team. This role involves operating and maintaining a wood grinder (and like equipment) as well as support machinery. This is a full-time, year-round position with consistent hours, travel within a 100-mile radius, and opportunities for growth and advancement within the company.

Position Details:

  • Occasional overnight stays required

Job Duties:

  • Operate and maintain a wood grinder and like equipment, as well as a payloader (wheel loader)
  • Perform preventative maintenance and basic repairs
  • Communicate effectively with management about equipment and job progress
  • Perform general site support tasks as needed

Requirements:

  • Experience with heavy equipment (wood grinder, payloader, etc.) preferred
  • Mechanical skills and commitment to equipment care
  • Strong work ethic and ability to work independently
  • Positive attitude and willingness to learn

What We Offer:

  • Competitive pay based on experience
  • Health and supplemental benefit options
  • Opportunities to advance within the company
  • Supportive, team-oriented work environment
  • Paid time off and holidays after one year of employment

If you’re looking for a stable career with room to grow, we’d love to hear from you.


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