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Payloader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Operate equipment such as Heila arm manipulator 926 M payloader/bobcats, forklifts, and Trackmobile. * Diagnose cause of equipment or plant malfunction to determine root cause of problem. * Repair ...

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 ...

Operating company equipment as needed (payloader, bobcat, tractor, forklift). * Help with loading & unloading of grain & agronomy products. * Assists in delivery of agronomy products such as ...

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 ...

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 ...

Operating company equipment as needed (payloader, bobcat, tractor, forklift). * Help with loading & unloading of grain & agronomy products. * Assists in delivery of agronomy products such as ...

Safely load (with a payloader) and unload manure trucks * Transport manure from Kreider Farms to designated farms or field locations. * Deliver materials to farmers and maintain good working ...

Foundry

Warren, MI

$16.25 - $21/hr

Condition and RAM sand with Payloader (BobCat). * Ensure sand is maintained at the proper balance of clay and water. * Load pots with Kirksite inkets using crane. * Proper handling of foundry boxes.

Operating company equipment as needed (payloader, bobcat, tractor, forklift). * Help with loading & unloading of grain & agronomy products. * Assists in delivery of agronomy products such as ...

Yard Driver

Kimball, NE · On-site

$26.50/hr

Must have Yellow-Iron HEO: payloader, backhoe, front/back-end loader, excavator etc.) 4- 12-hour rotating (6a-6p days/6p-6a nights) shifts per week . *Updated resume including most recent employer ...

Operate equipment such as Heila arm manipulator 926 M payloader/bobcats, forklifts, and Trackmobile. * Diagnose cause of equipment or plant malfunction to determine root cause of problem. * Repair ...

Foundry

Warren, MI

$16.25 - $21/hr

Condition and RAM sand with Payloader (BobCat). * Ensure sand is maintained at the proper balance of clay and water. * Load pots with Kirksite inkets using crane. * Proper handling of foundry boxes.

Operate equipment such as Heila arm manipulator 926 M payloader/bobcats, forklifts, and Trackmobile. * Diagnose cause of equipment or plant malfunction to determine root cause of problem. * Repair ...

Operate equipment such as Heila arm manipulator 926 M payloader/bobcats, forklifts, and Trackmobile. * Diagnose cause of equipment or plant malfunction to determine root cause of problem. * Repair ...

Showing results 21-40

Payloader information

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$12

$27

$38

How much do payloader jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 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 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 warehouses. They inspect and maintain the equipment, follow safety protocols, and ensure efficient loading and unloading of materials. Proficiency with controls and adherence to safety standards are essential for this role.

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 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 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 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.
More about Payloader jobs
What states have the most Payloader jobs? States with the most job openings for Payloader jobs include:
Infographic showing various Payloader job openings in the United States as of July 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.

Equipment Operator I - Day Shift

Astec Industries

Yankton, SD • On-site

$17.75 - $24.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Astec rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

229th of 487 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Description
BUILT TO CONNECT
Astec is a global, environmentally focused infrastructure and manufacturing company of asphalt road building and aggregate processing. Our mission is to design and build the most innovative products for the industries we serve. Leveraging innovative solutions and technologies, we serve customers all over the world.
ABOUT THE POSITION
Work is performed under the supervision of the Department Supervisor and in cooperation with the Department Leader.
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 distribution of materials to designated storage areas.
• Distribute materials to manufacturing work centers.
• Transport parts and partially completed units to and from departments.
• Transfer completed units or parts to and from the blast and paint areas.
• Maintain and arrange for maintenance of all equipment assigned.
• Load finished equipment onto trucks.
• Perform daily equipment inspections.
• Proficient in all aspects of crane operation.
• Observer and trainer for payloader operation and crane operation.
• Operate Mach yard truck with proper airbrake use and wheel chock placement where required.
• Move other materials and parts as directed by the Department Supervisor as required.
To be successful in this role, your experience and competencies are:
• High school education or equivalent certification is required.
• Minimum of 1 years experience in operating heavy equipment required.
• Minimum of 1 years experience in the loading and set up of asphalt equipment.
• Must have the physical ability to safely enter and exit the machine as required to perform essential job duties
• Ability to safely operate multiple pieces of heavy equipment is required.
• Knowledge of transportation requirements and freight compliance is required.
• Equipment to be operated in all types of weather conditions.
• Must be able to work satisfactorily as a team member.
Supervisor and Leadership Expectations
None
Our Culture and Values
Employees that become part of Astec embody the values below throughout their work.
• Continuous devotion to meeting the needs of our customers
• Honesty and integrity in all aspects of business
• Respect for all individuals
• Preserving entrepreneurial spirit and innovation
• Safety, quality and productivity as means to ensure success
Travel Requirements: 0% of travel, regional, international
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Manufacturing Environment
Shop manufacturing environment exposures include exposure to moving mechanical parts, machinery, tools and equipment, vibration, fumes or airborne particles, motorized vehicles, welding and machining operations, outside weather conditions and exposure to the risk of electric shock. The employee may occasionally be exposed to varying levels of dirt, dust, toxic or caustic chemicals, very warm and/or very chilly temperatures. The noise level in the shop can be very loud at times consistent with an industrial assembly facility and may require hearing protection. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Astec does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, gender (sex), sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, citizenship status, a person's veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law or executive order

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