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Side Loader Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

US Department of the Army

$32.84/hr

He/she frequently uses their entire body weight to push or pull suspended loads, chain-falls or ... Operator is exposed to hazards when operating on side slopes and steep banks. Incumbent is subject ...

CR&R Incorporated

Driver Class B - CR&R

Colton, CA · On-site

$25.54 - $31.92/hr

... operating front-load, side-load, and/or roll-off equipment • Strong safety mindset and dependable work ethic • Willingness to work early mornings and Saturdays Pay & Schedule • Hourly pay PAID ...

CR&R INCORPORATED

Driver Class B - CR&R

Colton, CA · On-site

$25.54 - $31.92/hr

... operating front-load, side-load, and/or roll-off equipment • Strong safety mindset and dependable work ethic • Willingness to work early mornings and Saturdays Pay & Schedule • Hourly pay PAID ...

Arconic

Material Handler

Visalia, CA · On-site

$21.83/hr

Ability to read, analyzes, and interprets documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance ... Ability to obtain a mobile equipment license, forklift certification, side-loader certification ...

Kawneer Company, Inc.

Material Handler

Visalia, CA

$21.83/hr

Ability to obtain a mobile equipment license, forklift certification, side-loader certification ... operators to move load to destination. * Counts, weighs, and records number of units of materials ...

Arconic

Material Handler

Visalia, CA · On-site

$21.83/hr

Ability to read, analyzes, and interprets documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance ... Ability to obtain a mobile equipment license, forklift certification, side-loader certification ...

Arconic

Material Handler

Visalia, CA · On-site

$21.83/hr

Ability to obtain a mobile equipment license, forklift certification, side-loader certification ... operators to move load to destination. * Counts, weighs, and records number of units of materials ...

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All JobsSide Loader Operator JobsSide Loader Operator Jobs in California

Side Loader Operator information

See California salary details

$10

$19

$27

How much do side loader operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for side loader operator in California is $19.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $22.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

Side loader operators typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are usually associated with executive roles, specialized medical professionals, or successful entrepreneurs. Some highly experienced or business-owning professionals in certain industries can reach this level, but it is uncommon for standard operational roles. Advanced skills, certifications, and extensive experience are often required for top-tier compensation.

What is a Side Loader Operator?

A Side Loader Operator is a skilled professional responsible for operating a side loader vehicle, which is a type of forklift designed to lift and transport long or bulky loads such as timber, steel, or pipes from the side. These operators are commonly employed in warehouses, construction sites, and industrial settings. Their main duties include safely maneuvering the side loader, loading and unloading materials, and ensuring that goods are transported efficiently and securely. Side Loader Operators must be familiar with safety regulations and equipment maintenance to prevent accidents and ensure smooth operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Side Loader Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Side Loader Operator, you need strong spatial awareness, forklift operation skills, and typically a valid forklift or heavy machinery license. Familiarity with side loader equipment, warehouse management systems, and adherence to safety protocols are essential. Attention to detail, reliability, and effective communication help operators stand out in this role. These skills ensure efficient, safe handling of materials and contribute to smooth warehouse or logistics operations.

Is a loader operator a good job?

A loader operator is a skilled trade involving operating heavy machinery such as loaders and forklifts, often in construction, warehousing, or logistics environments. The job can offer steady employment, competitive wages, and opportunities for advancement, especially with proper certification and safety training. However, it may involve physical labor, shift work, and adherence to safety protocols.

What are the most common challenges faced by Side Loader Operators and how can they overcome them?

Side Loader Operators often face challenges such as maneuvering large vehicles in tight or congested spaces, handling heavy or awkward loads, and maintaining safety standards. To overcome these challenges, operators must remain vigilant, undergo regular safety training, and stay updated on equipment maintenance. Effective communication with ground staff and other team members is also crucial to ensure smooth operations and prevent accidents. Additionally, operators should be proactive in reporting equipment issues and seeking guidance when handling unusual loads.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Side loader operator jobs typically do not pay $2000 a day; such high daily earnings are usually associated with specialized roles like executive consultants, high-level contractors, or certain medical and legal professionals. Most jobs in this category require extensive experience, certifications, or working in high-demand industries with premium pay structures.

What is the highest paid forklift job?

The highest paid forklift jobs typically involve roles such as forklift supervisors, specialized operators (e.g., rough terrain or narrow aisle forklifts), or those working in high-demand industries like construction or manufacturing. These positions often require additional certifications, experience, and sometimes overtime or shift work, which can increase earnings significantly.
What are popular job titles related to Side Loader Operator jobs in California? For Side Loader Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Side Loader Operator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Side Loader Operator jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Side Loader Operator jobs? Cities in California with the most Side Loader Operator job openings:
Side Loader Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Side Loader Operator job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,648 per year, or $19.5 per hour.
Crane Operator

Crane Operator

US Department of the Army

On-site

$32.84/hr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

United States Army rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 468 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 46 rated military and defense

Job description

About the Position:
Sierra Army Depot is located in Herlong CA, a rural town in Northern California. Herlong is approximately 60 miles north of Reno, NV, and 35 miles south of Susanville, CA. The depot serves as an Army Expeditionary Logistical Support Center. Employees work Mon-Thurs, 0630-1700 hrs. Youth Facilities and childcare available. Mass transportation is available at minimal cost. Surrounding area boasts a full range of outdoor sports and recreation activities.Qualifications:Who May Apply: US Citizens
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
There is no specific length of training or experience required. However, you must be able to demonstrate, through experience shown in your written application materials that you possess the sufficient knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the work of this position without more than normal supervision.
Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a Crane Operator ~ without more than normal supervision. The ability to perform common Crane Operator duties such as: operating a variety of cranes with different lifting capacities to move large items in congested areas and confined spaces and operating a variety of heavy mobile equipment, such as backhoes and dozers in confined areas. and planning, selecting, and installing rigging gear for crane operations. I work under normal supervision of a work leader or journey-level employee who observes tasks in progress and upon completion to make sure they are properly performed. - Failure to meet this Screen out Element will result in an ineligible rating.
  • Physical Efforts: Work involves heavy physical effort in pushing, pulling and depressing various levers, clutches, brakes, and adjustment under rapidly changing conditions of surfaces. Such work involves continuous control changes to maneuver engineer equipment, attachments, and loads around obstructions, and to stay within boom angles or lifting capacity of a crane. Subject to strain caused by vibration of equipment being operated; and from jerking and jolting motions while accomplishing work requirements. Incumbent is required to lift objects weighing up to 45 pounds; and occasionally, with assistance, move objects weighing up to 100 pounds. The operator frequently lifts and carries moderately heavy objects Such as slings, cables, chains and jacks. He/she continually reaches, bends, stoops, pushes and pulls while attaching rigging to the object to be moved. He/she frequently uses their entire body weight to push or pull suspended loads, chain-falls or load tag lines while moving objects into desired positions. He/she stands and walks for prolonged periods of time and frequently climbs on equipment or other structures to signal the crane operator.
  • Working Conditions: Work is performed in all types of weather and terrain including side hills slopes and rolling surfaces. Operator is exposed to hazards when operating on side slopes and steep banks. Incumbent is subject to injury from traffic hazards and overturning equipment. Operator is exposed to extremes of weather, to vibration, dust, dirt, oil, water, and engine exhaust fumes and to danger from swinging loads, moving machinery overturning and breakage of cables. Subject to possible serious injury while operating equipment, actual/ simulated emergency situations and while working at or in close proximity to ammunition or explosives. Exposure to unusually severe working conditions, hazards or physical hardships will be compensated.
Education:Some Federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted.Employment Type: OTHER

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About US Army

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Industry

National security, health care and social assistance, national security and international affairs and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US

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