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Wheel Loader Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Graniterock

Loader Operator

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

Load customer finished aggregate into customer trucks when required. Inspect and manage inbound rubble stream as well as stockpiles. Assist the crushing plant operator perform routine maintenance ...

Graniterock

Loader Operator

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

Load customer finished aggregate into customer trucks when required. Inspect and manage inbound rubble stream as well as stockpiles. Assist the crushing plant operator perform routine maintenance ...

Turner Mining Group

Loader Operator

Hinkley, CA

$30 - $40/hr

Overview Turner Staffing Group is hiring a Production Loader Operator to support a mining operation in Hinkley, California. This is a key production role responsible for efficiently loading haul ...

Turner Mining Group

Loader Operator

Hinkley, CA · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Overview Turner Staffing Group is hiring a Production Loader Operator to support a mining operation in Hinkley, California. This is a key production role responsible for efficiently loading haul ...

Turner Mining Group

Loader Operator

Hinkley, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $23/hr

Overview Turner Staffing Group is hiring a Production Loader Operator to support a mining operation in Hinkley, California. This is a key production role responsible for efficiently loading haul ...

Waste Connections

Loader Operator

Clearlake, CA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

... Operator to work out of our site in Clearlake, CA ! Schedule is Monday through Saturday, 7AM-4PM ... Ability to efficiently operate screeners, loaders, excavator and other equipment as needed. Assists ...

RB Global Inc.

Loader Operator I

Dixon, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $23.25/hr

The Loader Operator I is responsible for operating heavy equipment and trucks, setting up equipment for auction in yards and helping customers during and after auctions. Responsibilities

City of St. Peters

$17.50 - $23/hr

Peters is looking for a motivated and safety-conscious Transfer Station Loader Operator to join our Solid Waste Division. This position supports the daily operations of our new, state-of-the-art ...

Athens Services

Heavy Equipment Operator

Whittier, CA

$26.09 - $28.84/hr

Operate wheel loaders in a manner that does not endanger personnel or equipment, and that complies with the company's operating and safety policies. * Keep tipping floor material safely arranged to ...

Athens Services

Heavy Equipment Operator

La Puente, CA · On-site

$26.09 - $28.84/hr

Operate wheel loaders in a manner that does not endanger personnel or equipment, and that complies with the company's operating and safety policies. * Keep tipping floor material safely arranged to ...

ERRG

Equipment Operator

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$22.50 - $30.75/hr

... wheel loaders, and backhoes. * Locate underground services, such as pipes and wires, prior to ... Demonstrated experience operating excavators, bulldozers, backhoes, compactors, articulated dump ...

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All JobsWheel Loader Operator JobsWheel Loader Operator Jobs in California

Wheel Loader Operator information

See California salary details

$10

$18

$25

How much do wheel loader operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for wheel loader operator in California is $18.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.91 and $21.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a wheel loader operator?

As a wheel loader operator, you use front-end loaders to transport and haul materials or debris around a construction site. The bucket on the wheel loader is used to load and unload materials like ground fill or debris from demolished structures. Wheel loader operators are skilled at driving and controlling these large machines, coordinating with site management and other drivers to ensure safe operation at all times.

What are the most common challenges faced by a wheel loader operator on a construction site?

Wheel Loader Operators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, navigating around tight spaces or other heavy machinery, and maintaining clear communication with ground crews. Staying alert and adhering to strict safety protocols is crucial to prevent accidents. Additionally, operators are expected to perform routine equipment checks and minor maintenance, ensuring the loader is always in optimal working condition. Adapting to rapidly changing job site priorities and collaborating with other operators and site supervisors are also key aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Wheel Loader Operator vs Excavator Operator?

AspectWheel Loader OperatorExcavator Operator
CredentialsCommercial driver's license (CDL) often preferred, OSHA safety trainingOSHA safety training, sometimes specific excavator certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, mining, material handlingConstruction sites, demolition, trenching
Common UsageLoading/unloading materials, moving bulk materialsDigging, trenching, lifting heavy objects

While both Wheel Loader Operators and Excavator Operators work in construction and mining environments, their roles differ in equipment and tasks. Wheel Loader Operators primarily handle loading and moving bulk materials, whereas Excavator Operators focus on digging and trenching. Certifications and safety training overlap, but their specific equipment skills vary. Understanding these differences helps employers and job seekers find the right fit for their skills and project needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a wheel loader operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Wheel Loader Operator, you need practical experience with heavy machinery, a high school diploma or equivalent, and often a relevant equipment operator certification or license. Familiarity with hydraulic systems, onboard computers, safety procedures, and routine maintenance tools is crucial. Attention to detail, strong communication, and problem-solving skills help operators work safely and efficiently within team environments. These competencies ensure safe operation, prevent equipment damage, and contribute to productivity on construction or industrial sites.
More about Wheel Loader Operator jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Wheel Loader Operator jobs in California? The most popular types of Wheel Loader Operator jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Wheel Loader Operator jobs in California? For Wheel Loader Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Wheel Loader Operator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Wheel Loader Operator jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Wheel Loader Operator jobs? Cities in California with the most Wheel Loader Operator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Wheel Loader Operator jobs in CA? For Wheel Loader Operator jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Wheel Loader Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wheel Loader Operator job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,957 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator (Wheel Loader)

Dynamic Office & Accounting Solutions

Oakland, CA

$25 - $28/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Heavy Equipment Operator (Wheel Loader)
Location: Oakland, CA
Pay Range: $25–$28/hr (DOE)
Work Schedule: Monday–Friday, Day Shift
Full-Time, Onsite
Temp-to-Hire

We are actively seeking a Loader Operator to join a high-volume materials recycling and processing operation. In this equipment-focused role, you will operate a variety of loaders to support the movement, staging, and processing of recycled materials used in major construction and infrastructure projects. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled operator who enjoys working outdoors, takes pride in safe equipment operation, and thrives in a fast-paced production environment.Reasons to Join This Team
  • Play a key role in transforming reclaimed materials into valuable products that support essential construction projects
  • Join an operation that values safety, accountability, and strong teamwork
  • Work a consistent weekday schedule with potential for additional hours based on production demands
  • Build your equipment expertise in a dynamic industrial setting
  • Make a direct impact on daily productivity and operational success
What You’ll Be Responsible For
  • Operate a variety of loader equipment, including wheel loaders, front-end loaders, bucket loaders, payloaders, and material handlers, to move, stockpile, sort, and transport materials throughout the yard
  • Load hoppers, crushers, screening equipment, trucks, and processing areas efficiently to maintain production flow
  • Transport materials between work zones while maintaining awareness of surrounding personnel, vehicles, and equipment
  • Perform daily pre-shift and post-shift equipment inspections and promptly report mechanical concerns
  • Monitor material inventory levels and assist with stockpile management activities
  • Support production goals by maintaining efficient and organized material movement throughout the facility
  • Communicate effectively with supervisors and team members regarding operational priorities and equipment status
  • Maintain clean and safe work areas while adhering to all company safety procedures and environmental requirements
To Be Successful in This Role, You'll Bring
  • 2+ years of experience operating loaders in a recycling, aggregate, construction, demolition, asphalt, concrete, landscaping, or industrial environment
  • Experience operating one or more of the following: wheel loaders, front-end loaders, payloaders, bucket loaders, material handlers, or similar heavy equipment
  • Strong safety awareness and the ability to work confidently in an active production yard
  • Proven reliability, strong attendance, and a positive work ethic
  • Basic mechanical aptitude and the ability to perform routine equipment inspections
  • Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with operations personnel
  • Flexibility to adapt to changing production needs and site conditions
Keep Production Moving with Your Equipment ExpertiseStart by applying, then call Sophia at 888-303-5627 or email sophia@go2dynamic.com with any questions to learn more!


Dynamic’s benefits and leave programs for Temporary and Temp-to-Hire Associates are provided in our employee handbook and are reviewed during onboarding and follow state, local, and federal laws. Eligibility and accrual rates may vary based on work location and employment status.

Dynamic provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.