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Wheel Loader Operator Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Amentum

Heavy Equipment Operator

East Peoria, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Proficiently and safely operate excavators, motor graders, wheel loaders, and track type tractors ... Three years of experience operating heavy equipment. * Must demonstrate ability to operate site ...

Pae

Heavy Equipment Operator

East Peoria, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Proficiently and safely operate excavators, motor graders, wheel loaders, and track type tractors ... Three years of experience operating heavy equipment. * Must demonstrate ability to operate site ...

Amentum

Heavy Equipment Operator

East Peoria, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Proficiently and safely operate excavators, motor graders, wheel loaders, and track type tractors ... Three years of experience operating heavy equipment. * Must demonstrate ability to operate site ...

LKQ Corporation

Salvage Yard Worker

Watseka, IL · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Put wheel cores in the staging area for return to remanufacturing facilities. * Maintain ... Work with the Loader Operator to properly stage or pull cars in the yard. * Walk the yard and place ...

University of Utah

Vehicle Operators

Campus, IL

$20 - $22/hr

  • Retirement

... Operator, I Operate a shuttle bus and smaller passenger type vehicles. Provide transit service to the campus community along fixed routes as well as scheduled A.D.A. service. Load and secure wheel ...

University of Utah

Vehicle Operators

Campus, IL · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

  • Retirement

... Operator, I Operate a shuttle bus and smaller passenger type vehicles. Provide transit service to the campus community along fixed routes as well as scheduled A.D.A. service. Load and secure wheel ...

University of Utah

Vehicle Operators

Campus, IL · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

  • Retirement

... Operator, I Operate a shuttle bus and smaller passenger type vehicles. Provide transit service to the campus community along fixed routes as well as scheduled A.D.A. service. Load and secure wheel ...

M. A. Mortenson Company

Power Operator

Itasca, IL · On-site

$17 - $22.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Operate equipment such as blade, dozer, loader, scraper, forklift/telehandler, crane, bobcat/skid ... wheels; knowledge of equipment and their uses; basic mathematical skills * Ability to work ...

NTN Bearing Corp.

Machine Operator

Elgin, IL · On-site

$19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Operate CNC Machines used in the production of automotive wheel bearings Start up and shut down ... information May load and unload parts on machine Starting Wage: $19.00 We offer a 2nd shift ...

Mortenson

Power Operator

Itasca, IL

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Operate equipment such as blade, dozer, loader, scraper, forklift/telehandler, crane, bobcat/skid ... wheels; knowledge of equipment and their uses; basic mathematical skills * Ability to work ...

Superior Staffing

Forklift Driver

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Superior Staffing is seeking for a Reach Forklift Operator for a company located at Downers Grove ... Toyota Model # 8BDRU15 Load Capacity 3000lbs Toyota Model # 8FBE18U Sit Down 3 Wheel Electric Fork ...

Combined Metals

Grinding Operator - 1st Shift

Elgin, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $21.50/hr

Responsible for wheel changes, correctly breaking down the machine, and setting up rolls to be ... Load and adjust the programs as needed for the proper finished product. * Consistently grind the OD ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsWheel Loader Operator JobsWheel Loader Operator Jobs in Illinois

Wheel Loader Operator information

See Illinois salary details

$10

$18

$25

How much do wheel loader operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for wheel loader operator in Illinois is $18.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $20.72 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 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.

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.

Do you need a license to operate a wheel loader?

Yes, wheel loader operators typically need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) or a specialized certification, depending on state or industry requirements. Employers often require training and certification in equipment operation and safety procedures before employment.
More about Wheel Loader Operator jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Illinois?

For Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Wheel Loader Operator jobs in IL?

For Wheel Loader Operator jobs in IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Wheel Loader Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wheel Loader Operator job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,251 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator

Amentum

East Peoria, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Amentum is seeking Heavy Equipment Operators to work on an as-needed casual status basis in East Peoria, IL.
Work schedule may include any shift and any day of the week, based on business demand and weather conditions.
Candidates must be flexible. Individuals hired into these positions work on a "casual status" basis, which does not guarantee a minimum number of work hours and provides only limited medical benefits. These positions can lead to full time permanent positions as they become available within the organization.
Qualified applicants must demonstrate ability to operate site-specific equipment during the interview process.
Responsibilities:
  • Proficiently and safely operate excavators, motor graders, wheel loaders, and track type tractors.
  • Perform Endurance Testing and/or earthmoving projects using detailed instructions.
  • Other duties as assigned by Manager or Supervisor.

Minimum Requirements:
  • HS Diploma or equivalent experience.
  • Ability to work in the U.S. without sponsorship/work authorization.
  • Three years of experience operating heavy equipment.
  • Must demonstrate ability to operate site-specific equipment during the interview process.
  • Must have ability to obtain security badge at client facility.

Physical Requirements:
  • Requires the ability to regularly lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Requires the ability to regularly climb extension ladders, roof ladder, stepladders, and stairs at least 10 times during shift.
  • Requires the ability/flexibility to repetitively bend/stoop, squat, kneel, stretch/reach, move in a 90-degree fashion for shift.
  • Some tasks will require repetitive wrist movement.
  • Ability to walk extensively throughout the plant during shift.
  • Requires the use of a Company/Client approved utility knife.
  • Ability to differentiate colors pertaining to wire color-coding.
  • Ability to interact with all clients in a professional and friendly manner despite periods of stress.

Compensation Details:
30.50
The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.
Benefits Overview:
Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)
  • Educational reimbursement
  • Parental leave
  • Employee stock purchase plan
  • Tax-saving options
  • Disability and life insurance
  • Pet insurance

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.
Original Posting:
06/03/2026 - Until Filled
Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.
Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters.

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