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Wheel Loader Operator Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

R+L Carriers

Casual Loader

Wheeling, IL

$25.94/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

R+L Carriers has an immediate need for Part-time Forklift Operators at our Wheeling, IL service center. As a Forklift Operator, you will be tasked with moving all different types of freight safely in ...

R+L Carriers

Casual Loader

Wheeling, IL · On-site

$25.94/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

R+L Carriers has an immediate need for Part-time Forklift Operators at our Wheeling, IL service center. As a Forklift Operator, you will be tasked with moving all different types of freight safely in ...

R+L Carriers

Casual Loader

Wheeling, IL · On-site

$25.94/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

R+L Carriers has an immediate need for Part-time Forklift Operators at our Wheeling, IL service center. As a Forklift Operator, you will be tasked with moving all different types of freight safely in ...

Combined Metals

Grind Shop Operator - 2nd 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 ...

Komatsu

Senior Manager, Technical and Operator Training- EDT

Peoria, IL · On-site

$111K - $153K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Apply now Senior Manager, Technical and Operator Training- EDT Posting Start Date: 8/7/26 Job ... Experience with shovels, drills, or electric wheel loaders will also be considered * Strong working ...

NTN Bearing Corp.

2nd Turn Operator

Carol Stream, 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 ... May load and unload parts on machine Starting Wage: $19.00 We offer a 2nd shift differential of $2 ...

City of Carbondale, IL

Plant Operator (S/L/V)

IL · On-site

$21.59/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Manually drive vehicles, pickup trucks, dump trucks, end loaders, backhoes, skid loaders, tractors ... Manually operate gate, plug, butterfly, sluice gates, and other standard valves using hand wheels ...

CJ Logistics

3rd shift Stand-up Forklift Operator

Champaign, IL

$19.36/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Are you ready to take the wheel of your future and join a team that values safety, precision, and ... Safely maneuver forklifts to make sure products are perfectly loaded, unloaded, picked, and stored.

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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.

Casual Loader

R+L Carriers

Wheeling, IL

$25.94/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

R+L Carriers has an immediate need for Part-time Forklift Operators at our Wheeling, IL service center. As a Forklift Operator, you will be tasked with moving all different types of freight safely in and out of enclosed trailers up to 53' long. You will be operating a forklift on a roofed but non-climate-controlled dock.

Forklift Operator, Starting at $25.94 hr.

Part-Time, Fri/Mon- preferred days, Various Shifts

PTO available after the first 90 calendar days of employment and enjoy an excellent benefits package that includes our very own employee resorts

 Click here to learn more about our employee resorts

Click here to learn more about being a Forklift Driver 

R+L Carriers - Women in Trucking

Company Culture 

Requirements:

  • Must be able to bend, lift and stoop without difficulty
  • Ability to read manifests 
  • Ability to read/interact with a computer display
  • Forklift experience
  • Must be dependable and able to work in a fast pace environment
  • Previous forklift exp in a fast-paced environment
  • Some LTL experiences

Benefits:R+L Carriers offers an excellent compensation and comprehensive benefits package that includes Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance, 401(k) Retirement Plan with company matching contributions, Paid Vacation & Holidays, and vacation lodging at our exclusive employee resorts in Daytona Beach, FL, Big Bear Lake, CA, Pigeon Forge, TN, and Ocean Isle Beach, NC.

LPOTHER

About Us: R+L Carriers is a family owned, privately held transportation company founded in 1965. Our business caters to the transportation and distribution industry and is designed to provide customers with superior service through efficient administration and innovative thinking. The Company prides itself in treating our employees and customers with respect and honesty. We believe each employee contributes directly to the Company's growth and success. There are many other transportation companies capable of picking up and delivering freight. However, we believed our customers select us because of the efforts of our employees.

R+L Carriers Shared Services, LLC ("R+L Carriers") and its subsidiary companies will provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other status protected by federal or state law.  R+L Carriers will provide reasonable accommodations to allow an applicant to participate in the hiring process (e.g., accommodations for a test or job interview) if so requested.  When completing this application, you may exclude information that would disclose or otherwise reference your race, religion, age, sex, genetic, veteran status, disability or any other status protected by federal or state law.  This application is considered current for ninety (90) days only.  At the end of this period, if you are still interested in employment, it will be necessary for you to reapply by completing a new application.  

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