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Wheel Loader Operator Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

GardenCore

Loader Operator

Paola, KS · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

The GardenCore Loader Operator will operate heavy equipment as directed and specified while ... Ability to move levers, shift gears, depress pedals and maneuver steering wheel to operator ...

Miami, County of (KS)

Equipment Operator

Paola, KS

$18.69 - $20.37/hr

Operate a wheel loader to load materials into assigned vehicle. Assist in the servicing and ... Operating procedures for all equipment assigned. Light automotive/construction equipment operation.

City of Salina, KS

Landfill Operator I

Salina, KS · On-site

$43K - $46K/yr

... wheel loader, etc. Hours: • 4 (10 hour days) & quarterly shift change (3-10.5 hours, & 1-8.5 hour days) Starting Pay DOQ EOE: • $21.14-22.20/hr. • $43,971-46,176/yr. • Additional $1.50/hour ...

Miami, County of (KS)

Equipment Operator II

Paola, KS

$20 - $21.80/hr

Operation of a wheel loader to load materials into assigned vehicle. Assist in the servicing and ... Operating procedures for all equipment assigned. Abilities: Ability to operate heavy equipment ...

Aerotek

Heavy Equipment Operator

Saint Marys, KS

$25 - $26.50/hr

Lead the operation of equipment such as dump or water trucks, wheeled loaders, and skid steers ... Proficiency in operating heavy equipment, including skid steers, dump trucks, and wheeled loaders.

New

City of Overland Park

Equipment Operator

Overland Park, KS · On-site

$23.40 - $26.04/hr

Operates tracked or wheeled bucket loaders in the stockpiling and/or transport of various materials ... Reads and interprets equipment operating/ maintenance manuals, construction blue prints, work ...

City of Overland Park

Equipment Operator

Overland Park, KS · On-site

$23.40 - $26.04/hr

Operates tracked or wheeled bucket loaders in the stockpiling and/or transport of various materials ... Reads and interprets equipment operating/ maintenance manuals, construction blue prints, work ...

Milacron

Threadmill Operator

Mcpherson, KS · On-site

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

Move controls to set specified speeds, feed rates, and spacing between wheel faces. * Lifts and ... Equipment knowledge - load, unload, move, stack and stage product and materials using forklift; use ...

CRH

Heavy Equipment Operator

Bonner Springs, KS · On-site

$22/hr

... hand operators' controls and steering wheel simultaneously. Also, requires simultaneous ... Experience Six months minimum on smaller loader, dozer or off-road type machinery preferred.

CRH

Heavy Equipment Operator

Bonner Springs, KS

$22/hr

... hand operators' controls and steering wheel simultaneously. Also, requires simultaneous ... Experience Six months minimum on smaller loader, dozer or off-road type machinery preferred.

State Tractor

Heavy Diesel Technician

Kansas City, KS · On-site

$22.50 - $31/hr

Heavy Equipment Field Technician / Mechanic We are a family owned and operated full- service sales and service center for SANY, LIUGONG AND GEHL excavators, skid steers and wheel loaders. We are ...

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All JobsWheel Loader Operator JobsWheel Loader Operator Jobs in Kansas

Wheel Loader Operator information

See Kansas salary details

$9

$16

$23

How much do wheel loader operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for wheel loader operator in Kansas is $16.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.38 and $19.09 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.

Do you need a license to drive a wheel loader?

Yes, a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) or specific equipment operation certification is typically required to operate a wheel loader, depending on state or local regulations. Employers often require operators to complete safety training and demonstrate proficiency before use.

What are wheel loader operators?

Wheel loader operators are skilled professionals who operate heavy machinery known as wheel loaders, which are used to move materials such as soil, gravel, sand, and debris on construction sites, quarries, and other industrial locations. Their responsibilities include loading and unloading materials, transporting them to designated areas, and maintaining the equipment to ensure safe operation. Operators must be attentive to safety protocols and often require specialized training or certification. They play a vital role in keeping construction and material-handling operations efficient and safe.

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.

Is a loader operator a good job?

A loader operator is a skilled trade involving operating heavy machinery like wheel loaders to move materials in construction, mining, or industrial settings. The job typically requires physical stamina, attention to safety protocols, and may involve certifications such as OSHA training. It can offer steady employment and competitive wages depending on experience and location.

How to make money with a wheel loader?

A wheel loader operator can make money by working for construction, mining, or agricultural companies, performing tasks such as loading materials, moving earth, or clearing sites. Gaining experience, obtaining relevant certifications, and working in high-demand environments can increase earning potential. Some operators also rent out equipment or start their own contracting business to generate additional income.

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 jobs pay $700 a day?

Wheel loader operators in construction and mining can sometimes earn $700 or more per day, especially with overtime, experience, and specialized skills. High-paying roles often require certifications, operating heavy machinery, and working in demanding environments or during long shifts.
More about Wheel Loader Operator jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Kansas? The most popular types of Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Kansas are:
What are popular job titles related to Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Kansas? For Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Kansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Kansas look for? The top searched job categories for Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Kansas are:
What are popular job titles related to Wheel Loader Operator jobs in KS? For Wheel Loader Operator jobs in KS, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Wheel Loader Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wheel Loader Operator job openings in Kansas as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,205 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Loader Operator

GardenCore

Paola, KS • On-site

$19 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Description:

The GardenCore Loader Operator will operate heavy equipment as directed and specified while adhering to all rules and regulations mandated by safety policies and procedures to produce a superior product.


Job Responsibilities

  • Read job specifications to determine operator adjustments and material requirements
  • Sets stops or guides to specific lengths as indicated by scale, rule or templates
  • Observes equipment operation to detect machine malfunction
  • Performs routine maintenance to include lubricating, fueling and cleaning
  • Inspect and complete equipment report daily
  • Make sure all housekeeping is maintained in a clear and orderly fashion in assigned area
  • Ability to move levers, shift gears, depress pedals and maneuver steering wheel to operator equipment
  • Other duties and responsibilities related to the nature of the job may be assigned on a temporary or permanent basis as needed
Requirements:
  • To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties of the job.
  • High school diploma or GED equivalent; a minimum of two years of related experience in trades specific to job requirements; or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Must be able to pass an internal certification program
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instruction, and procedure manuals
  • Ability to write routine reports and correspondence
  • Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization
  • Ability to be a self-starter and work independently
  • Ability to add, subtract multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals
  • Have the ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form
  • Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations
  • Maintain a high level of accuracy in all aspects of work assignments
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to speak or hear
  • The employee will be required to sit for extended periods of time
  • The employee may frequently stand on their feet
  • The employee is regularly required to lift and move up to 50lbs. Occasionally the employee may need to lift up to 65lbs, – should this be the case, employees should engage in team lifting and/or use the provided equipment to safely lift
  • The employee must have the capability to perform physical activities that require considerable use of arms, legs, and your whole body – bending, crouching, climbing - using steps and ladders, pushing pulling, stooping and reaching


Compensation

  • Hourly Rate of $19 - $20 per hour
  • 401(k) plan / group retirement savings program
  • Short-term and long-term disability benefits
  • Life insurance
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Paid holidays


What GardenCore Offers You

  • Highly competitive base pay
  • Comprehensive medical, dental and disability benefits programs
  • Group retirement savings program
  • An inclusive culture that values opportunity for growth, development, and internal promotion



About GardenCore

GardenCore is a leading U.S. manufacturer of lawn and garden consumables, offering a broad portfolio of mulch, soil, stone, and lime products. The Company has deep, long-standing partnerships with major home improvement retailers and garden centers, and delivers consistent, high-quality execution across large-scale private label and branded programs. The Company has over 1,400 employees and operates 58 manufacturing facilities across the United States.



GardenCore is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer.

EOE/Vet/Disability

GardenCore is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.



AI tools may be used in certain stages of the employment lifecycle, such as candidate review; however, all final employment decisions will be made by a person.