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Wheel Loader Operator Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Meuth Concrete

Experienced Wheel Loader Operator

Henderson, KY · On-site

$13.50 - $17.75/hr

Operator is responsible to load out semis to small trailers as needed. Will have to calculate tonnage ad adjust on the fly to insure proper weight of outgoing trucks. Must be flexible with long work ...

Meuth Concrete

Experienced Wheel Loader Operator

Henderson, KY · On-site

$13.50 - $17.75/hr

Operator is responsible to load out semis to small trailers as needed. Will have to calculate tonnage ad adjust on the fly to insure proper weight of outgoing trucks. Must be flexible with long work ...

Meuth Concrete

Experienced Wheel Loader Operator

Henderson, KY · On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

Loader Operator Looking for experienced loader operator. Operator is responsible to load out semis to small trailers as needed. Will have to calculate tonnage and adjust on the fly to insure proper ...

Meuth Concrete

Experienced Wheel Loader Operator

Henderson, KY · On-site

$13.50 - $17.75/hr

Operator is responsible to load out semis to small trailers as needed. Will have to calculate tonnage ad adjust on the fly to insure proper weight of outgoing trucks. Must be flexible with long work ...

Heidelberg Materials

Loader Operator

Grayson, KY · On-site

$19.25 - $20/hr

Operate yard loader safely and efficiently to move materials * Maintain equipment through routine inspections and basic servicing * Load and unload materials to support production and customer needs

Rogers Group

Loader Operator - Rail Cars

Princeton, KY · On-site

$23/hr

Wages : $23/hour Princeton Quarry is an underground limestone mine/quarry seeking a Loader Operator to load out rail cars for our operation located in Princeton, KY. We offer competitive pay starting ...

Rogers Group

Loader Operator - Rail Cars

Princeton, KY · On-site

$23/hr

Wages : $23/hour Princeton Quarry is an underground limestone mine/quarry seeking a Loader Operator to load out rail cars for our operation located in Princeton, KY. We offer competitive pay starting ...

Battletown

Loader

KY · On-site

$16.75 - $22/hr

Operate and maintain a wheel loader to load and transport material * Inspect the machine before and after use to ensure it is in good operating condition. * Clean and maintain, including checking ...

LPX Group

Equipment Operator

Louisville, KY · On-site

$17.50 - $23.75/hr

Purpose The Heavy Equipment Operator position is responsible for safely performing skilled work ... Operate heavy duty construction equipment, which includes wheel loaders, excavators, dozers, and ...

LPX Group

Equipment Operator

Louisville, KY · On-site

$17.50 - $23.75/hr

Purpose The Heavy Equipment Operator position is responsible for safely performing skilled work ... Operate heavy duty construction equipment, which includes wheel loaders, excavators, dozers, and ...

LPX Group

Equipment Operator

Louisville, KY · On-site

$17.50 - $23.75/hr

Purpose The Heavy Equipment Operator position is responsible for safely performing skilled work ... Operate heavy duty construction equipment, which includes wheel loaders, excavators, dozers, and ...

LPX Group

Equipment Operator

Louisville, KY · On-site

$17.50 - $23.75/hr

Purpose The Heavy Equipment Operator position is responsible for safely performing skilled work ... Operate heavy duty construction equipment, which includes wheel loaders, excavators, dozers, and ...

Battletown

Loader

Battletown, KY · On-site

$16.75 - $22/hr

Operate and maintain a wheel loader to load and transport material Inspect the machine before and after use to ensure it is in good operating condition. Clean and maintain, including checking fluids ...

Warren Paving, Inc.

The Quarry Equipment Operator will primarily be operating a large wheel front-end loader and will be responsible for feeding material to the crushing plant, loading material in off road trucks and ...

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All JobsWheel Loader Operator JobsWheel Loader Operator Jobs in Kentucky

Wheel Loader Operator information

See Kentucky salary details

$9

$16

$22

How much do wheel loader operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for wheel loader operator in Kentucky is $16.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.99 and $18.56 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
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What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Wheel Loader Operator jobs? Cities in Kentucky with the most Wheel Loader Operator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Wheel Loader Operator jobs in KY? For Wheel Loader Operator jobs in KY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Wheel Loader Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wheel Loader Operator job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, and 95% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,284 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Experienced Wheel Loader Operator

Meuth Concrete

Henderson, KY • On-site

$13.50 - $17.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 hours ago

Job description

Looking for experienced Loader Operator.  Operator is responsible to load out semis to small trailers as needed.  Will have to calculate tonnage ad adjust on the fly to insure proper weight of outgoing trucks.  Must be flexible with long work hours and fill in where needed.  Monday thru Friday 10 hr. days and 6 hr. days on Saturday.

Candidate Must:

  • be able to Pass a DOT urine and Hair Follicle test (4 months clean)
  • Current Drivers License
  • have a dependable vehicle to and from work
  • be able to climb up and down on equipment safely
  • be able to perform preshift checks on equipment
  • be able to work with computers and scale program 
  • be able to multitask priorities during the day
  • be able to show up at start of shift and stay the duration of shift
  • be willing to take the job serious and not miss scheduled days

Benefits include:

  • Competitive hourly pay with overtime
  • Traditional 401(k) / Roth 401(k) retirement plans with up to 3% matching
  • Health Insurance with low premiums and free urgent care clinic through Deaconess At-Work
  • Voluntary wellness program
  • Paid holidays and vacation days

Apply