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Wheel Loader Operator Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Ulliman Schutte

Equipment Operators

Louisville, KY · On-site

Heavy Equipment Operator Daily Life * Safely and efficiently operate heavy equipment such as, excavators, bulldozers, backhoes, or wheel loaders. * Maintain proper care in the use and maintenance of ...

Roy Jorgensen Associates, Inc

$55 - $70/hr

Wheel Loader, Skid steer, Forklift, Mini excavator, etc. operator Preferred Experience * 5+ years of roadway maintenance experience * MOT Certifications (Traffic control) * CDL License a plus ...

Roy Jorgensen Associates, Inc

$55 - $85/hr

Wheel Loader, Skid steer, Forklift, Mini excavator, etc. operator Preferred Experience: * 5+ years of roadway maintenance experience * MOT Certifications (Traffic control) * CDL License a plus Clean ...

SST Direct

Heat Treat Operator

Paris, KY · On-site

$19/hr

Operate heat-treating furnaces and related production equipment to process automotive wheels and ... Load and unload parts, racks, baskets, and fixtures while maintaining proper material flow and ...

Signal Energy

Equipment Trainer

Lebanon, KY · On-site

Train and evaluate operators on equipment including, but not limited to: * Pile Drivers * Skid steers * Forklifts * Dozers * Wheel loaders * Scrapers * UTVs * Excavators * Backhoes * Compactors

Applied High Voltage

Equipment Trainer

Lebanon, KY

Train and evaluate operators on equipment including, but not limited to: * Pile Drivers * Skid steers * Forklifts * Dozers * Wheel loaders * Scrapers * UTVs * Excavators * Backhoes * Compactors

Pratt Industries

Fiber Yard Operator

Henderson, KY · On-site

They will be operating intermittently Fork-Lifts, Front End Loaders, and/or Bobcat mobile equipment ... Fiber Yard Operators must be able to operate a steering wheel, hydraulic levers, foot pedals, and a ...

Pratt Industries

Fiber Yard Operator

Henderson, KY · On-site

They will be operating intermittently Fork-Lifts, Front End Loaders, and/or Bobcat mobile equipment ... Fiber Yard Operators must be able to operate a steering wheel, hydraulic levers, foot pedals, and a ...

Pratt Industries

Fiber Yard Operator

Henderson, KY · On-site

They will be operating intermittently Fork-Lifts, Front End Loaders, and/or Bobcat mobile equipment ... Fiber Yard Operators must be able to operate a steering wheel, hydraulic levers, foot pedals, and a ...

Signal Energy

Equipment Trainer

Lebanon, KY · On-site

Train and evaluate operators on equipment including, but not limited to: * Pile Drivers * Skid steers * Forklifts * Dozers * Wheel loaders * Scrapers * UTVs * Excavators * Backhoes * Compactors

Applied High Voltage

Equipment Trainer

Lebanon, KY · On-site

Train and evaluate operators on equipment including, but not limited to: * Pile Drivers * Skid steers * Forklifts * Dozers * Wheel loaders * Scrapers * UTVs * Excavators * Backhoes * Compactors

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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 Sep 7, 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 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

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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 48% Full Time, 50% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,284 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Equipment Operators

Ulliman Schutte

Louisville, KY • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Why Ulliman Schutte       


Ulliman Schutte is a national leader in the construction and renovation of water and wastewater treatment plants, pump stations, and associated utility work. We are seeking experienced Heavy Equipment Operators in Lorton, VA.  We offer a competitive wage based on experience and as well as other great benefits like health insurance, and 401k.


Heavy Equipment Operator Daily Life


  • Safely and efficiently operate heavy equipment such as, excavators, bulldozers, backhoes, or wheel loaders.
  • Maintain proper care in the use and maintenance of equipment.
  • Assist Superintendent with regards to daily production schedule, activities, and additional duties as assigned.
  • Standard 40-hour work week with opportunities for overtime.


Heavy Equipment Operator Must Haves


  • Previous experience using 35,000lb excavators or larger.
  • Ability to grade slopes, bench cut, shoot grade, etc.
  • Authorized to work in the US.


Heavy Equipment Operator Nice to Haves


  • High School diploma or equivalent.
  • Experience laying buried pipe and other underground utility work is strongly preferred.


**All candidates must pass a post-offer drug screening and physical.**


Construction Site Location

607 W. Main St

Louisville, Kentucky

40202



LIFE WITH US

Ulliman Schutte is a construction industry leader because of its people. We cultivate a business environment that prioritizes building lasting relationships, providing a work atmosphere that challenges and rewards employees, providing quality work and services, acting with a sense of urgency, managing risks and keeping everyone safe, and adding value.

Ulliman Schutte is committed to providing a safe and comfortable environment for our employees, subcontractors, clients, and others.  Rather than simply instructing our leaders and employees to "work safe", we proactively foster a safety culture which focuses on eliminating risk in every aspect of our operations.  The success of our safety culture is evident in our outstanding safety record. Ulliman Schutte enjoys incident frequency rates which are substantially lower than the national averages.


Ulliman Schutte Construction, LLC is focused on building teams of honest, dedicated professionals who have a passion to Build a Better Environment for our employees, customers, business partners, and the communities we serve.  We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer who does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, Veteran or disability status.


Ulliman Schutte is a drug-free working environment.  All offers are contingent upon a successful drug screening and E-Verify.