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Wheel Loader Operator Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

SA Recycling

Equipment Operator

Chattanooga, TN

$17.25 - $23.75/hr

High School diploma, GED Certification, or equivalent work experience. * 1-year experience operating a hydraulic crane and wheeled bucket loader; operations in the scrap metal or construction ...

Republic Services

Heavy Equipment Mechanic

Church Hill, TN · On-site

$24.25 - $32/hr

... wheel loader, and other vehicles to maximize safe and productive operations. Typical repairs and ... with operators to minimize future repairs. * Completes paperwork associated with repairing ...

Republic Services

Heavy Equipment Mechanic

Church Hill, TN · On-site

$24.25 - $32/hr

... wheel loader, and other vehicles to maximize safe and productive operations. Typical repairs and ... with operators to minimize future repairs. * Completes paperwork associated with repairing ...

Republic Services

Heavy Equipment Mechanic

Church Hill, TN · On-site

$24.25 - $32/hr

... wheel loader, and other vehicles to maximize safe and productive operations. Typical repairs and ... with operators to minimize future repairs. * Completes paperwork associated with repairing ...

Snap-on Inc

Creep Feed Machine Operator

Elizabethton, TN · On-site

$13.75 - $16.25/hr

Grind open end wrench surface, load and unload parts to fixture. Grind open end to print specification. Change and dress grinding wheels and maintain crush rolls. Balance wheels and make set ups and ...

Snap-on Inc

Creep Feed Machine Operator

Elizabethton, TN · On-site

$18 - $21.50/hr

Grind open end wrench surface, load and unload parts to fixture. Grind open end to print specification. Change and dress grinding wheels and maintain crush rolls. Balance wheels and make set ups and ...

SA Recycling

Equipment Operator

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$17.25 - $23.75/hr

High School diploma, GED Certification, or equivalent work experience. * 1-year experience operating a hydraulic crane and wheeled bucket loader; operations in the scrap metal or construction ...

SA Recycling

Equipment Operator

Nashville, TN · On-site

$18 - $24.75/hr

High School diploma, GED Certification, or equivalent work experience. * 1-year experience operating a hydraulic crane and wheeled bucket loader; operations in the scrap metal or construction ...

Republic Services

Landfill Technician

Jackson, TN · On-site

... wheel loader, and other vehicles to maximize safe and productive operations. Typical repairs and ... with operators to minimize future repairs. * Completes paperwork associated with repairing ...

Republic Services

Landfill Technician

Jackson, TN · On-site

... wheel loader, and other vehicles to maximize safe and productive operations. Typical repairs and ... with operators to minimize future repairs. * Completes paperwork associated with repairing ...

Republic Services

Landfill Technician

Jackson, TN · On-site

... wheel loader, and other vehicles to maximize safe and productive operations. Typical repairs and ... with operators to minimize future repairs. * Completes paperwork associated with repairing ...

Phillips, Inc.

Heavy Equipment Operator

Memphis, TN

... load earth into haul trucks. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Learn and follow safety ... are met Adjust hand wheels and depress pedals to control attachments, such as blades, buckets ...

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All JobsWheel Loader Operator JobsWheel Loader Operator Jobs in Tennessee

Wheel Loader Operator information

See Tennessee salary details

$9

$17

$23

How much do wheel loader operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for wheel loader operator in Tennessee is $17.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.62 and $19.42 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wheel Loader Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wheel Loader Operator job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,827 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Equipment Operator

SA Recycling

Chattanooga, TN

$17.25 - $23.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 25 days ago

SA Recycling rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

65th of 90 rated recycling and waste

Job description

We are looking for a hard-working, reliable and safety minded individual to join our team as an Equipment Operator.  As a Equipment Operator, you will be responsible for the safe and efficient operations of a heavy equipment to load and unload containers and trailers, and lift and move scrap metal and other materials around the recycling yard.

This position will work outside in varying weather conditions, and SA Recycling strictly adheres to all Metals Recycling Business Health, Safety, and Environmental standards.

Working hours are from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday, and from 7:30 – 11:30 am on Saturdays.

SA Recycling offers:

  • Competitive Pay
  • Choice of 2 Medical plans, with Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
  • 401k with a Company Match
  • Weekly Pay
  • Referral Incentives
  • Company provided uniforms and PPE
  • Eligible for Safety and Profitability Bonuses
  • Advancement Opportunities

 

Responsibilities of an Equipment Operator         

  • Operate a various heavy equipment to load and unload scrap metal and debris in preparation for processing or shipping.
  • Determine load weights and verify against lifting capacities to prevent overloads and dangerous situations.
  • Identify and grade inbound scrap and reject unacceptable items.
  • Drain and remove fluids and gasses from autos, refrigerators, air conditioners, etc.
  • Direct truck drivers into proper position for loading and unloading of scrap metal or other materials.
  • Perform daily equipment inspections and report any concerns, defects or needed repairs to supervisor.
  • Comply with all applicable federal, state, local, & SA Recycling safety, health, & environmental rules, regulations, policies, & procedures.

Qualifications of Equipment Operator

  • High School diploma, GED Certification, or equivalent work experience.
  • 1-year experience operating a hydraulic crane and wheeled bucket loader; operations in the scrap metal or construction industries preferred.
  • Bi-lingual (English and Spanish) a plus.
  • Ability to carry out instructions provided in written or oral form.
  • Ability to learn new tasks as assigned required.

PLEASE NOTE: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.

An offer of employment by SA Recycling is contingent on the satisfactory completion of a post-offer drug screen, physical exam, and background check with a credit check (if position specified). 

All US applicants must be 18 years of age or older.

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