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Wheel Loader Operator Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Army

CDL Driver

Ogden, UT

Motor transport operators are primarily responsible for supervising or operating wheel vehicles to ... JOB DUTIES Operate all wheel vehicles and equipment over varied terrain and roadways Manage load ...

CRH

Fuel Lube Technician / CDL Class A Driver

Redmond, UT

$12 - $16.75/hr

... wheel loaders, dozers, excavators, skid steers, on-road trucks, and support vehicles. Duties also ... Experience operating commercial vehicles and heavy equipment in construction, aggregates, mining ...

CRH

Fuel Lube Technician / CDL Class A Driver

Redmond, UT · On-site

$12 - $16.75/hr

... wheel loaders, dozers, excavators, skid steers, on-road trucks, and support vehicles. Duties also ... Experience operating commercial vehicles and heavy equipment in construction, aggregates, mining ...

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All JobsWheel Loader Operator JobsWheel Loader Operator Jobs in Utah

Wheel Loader Operator information

See Utah salary details

$9

$17

$23

How much do wheel loader operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for wheel loader operator in Utah is $17.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $19.47 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 popular job titles related to Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Utah? For Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Utah, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Utah look for? The top searched job categories for Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Utah are:
What are popular job titles related to Wheel Loader Operator jobs in UT? For Wheel Loader Operator jobs in UT, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Wheel Loader Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wheel Loader Operator job openings in Utah as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,936 per year, or $17.3 per hour.
Class A CDL Owner Operator - 1yr EXP Required - OTR - Dry Van - $160k - $200k per year

Class A CDL Owner Operator - 1yr EXP Required - OTR - Dry Van - $160k - $200k per year

Forward Air

Salt Lake City, UT

$160K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Keep Your Truck Moving. Keep More of What You Earn.

You're not just looking for another load, you're looking for consistency, strong earnings and a carrier that respects your business!

We work with professional Owner Operators who want reliable freight, industry leading miles and the freedom to run their business their way at Forward. Spend less time waiting and more time earning with a premium customer base, 99% no-touch drop-and-hook freight, and an extensive terminal network.

Whether you are a Solo Owner Operator or a Team Owner Operator, Forward has the freight and the support to keep your wheels turning.


Why Owner Operators Choose Forward:

Earn More: Competitive Pay on All Miles + Weekly Settlements

  • Solo Owner Operators
  • $1.31 per loaded mile + Fuel Surcharge
  • Projected annual earnings: $160,000–$200,000+

Fuel Surcharge

  • Average $0.40–$0.60 per mile
  • Weekly update to help offset the cost of fuel

Drive More. Wait Less.

  • We’ve built our network to keep you moving.

Industry-Leading Weekly Miles

  • Teams: 5,000+ miles per week
  • Solo: 2,000+ miles per week

Freight You'll Appreciate

  • 99% no-touch freight
  • Drop & hook operations from terminal-to-terminal
  • Average load weight of only 26,000 lbs.
  • Year-round consistent freight
  • Flexible home time

We've Got Your Back

Forward invests in Owner Operators so you can focus on running your business.

Additional Benefits

  • Weekly settlements
  • Tolls, bridges, and scales paid or reimbursed
  • Safety-first culture
  • Quarterly safety bonus opportunities
  • Annual safety giveaways—including the chance to win a car!
  • A genuine partnership with a culture of support when you need it

What You'll Need

  • Valid Class A CDL
  • Minimum 12 months of verifiable Class A CDL tractor-trailer experience
  • Minimum age of 23 years
  • Meet all DOT qualification requirements

Why Forward?

Forward is built on a foundation of Independent Contractors. Your truck is your business, we know that. That's why we've built an operating model focused on helping Owner Operators increase their revenue through consistent freight, efficient operations and one of the strongest terminal networks in the industry.


If you want to work with a carrier that respects your time, your equipment and your success, we want to talk.