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Wheel Loader Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Turner Mining Group

Loader Operator

Sterling, VA · On-site

CAT 930 Rubber-Tire Loaders & CAT 963 Track Loaders Keep the Jobsite Moving - Master Wheels & Tracks! Are you a skilled heavy equipment operator who knows how to keep production rolling? We are ...

New

Turner Mining Group

Loader Operator

Dulles, VA · On-site

CAT 930 Rubber-Tire Loaders & CAT 963 Track Loaders Keep the Jobsite Moving Master Wheels & Tracks! Are you a skilled heavy equipment operator who knows how to keep production rolling? We are hiring ...

New

Turner Mining Group

Loader Operator

Front Royal, VA · On-site

CAT 930 Rubber-Tire Loaders & CAT 963 Track Loaders Keep the Jobsite Moving - Master Wheels & Tracks! Are you a skilled heavy equipment operator who knows how to keep production rolling? We are ...

Turner Mining Group

Loader Operator

Front Royal, VA · On-site

CAT 930 Rubber-Tire Loaders & CAT 963 Track Loaders Keep the Jobsite Moving Master Wheels & Tracks! Are you a skilled heavy equipment operator who knows how to keep production rolling? We are hiring ...

Turner Mining Group

Loader Operator

Front Royal, VA · On-site

CAT 930 Rubber-Tire Loaders & CAT 963 Track Loaders Keep the Jobsite Moving - Master Wheels & Tracks! Are you a skilled heavy equipment operator who knows how to keep production rolling? We are ...

Turner Mining Group

Loader Operator

Front Royal, VA

CAT 930 Rubber-Tire Loaders & CAT 963 Track Loaders Keep the Jobsite Moving - Master Wheels & Tracks! Are you a skilled heavy equipment operator who knows how to keep production rolling? We are ...

Turner Mining Group

Loader Operator

Front Royal, VA · On-site

CAT 930 Rubber-Tire Loaders & CAT 963 Track Loaders Keep the Jobsite Moving Master Wheels & Tracks! Are you a skilled heavy equipment operator who knows how to keep production rolling? We are hiring ...

Turner Mining Group

Loader Operator

Front Royal, VA

CAT 930 Rubber-Tire Loaders & CAT 963 Track Loaders Keep the Jobsite Moving - Master Wheels & Tracks! Are you a skilled heavy equipment operator who knows how to keep production rolling? We are ...

CRH

Loader Operator

Abingdon, VA · On-site

$20/hr

Loader Operator AMAT Abingdon, Virginia, United States Job ID: 495400 W-L Construction and Paving ... Safely operate a wheel loader to move, stockpile, and load materials in support of asphalt plant ...

LKQ Corporation

Loader Operator

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$16.25 - $21.50/hr

Equipment operated may include a wheel loader, car crusher, skid loader, backhoe, forklift, etc... * Check fluids each day equipment is used and lubricate equipment at recommended intervals.

Lkqcorp

Loader Operator

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$16.25 - $21.50/hr

Equipment operated may include awheel loader, car crusher, skid loader, backhoe, forklift, etc... * Check fluids each day equipment is used and lubricate equipment at recommended intervals.

CRH

Loader Operator

Abingdon, VA · On-site

$20/hr

Loader OperatorJob Summary The Loader Operator is responsible for safely operating a loader to ... Safely operate a wheel loader to move, stockpile, and load materials in support of asphalt plant ...

VPGC, LLC.

Loader Operator for Live Turkeys

Hinton, VA · On-site

$22.76/hr

Loader Operator for Live Turkeys Location: Hinton, VA, 22831 Job Summary We are seeking a reliable and experienced Loader Operator to join our team in Hinton, VA. The ideal candidate will be ...

CRH

Loader Operator (Night Shift)

Richmond, VA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

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 ...

Adams Construction Company

Loader Operator

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $20/hr

A Loader Operator operates straight or articulated rubber-tired tractor-type vehicle equipped with ... Starts engine, shifts gears, presses pedals, and turns steering wheel to operate loader. Moves ...

CRH

Loader Operator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Loader Operator Architectural Products Group Richmond, Virginia, United States Job ID: 528320 ... Ability to move levers, shift gears, depress pedals and maneuver steering wheel to operator ...

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All JobsWheel Loader Operator JobsWheel Loader Operator Jobs in Virginia

Wheel Loader Operator information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$18

$25

How much do wheel loader operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for wheel loader operator in Virginia is $18.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.96 and $21.20 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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For Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Wheel Loader Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wheel Loader Operator job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,135 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Loader Operator

Turner Mining Group

Sterling, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Heavy Equipment Operator - Loader Operator (CAT 930 & CAT 963)
Location: Front Royal, VA
Position Type: Direct Placement (Full-Time, Permanent)
Primary Fleet: CAT 930 Rubber-Tire Loaders & CAT 963 Track Loaders
Keep the Jobsite Moving - Master Wheels & Tracks!
Are you a skilled heavy equipment operator who knows how to keep production rolling? We are hiring a Loader Operator for direct placement on high-activity civil construction and earthwork sites in Front Royal, VA.
In this role, you'll be at the center of site activity-operating both agile rubber-tired loaders (CAT 930) and heavy-duty track loaders (CAT 963) to handle material transport, loading trucks, feeding utility crews, and rough grading.
Key Responsibilities
  • Dual-Machine Operation: Efficiently operate CAT 930 wheel loaders for fast material transport and CAT 963 track loaders for tough terrain, heavy digging, and rough grade work.
  • Material & Stockpile Management: Load haul trucks, build and manage stockpiles, move pipe/aggregates, and supply active utility and earthwork crews.
  • Site Preparation: Assist with backfilling, clearing site debris, smoothing haul roads, and setting up work zones.
  • Daily Inspections: Perform pre-trip and post-trip fluid checks, grease daily wear points, and report maintenance needs to keep iron running smoothly.
  • Crew Safety & Communication: Work closely with site leads, truck drivers, and ground crews to maintain seamless, zero-incident site operations.

Candidate Requirements
  • Experience: 2+ years of experience operating heavy wheel loaders, track loaders, or heavy earthmoving equipment.
  • Driver's License: Valid Driver's License required.
  • Equipment Knowledge: Hands-on experience with CAT equipment (specifically CAT 930 wheel loaders and/or CAT 963 track loaders preferred).
  • Work Ethic & Safety: Strong jobsite hazard awareness, excellent communication, punctuality, and a strong work ethic.

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