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Wheel Loader Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Motor Vehicle Operator

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$28.31/hr

... loads are difficult to handle and maneuver, e.g., upper body strength must be used to turn the ... The employee typically operates a vehicle while sitting behind a steering wheel in an enclosed or ...

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Wheel Loader Operator information

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$10

$18

$25

How much do wheel loader operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 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.

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 the most commonly searched types of Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Virginia are:
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What job categories do people searching Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Wheel Loader Operator jobs in VA? For Wheel Loader Operator jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Wheel Loader Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wheel Loader Operator job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,135 per year, or $18.8 per hour.
Equipment Operator - Bilingual Preferred (English/Spanish)

Equipment Operator - Bilingual Preferred (English/Spanish)

SiteOne Landscape Supply

Manassas, VA • On-site

$23.27 - $30.38/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

SiteOne Landscape Supply rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 78 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 351 rated retail wholesalers

Job description

Company Overview
SiteOne Landscape Supply is the largest national distributor of landscaping products across the United States and Canada. As a leading supplier of wholesale goods for green industry professionals, we have a long history of serving those who design, build, and maintain outdoor spaces - from lawns and gardens to golf courses, sport fields and more. We pride ourselves on knowing our customers and their business better than anyone else and providing them with a one-stop shop of extensive inventory covering irrigation, lighting, turf and landscape maintenance, hardscapes, nursery, and pest control supplies.
At SiteOne, we are passionate about delivering an outstanding customer experience and will stop at nothing to help our customers win. We know that our associates are the key to this success, and our commitment to the SiteOne DNA and support for our associates through development programs, benefits, and perks align with our vision to "Be a Great Place to Work for Our Associates". We foster a culture of safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement. With over 700 locations and exciting expansion ahead, now is the perfect time to join SiteOne and grow Stronger Together™!
Position Overview
As part of our dedicated team, the Bilingual Equipment Operator is responsible for safely and effectively operating heavy equipment to load, offload or transport landscape supplies such as mulch, topsoil, soil amendments, and raw materials. The Equipment Operator performs assigned tasks while maintaining situational awareness and a level of proficiency that minimizes the risk of personal injury or property damage.
What you'll do:
  • Operate all assigned equipment such as (but not limited to): front-end loaders, skid steers, track loaders, articulating loaders, rubber tire wheel loaders, and excavators, in a safe and proficient manner in accordance with company's policies, procedures, and directives.
  • Clean and maintain equipment as scheduled and/or required.
  • Advise branch leadership of any requirements for equipment maintenance and/or repairs.
  • Assist with other duties assigned by management. Such duties may include (but are not limited to): receiving materials, inventory, order processing/fulfillment, and other general labor tasks.

Skills We Are Seeking
  • Experience operating equipment such as front-end loaders, skid steers, track loaders, articulating loaders, rubber tire wheel loaders, and/or excavators, strongly preferred
  • Bilingual Proficiency - candidates who are conversational in English/Spanish are preferred.
  • Knowledge of proper safety and maintenance protocols of the equipment aforementioned
  • Must be able to frequently lift 50 pounds or more
  • Must be capable of working in extreme weather conditions such as heat, cold, snow, rain, etc.
  • Experience in the landscape, hardscape, forestry, nursery, or irrigation industry is a plus
  • Ability to read and write to record daily logs and maintain daily equipment checklists
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Must be 18 years of age or older

Compensation & Benefits
SiteOne offers a competitive compensation and benefits package designed to support the well-being of our associates. Benefits for benefit-eligible associates may include:
  • Hourly Pay Range: $23.27-$30.38 per hour, based on qualifications and experience
  • Medical, Dental and Vision plans
  • Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays
  • DailyPay available!
  • 401k with company match
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Lucrative Associate Referral Program
  • Company Apparel and Work Boot Vouchers
  • Opportunity for Advancement
  • Paid Training and Business Certifications Available
  • Free Counseling Services/Employee Assistance Program
  • Life Insurance and Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Product Discounts
  • Most Branches never work Sundays!

What This Job Description Covers
The information contained here is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and qualifications required of individuals performing the job. The qualifications detailed in this job description are not considered the minimum requirements necessary to perform the job, but rather as guidelines. They may vary from position to position.
Our Commitment to Equal Opportunity
SiteOne Landscape Supply is strongly committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all associates and all applicants for employment.
All employment decisions at SiteOne-including those relating to hiring, promotion, transfers, benefits, compensation, placement, and termination-will be made without regard to race, color, national origin, genetic information, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, veteran status, uniform service, pregnancy, disability, or any other factor protected by applicable law.
Avoiding Recruiting Scams
Your safety matters to us. To make sure you're interacting with a real SiteOne hiring team member, here's how to protect yourself from recruiting scams:
  • We will never ask for payment, sensitive personal information, ID documents over email, messaging apps, or text.
  • All open positions will be posted on our official careers page: careers.siteone.com
  • Any email you receive will be sent from a @siteone.com email address.
  • If you receive outreach that seems unusual, please contact Recruiting@siteone.com to confirm.

Compensation Transparency
Starting pay will depend on factors such as location and experience and will always meet or exceed applicable state and local minimum wage laws.

What SiteOne Landscape Supply employees say

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About SiteOne Landscape Supply

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

SiteOne Landscape Supply is the largest and only national wholesale distributor of landscaping products in the United States and Canada. With over 630 branches across the U.S. and Canada, we offer a comprehensive selection of products including: irrigation supplies, fertilizer and control products, nursery goods, hardscapes, landscape lighting, drainage and erosion control products, tools, and other landscaping accessories and supplies.

Industry

Wholesale

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Roswell, GA, US

Year founded

2001

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