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Wheel Loader Operator Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

SeAH Steel USA LLC

Wheel Loader Operator - Level 1

Houston, TX · On-site

$16 - $21.25/hr

Wheel Loader Operator The Wheel Loader Operator shall operate the functions of transferring pipe material throughout the stages of operations in accordance with plant policies and procedures. Duties ...

Pick Your Part

Loader Operator

Houston, TX · On-site

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

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

Pick Your Part

Loader Operator

Houston, TX

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

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

LKQ

Loader Operator

Houston, TX · On-site

$16 - $21.25/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.

New

Smyrna Ready Mix, LLC

Loader Operator

Conroe, TX · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Take the wheel of powerful front-end loaders and other heavy equipment to move sand, gravel, and ... As a Loader Operator, you'll get to run powerful machines and play a vital part in keeping our ...

New

Lkqcorp

Loader Operator

Houston, TX · On-site

$16 - $21.25/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.

New

Arcosa Lightweight

Loader Operator

Houston, TX · On-site

$16 - $21.25/hr

Feed plant, load trucks, stockpile materials, pushup stockpiles and maintain clean yard and roadways * Communicate on regular and continuous basis with field supervisor regarding assigned work to ...

Arcosa Lightweight

Loader Operator

Houston, TX · On-site

$16 - $21.25/hr

Feed plant, load trucks, stockpile materials, pushup stockpiles and maintain clean yard and roadways * Communicate on regular and continuous basis with field supervisor regarding assigned work to ...

Arcosa LWB, LLC

Loader Operator

Houston, TX

$16 - $21.25/hr

Safely operate rubber tire loader with competency and caution, and adhere to safety procedures and requirements * Feed plant, load trucks, stockpile materials, pushup stockpiles and maintain clean ...

Heidelberg Materials

Day Shift Loader Operator

Hockley, TX · On-site

$19 - $21.50/hr

Operate loader to transport materials safely and efficiently. * Perform routine maintenance and inspections on equipment. * Load and unload materials as required. * Adhere to all safety protocols and ...

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All JobsWheel Loader Operator JobsWheel Loader Operator Jobs in Houston, TX

Wheel Loader Operator information

See Houston, TX salary details

$10

$18

$24

How much do wheel loader operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for wheel loader operator in Houston, TX is $18.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $20.43 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 Houston, TX? The most popular types of Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Houston, TX are:
What are popular job titles related to Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Houston, TX? For Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Houston, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Houston, TX are:
What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Wheel Loader Operator jobs? Cities near Houston, TX with the most Wheel Loader Operator job openings:
Wheel Loader Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wheel Loader Operator job openings in Houston, TX as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,679 per year, or $18.1 per hour.

Wheel Loader Operator - Level 1

SeAH Steel USA LLC

Houston, TX • On-site

$16 - $21.25/hr

Other

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Wheel Loader Operator

The Wheel Loader Operator shall operate the functions of transferring pipe material throughout the stages of operations in accordance with plant policies and procedures.

Duties & Responsibilities
  • Maintain transfer and production operations in accordance with plant policies and procedures.
  • Instruct Yard Attendant regarding transfers and housekeeping operations.
  • Verify all loading and unloading of material.
  • Assist Inventory department for verification of counts and material.
  • Route trucks to loading and unloading destinations within the yard.
  • Complete loading and unloading documentation when required.
  • Racking of material in accordance with plant policies and procedures.
  • Communicating to Supervisor or Yard Lead any problems with material, racks, or trucks.
  • Assist at processing inbound and outbound racks when needed.
  • Employee must follow all PPE policies and safety rules.
  • Employee must report to the Yard Lead for briefing on daily tasks.
  • Employee must maintain good housekeeping in the yard and their equipment.
  • Lift and transfer material in a safe manner as per safety regulations and instruction.
  • Document, verify and record transfers via ERP Software System and/or hard copies.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications / Competencies
  • Education:
  1. A High School diploma or equivalent preferred but not required.
  • Years of Experience:
  1. Preferred 1-year minimum Forklift / Wheel Loader operation handling pipe.
  • Job Knowledge:
  1. Basic reading, writing, and arithmetic skills required.
  2. Manual dexterity required for operating machinery and hand held technical devices.
  • Personal Competencies:
  1. Employee must be able to work with a flexible or rotating schedule which may require over-time when needed.
  2. Employee must be able to respond to call outs when required.
  • Safety:
  1. Understands all applicable location safety rules and regulations and makes sure that all are being followed.
Physical Requirements & Working Conditions
  • Working conditions are normal for a manufacturing environment.
  • Loose fitting clothes and jewelry are not permitted on site.
  • The ability to lift 25/50 pounds regularly
  • The ability to respond quickly to sounds
  • The ability to move safely over uneven terrain or in confined spaces
  • The ability to see and respond to dangerous situations
  • The ability to safely climb ladders while carrying 40 pounds
  • The ability to work in loud, hot environments/extreme weather while wearing required PPE.
  • Ability to see 20-20 when corrected.
  • Ability to identify and distinguish colors.

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