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Wheel Loader Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kool Feed Bag, Inc.

Be Seen First

Front Wheel Loader Operator

Eddyville, IA · On-site

$52K - $89K/yr

Operate front wheel loaders to mix products and preload railcars for cattle feed to be sent on ... We start everyone as an operator/laborer, so they understand the process from the ground up. We ...

Veteran-friendly

Signing bonus

Urgent

Training provided

MiconeStaffing

CAT 980 Wheel Loader Operator

Reno, NV

$24/hr

CAT 980 Wheel Loader Operator -- Big Iron, Steady Schedule Reno, NV area | Full-Time | $24.00/hour | Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM The Opportunity If you know your way around a 980, you know most ...

Meuth Concrete

Experienced Wheel Loader Operator

Henderson, KY · On-site

$13.50 - $17.75/hr

Operator is responsible to load out semis to small trailers as needed. Will have to calculate tonnage ad adjust on the fly to insure proper weight of outgoing trucks. Must be flexible with long work ...

Meuth Concrete

Experienced Wheel Loader Operator

Henderson, KY · On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

Loader Operator Looking for experienced loader operator. Operator is responsible to load out semis to small trailers as needed. Will have to calculate tonnage and adjust on the fly to insure proper ...

Meuth Concrete

Experienced Wheel Loader Operator

Henderson, KY · On-site

$13.50 - $17.75/hr

Operator is responsible to load out semis to small trailers as needed. Will have to calculate tonnage ad adjust on the fly to insure proper weight of outgoing trucks. Must be flexible with long work ...

Apalachee Pole Company, Inc.

Loader Operator

Bristol, FL · On-site

$10.75 - $14.25/hr

Loader Operator Job Type: Full Time The role of the Loader Operator is to be able to proficiently ... Ability to operate an articulating wheel loader with grapple * Understand and follow oral or ...

Flatiron Construction

Loader Operator

Aberdeen, NC · On-site

$19/hr

What you will be doing The Wheel Loader Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and precise operation of wheel loaders on heavy civil and highway construction projects. This role supports ...

Flatiron Construction Corp

Loader Operator

Aberdeen, NC · On-site

$24/hr

What you will be doing The Wheel Loader Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and precise operation of wheel loaders on heavy civil and highway construction projects. This role supports ...

Flatiron Construction Corp

Loader Operator

Aberdeen, NC · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

What you will be doing The Wheel Loader Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and precise operation of wheel loaders on heavy civil and highway construction projects. This role supports ...

Flatiron Construction Corp

Loader Operator

Aberdeen, NC · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

The Wheel Loader Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and precise operation of wheel loaders on heavy civil and highway construction projects. This role supports earthwork, grading ...

SA Recycling

Front-End Loader Operator

Massillon, OH · On-site

$16.25 - $21.25/hr

Front-End Loader (Wheel Loader) Operator SA Recycling, a world leader in the metals recycling and processing industry, is actively looking for a dependable and experienced individual to join our team ...

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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 Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for wheel loader operator in the United States is $18.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $21.39 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.
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Wheel Loader Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wheel Loader Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 37% Full Time, 61% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,474 per year, or $19 per hour.

Front Wheel Loader Operator

Kool Feed Bag, Inc.

Eddyville, IA • On-site

Veteran-friendly

Signing bonus

Urgent

Training provided

$52K - $89K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 14 days ago

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Job description

Operate front wheel loaders to mix products and preload railcars for cattle feed to be sent on railcar. Must be able to use a manlift and roll railcar tarps. Operate a skidloader and shovel to keep area clean as this is a food grade plant and cleanliness is very important. Team players and motivated indivuals are a MUST. As cattle need to eat year round 24/7/365 days per year, that is how we operate. We also move products around the plant and needed and interact with several other companies. Safety is a major part of our company and the company we work for, therefore an OSHA 10 or more card is great, if you do not have it, we will get you trained so do not let that scare you. We want all of our employees to be happy, succeed and always leave work the same way they arrived.

Company Description

Below Is our schedule and the minimum hours every employee can work, we are busy, so overtime is
always an offer as is growth. Crew Leaders, safety coordinator, maintenance. We start everyone as an operator/laborer, so they understand the process from the ground up. We also offer insurance for employees and a 401K with a 3% company match.
The work does require dealing with some heights to roll tarps on rail cars and you must be able to use a shovel to manually clean your area. The shifts are rotating days and are from 6pm -6am. We follow the same schedule as Cargill so an example of a two-week shifts are as follows:
Week #1 – You would work 42 hours per week.
Sunday - - no work
Monday - - work
Tuesday - - work
Wednesday - - no work
Thursday - - no work
Friday - - work
Saturday - - work
Sunday - - work
Week 2 –
Monday - - no work
Tuesday - - no work
Wednesday - - work
Thursday - - work
Friday - - no work
Saturday - - no work
Sunday - - no work