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Wheel Loader Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Loader Operator

Draper, UT

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

Position Overview The Loader Operator moves, loads and handles materials within the asphalt plant area with the use of heavy equipment to lift, haul, push, roll, load and move aggregate and aggregate ...

Materials Handler

Delta, UT

$15.75 - $19/hr

Operates heavy equipment to include, but not limited to, wheel loaders, large/small forklifts, and other heavy lifting equipment (i.e. straddle carriers) * Maintains accurate paperwork for record ...

Production Technician

Morgan, UT · On-site

$16.75 - $21/hr

Operate heavy equipment including wheel loaders, skid steers, dump trucks, forklifts, and manlifts as required. * Demonstrate a commitment to communicating, improving and adhering to health, safety ...

JOB DUTIES Operate all wheel vehicles and equipment over varied terrain and roadways Manage load, unload, and safety of personnel being transported Oversee and check proper loading and unloading of ...

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Wheel Loader information

See Utah salary details

$10

$18

$25

How much do wheel loader jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for wheel loader in Utah is $18.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.53 and $20.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 proven equipment operation skills, a high school diploma or equivalent, and sometimes a relevant heavy machinery certification or CDL. Familiarity with hydraulic systems, onboard diagnostics, and safety protocols is essential, along with experience using GPS or telematics systems. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team are valuable soft skills. These skills ensure safe, efficient material handling, minimize workplace accidents, and support productivity on construction or mining sites.

What are some common challenges faced by wheel loader operators on a construction site?

Wheel loader operators often encounter challenges such as working in tight or uneven spaces, managing visibility around large equipment, and coordinating with other team members and machinery to ensure safety and efficiency. They must also adapt to varying load types and weights, which requires a keen understanding of the equipment’s limits. Effective communication with site supervisors and adherence to safety protocols are vital to prevent accidents and maintain productivity.

What is a wheel loader?

A wheel loader is a type of heavy equipment used primarily in construction, mining, and agriculture for loading materials such as soil, sand, gravel, and debris into trucks or onto other machinery. It features a large front-mounted bucket attached to movable arms, allowing operators to scoop, lift, and transport materials efficiently. Wheel loaders are known for their versatility, maneuverability, and ability to handle a variety of tasks, making them essential on job sites where material handling is required.

What is the difference between Wheel Loader vs Excavator?

FeatureWheel LoaderExcavator
Primary UseLoading, moving materials on flat surfacesDigging, trenching, lifting
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, quarries, industrial yardsConstruction, demolition, mining sites
Required CertificationsOperator license, safety trainingOperator license, safety training
MobilityHigh mobility on wheelsTracked, less mobile on roads

Wheel Loaders are designed for loading and moving materials quickly on flat surfaces, while Excavators excel at digging and lifting in various terrains. Both require operator licenses and are common in construction and industrial settings, but their functions and mobility differ significantly.

Infographic showing various Wheel Loader job openings in Utah as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,496 per year, or $18 per hour.

Waste & Recycling Equip Op II

City of Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City, UT • On-site

$22.94 - $30.21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Position Title:
Waste & Recycling Equip Op II
Job Description:
Under the direction of a supervisor or a lead operator, incumbent operates a variety of equipment including one or more of the following: refuse collection equipment automated side loader,(ASL) and/or rear end loader, (REL), a flatbed stake truck, 10-wheeler dump truck and a wheel or front end loader. Route or program assignment can change based on operational need.
Incumbents in this position may work non-traditional hours and varying work schedules such as holidays.
This position is eligible for full city benefits, including:
  • Health Insurance
  • Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
  • Paid vacation and personal leave
  • 6-12 weeks of paid parental leave available
  • Retirement contributions toward a pension plan and/or 401(k)
  • A robust Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
  • Up to $4,000 tuition reimbursement annually
  • Discounted supplemental benefits like pet insurance and legal services

TYPICAL DUTIES:
  • Regularly performs one or more of the following duties:
  • Operate an automated refuse and/or rear load collection truck. Receive daily route and complete assigned area each day, routes will be designated based on operational needs. Assists residents approved for Yard Service program as needed; entering assigned resident's yard and pushes Enter assigned resident's yard and pushes refuse container to curb, empties container and returns it to the resident's yard. Report damaged or missing containers to appropriate personnel.
  • Operate a 10-wheeler, leaf truck, or perform the duties of labor flaggers on job site.
  • Operate a wheel loader or front-end loader to load debris into a 10-wheeler and rear load collection truck.
  • Operate a flatbed stake truck to deliver, remove or repair waste containers. Collect material from the neighborhood special bulk item collection program.
  • Performs activities operating a full range of light and heavy equipment and various hand-powered tools as required. Frequently assists other work areas with assignments, equipment operation and operational needs.
  • Evaluates and documents the operating condition of and performs routine maintenance on assigned equipment prior to its use. Troubleshoots and makes minor repairs in the yard or on the job site and refers major repairs to management. Completes routine forms; i.e. equipment log books, equipment check sheets, weight tickets, repair tickets, load reports, daily work sheets, and landfill trip response timesheets. Cleans trucks on assigned schedule, or as needed to maintain effective operation.
  • Communicates progress, problems and other issues to Senior and Lead Equipment Operators as needed.
  • Responds to citizen's special needs and complaints.
  • May assist Streets and Transportation Divisions by reporting damaged roads and missing or damaged traffic signals and signs.
  • Ensures flagging procedures are followed.
  • Participates in the delivery, set-up or clean-up of special projects.
  • Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Three years paid experience as an equipment operator.
  • Extensive knowledge of preventative maintenance required for the equipment which will be operated and the ability to detect the need for, as well as make, minor repairs or adjustments on tools or equipment.
  • Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class B and may be required to obtain additional endorsements as necessary.
  • Ability to demonstrate proficient operations of multiple types of heavy equipment relevant to the Waste & Recycling Division, including but not limited to an ASL, REL and/or a wheel loader.
  • May be required to possess a Flagger Certification or have the ability to obtain within time specified by supervisor.
  • Required to push, pull or lift weights up to 75 pounds.
  • Ability to meet visual demands required to operate equipment, read street signs and markings, instructions, and safety rules.
  • Ability to write and perform arithmetic calculations to compute tonnage, mileage, or time.
  • Ability to relate well with co-workers, supervisors and the general public in varying circumstances.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
  • Moderate-to-heavy physical activity. Required to push, pull or lift weights up to 75 pounds. Uncomfortable working positions, must sit, stand, or walk for extended periods of time.
  • Constant exposure to disagreeable elements such an extreme heat and cold, dampness, fumes, noise, dust, airborne particles, and grease. Also exposure to vehicular traffic while working in the public roadway. Exposure to herbicides which may pose health, environmental and/or occupational hazards if improperly handled. Potential exposure to toxic or waste materials, infectious rodents and insects.
  • Frequent exposure to stressful situations because of human behavior and demands of the job.

POSITION TYPE
Full-Time
POSITION SALARY RANGE
$22.94/hr - $30.21/hr
DEPARTMENT
Sustainability
Full Time/Part Time:
Full time
Scheduled Hours:
40