1

Wheel Loader Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

$20.72 - $25.87/hr

Operate and train staff on construction equipment such as backhoe loaders, industrial box blade/loaders, skid steer loaders, utility wheel loaders, compactors, rotary mixers and tractors with 30 ...

Equipment Operator

Alexandria, VA

$20.25 - $27.75/hr

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 ...

Equipment Operator

Chantilly, VA

$19.50 - $26.50/hr

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 ...

Equipment Operator

Powhatan, VA · On-site

$17.75 - $24.25/hr

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 ...

Equipment Operator

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$20.25 - $27.75/hr

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 ...

Equipment Operator

Midlothian, VA · On-site

$17.50 - $24/hr

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 ...

Equipment Operator

Powhatan, VA

$17.75 - $24.25/hr

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 ...

Equipment Operator

Midlothian, VA

$17.50 - $24/hr

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 ...

Equipment Operator

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$19.50 - $26.50/hr

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 ...

Showing results 41-60

Wheel Loader information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$19

$28

How much do wheel loader jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for wheel loader in Virginia is $19.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.92 and $22.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a wheel loader operator?

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 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.

Are wheel loader operator jobs in demand?

Wheel loader operator jobs are in steady demand in construction, mining, and agriculture industries, especially in regions with ongoing infrastructure projects. Employers seek skilled operators with certifications and experience to operate heavy machinery efficiently and safely.

How to become a wheel loader?

To become a wheel loader operator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with on-the-job training or a vocational program in heavy equipment operation. Certification from a recognized training organization and a valid driver's license are often required, and experience with equipment maintenance and safety procedures is beneficial.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Wheel Loader jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Wheel Loader job openings:

Infographic showing various Wheel Loader job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,834 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Loader/Unloader Medical Waste Containers (11:30am-8pm)

Daniels Health

Richmond, VA • On-site

$19/hr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Daniels Health rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

We're hiring a hardworking, reliable Loader/Unloader to join our Daniels medical waste transfer station team in Richmond, VA. This is a highly physical, fast-paced role and a critical part of keeping healthcare facilities running safely and efficiently.

If you enjoy hands-on work, don't mind lifting throughout the day, and take pride in being the person who keeps operations moving-this could be a great fit.

 
5768 Charles City Circle, Henrico, VA  23231
What will your job involve?
  • Load and unload trucks daily, handling regulated medical waste and sharps containers
  • Repeatedly lift 50-75 lb containers throughout your shift
  • Push and maneuver four-wheeled carts weighing up to 200 lbs
  • Weigh incoming waste using our Weighbridge system
  • Prepare, pack, and stage outgoing customer orders for transport
  • Complete required paperwork accurately and on time
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area
  • Work closely with your teammates to ensure all transports are ready on schedule
What are we looking for?
  • Previous experience in a labor-intensive or warehouse environment
  • Comfortable with repetitive heavy lifting all day
  • Strong work ethic and a "can-do" attitude
  • Dependable, punctual, and able to work quickly without cutting corners
  • Team-oriented-we succeed together
  • A stable work history and commitment to showing up every day ready to work
Why work for us?
  • Job stability - as an essential service to healthcare we are non-seasonal and recession proof.
  • Opportunities for overtime - we always need extra hands on deck so overtime opportunities are plentiful
  • Consistent work hours - Monday - Friday position, 2nd shift (11:30am-8pm)
  • Benefits - Full time roles are provided benefits, sick leave and vacation leave from day one!
  • Permanent position - This is a full-time direct hire role of 40 hours per week
  • Competitive salary - This position is offering $19.00 per hour
$19 - $19 an hour
Who are we?
We are a healthcare service company providing safety systems and medical waste collection for hospitals, medical centers, surgical centers, nursing homes and an array of customers within the healthcare setting. Our focus is delivering quality and safety-focused medical waste management services that reduce needlestick injuries, positively impact infection control and reduce environmental burden. As a service to our customers we dispose and treat medical waste on site at our treatment facilities across the U.S.


Daniels Health & Sharpsmart is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with anti-discrimination law, it is the purpose of this policy to effectuate these principles and mandates. Daniels Health & Sharpsmart prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Daniels Health & Sharpsmart  conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.

Daniels Health conducts background checks and drug testing as part of the postoffer hiring process.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
apply for this job

What Daniels Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom