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Wheel Loader Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Checker Loader (Forklift Operator)

Richmond, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $18.50/hr

Checker Loaders are responsible for safely and efficiently unloading/loading trucks and performing ... Lock out and chock wheels. * Must successfully be forklift certified. * Other duties as assigned ...

Checker Loader (Forklift Operator)

Richmond, VA · On-site

$16.75 - $19.75/hr

Checker Loader (Forklift Operator) Carpenter Co. has an immediate opening for a Checker Loader ... Lock out and chock wheels. * Must successfully be forklift certified. * Other duties as assigned ...

Checker Loader (Forklift Operator)

Richmond, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $18.50/hr

Checker Loaders are responsible for safely and efficiently unloading/loading trucks and performing ... Lock out and chock wheels. * Must successfully be forklift certified. * Other duties as assigned ...

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 ...

$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

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 ...

Equipment Operator

Manakin Sabot, 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

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 Aug 15, 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 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.

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.

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 75% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $40,834 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Log Yard Heavy Equipment Operator

Woodgrain

Independence, VA

$17 - $24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Woodgrain Sawmill in Independence, VA is looking for an experienced Log yard Equipment Operator.

 

About Woodgrain:

Woodgrain is one of the top millwork operations in the world with locations throughout the United States and Chile. With 70 years of quality craftsmanship and service, Woodgrain is a top producer of mouldings, doors, and windows, as well as a premier distributor of specialty building products. Our Woodgrain facility in Independence, VA is a sawmill operation providing materials to our manufacturing facilities as well as to various external customers. Woodgrain Inc. is headquartered in Fruitland, Idaho with six divisions and over 45 manufacturing and warehouse facilities in the United States and South America. Since 1954, Woodgrain is proud to be family owned and operated.

Job Summary:

The Log Yard Equipment Operator is responsible for moving logs without damaging them by utilizing either a wheel loader or knuckle boom. This includes but not limited to loading and unloading log trucks, trailers, stacking, and feeding the log deck to the mill for production in a safe manner. Position may also include moving and loading wood chips, saw dust, log bark, and mulch when assigned.

Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Unload log trucks and lay out loads to be scaled.
  • Keep logd in scaling area emptied.
  • Stack logs in a organized and safe manner based upon species.
  • Deck logs to feed the mill for production.
  • Know the different types of log species.
  • Load wood chips, saw dust, and mulch in trailers and trucks.
  • Move bark from sawmill to bark pile to be ground into mulch.
  • Maintain log yard conditions by scraping and leveling out ruts and remove debris.
  • Complete daily equipment checks at start of shift.
  • Keep equipment clean, greased, lubricated, and blow out air filters on a daily basis. 
  • Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • Lock out/Tag out trained.
  • Must be SAFETY minded while working in a production environment.
  • Lifting and physical activity is required for this position, must be able to move boards and wood pieces.

Summary of Company Benefits:

  • Compensation is commensurate with experience ($17 to $24 per hour)
  • Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • 401(k) with 3% Employer Match
  • Group Term Life Insurance and AD&D
  • Employer Paid Long-Term & Short-Term Disability
  • Voluntary Supplemental Hospital and Accident Plans
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • 8 Company Paid Holidays & 1 Floating Holiday
  • Progressive Paid Time Off (PTO) Accruals

The physical demands and work environment are representative of a typical sawmill environment. The employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts. Noise level is moderate to high depending on the area of the mill. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is often required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk and hear. Requires close vision, distance vision, and depth perception. The employee must occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds and is regularly exposed to fumes, airborne particles, and extreme hot and cold temperatures.