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Wheel Loader Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

ELGIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

GROUNDSKEEPER III

Elgin, IL · On-site

$35K - $43K/yr

Dump trucks, skid steers, wheel loaders, tractors, commercial mowers, brush hogs, slit seeders, and power augers. Company Description Elgin Community College is a comprehensive, fully-accredited ...

QSL

Longshoreman (On Call)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$30.55/hr

Operate equipment such as forklifts, wheel loaders, skid steers, cranes, and other cargo-handling machinery as trained and qualified * Perform general labor duties including lashing, rigging ...

QSL

Longshoreman (On Call)

Chicago, IL

$30.55/hr

Operate equipment such as forklifts, wheel loaders, skid steers, cranes, and other cargo-handling machinery as trained and qualified * Perform general labor duties including lashing, rigging ...

QSL America

Longshoreman (On Call)

Chicago, IL

Operate equipment such as forklifts, wheel loaders, skid steers, cranes, and other cargo-handling machinery as trained and qualified * Perform general labor duties including lashing, rigging ...

New

R+L Carriers

Casual Loader

Wheeling, IL · On-site

$25.94/hr

R+L Carriers has an immediate need for Part-time Forklift Operators at our Wheeling, IL service center. As a Forklift Operator, you will be tasked with moving all different types of freight safely in ...

R+L Carriers

Casual Loader

Wheeling, IL · On-site

$25.94/hr

R+L Carriers has an immediate need for Part-time Forklift Operators at our Wheeling, IL service center. As a Forklift Operator, you will be tasked with moving all different types of freight safely in ...

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All JobsWheel Loader JobsWheel Loader Jobs in Chicago, IL

Wheel Loader information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11

$20

$29

How much do wheel loader jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for wheel loader in Chicago, IL is $20.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.60 and $23.03 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 are popular job titles related to Wheel Loader jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Wheel Loader jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Wheel Loader jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Wheel Loader jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Wheel Loader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wheel Loader job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,463 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Maintenance Mechanic - Diesel & Industrial Equipment

Midwest Salt & Grit One

Chicago, IL

$38 - $40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Position Summary

We're hiring a hands-on maintenance mechanic to keep our Chicago terminal running - mobile equipment, material-handling conveyors, and Class 8 trucks. This is a broad, single-owner role. You'll be just as comfortable diagnosing a wheel loader as you are tracking a belt or performing a truck tire change. If you like variety and owning the equipment end to end, this one's for you

Employment Type

Full-Time

Work Location

On-Site: 12600 S. Stony Island, Chicago, IL 60633

Reports To

Plant Manager

Department

Equipment & Fleet Operations

Compensation Package

$38-$40 an hour plus OT as available. We offer healthcare, vision, dental insurance and a matching 401k.

Key Responsibilities
Maintain and repair diesel-powered mobile equipment (wheel loaders and yard equipment) - engines, hydraulics, drivetrains, brakes, electrical, and emissions systems.
Inspect, service, and repair Class 8 trucks - engines, brakes, suspension, air systems, and DOT-required components.
Service belt conveyors - tracking, splicing, idlers, pulleys, bearings, gearboxes, and drive motors.
Diagnose mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and basic electrical faults, and return equipment to service safely and quickly.
Work from schematics, hydraulic diagrams, and OEM manuals.
Perform preventive-maintenance schedule and keep accurate equipment and repair records. Includes but not limited to routine oil, filter, and fluid changes on diesel engines and drivetrains, greasing truck tire changes, rotations, and repairs.
Perform light welding and fabrication as needed.
Fill out & Submit repair orders and all related order paperwork.
Follow all safety and lockout/tagout procedures and support a safe working environment.
Other Duties: Perform other related duties as directed by manager.

Required Qualifications
3+ years as a diesel mechanic, industrial or plant maintenance mechanic, or millwright
FMCSA annual inspector qualification
FMCSA Brake inspector qualification
Demonstrated hydraulics experience - mobile or industrial
Solid mechanical fundamentals - bearings, gearboxes, belts, alignment, fasteners
Basic electrical troubleshooting - reading schematics, testing circuits, replacing components
Ability to read technical manuals and diagrams
Valid driver's license

Preferred Qualifications
Experience with material-handling conveyors
OEM engine/system training
ASE Medium/Heavy Truck (T-series) certifications
EPA Section 609 certification
Welding and fabrication skills: AWS welding certification
Forklift certification, or willingness to certify
Physical & work environment
Able to lift up to 50 lbs, work at heights, and work outdoors in a waterfront terminal across all seasons
Comfortable wearing required PPE - hard hat, eye and hearing protection, steel-toed boots, gloves

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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