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Wheel Loader Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Equipment Service Plus LLC

Night Shift Mechanic

Chicago, IL · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

  • Dental

  • Life

  • PTO

Diagnose and repair equipment such as forklifts, skid steers, and wheel loaders * Complete overhauls and rebuilds of retired trucks * Perform welding and metal fabrication as needed ( welding ...

Equipment Service Plus LLC

Night Shift Mechanic

Chicago, IL · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

  • Dental

  • Life

  • PTO

Diagnose and repair equipment such as forklifts, skid steers, and wheel loaders * Complete overhauls and rebuilds of retired trucks * Perform welding and metal fabrication as needed ( welding ...

R+L Carriers

Casual Loader

Wheeling, IL

$25.94/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Expedite Tigers

BOX TRUCK DRIVER

Gary, IN · On-site

$6.0K - $10K/wk

Why Choose Lucky Wheels LLC? Steady loads & high-mileage opportunities Competitive pay & performance bonuses Supportive dispatch & logistics team Multiple career growth paths Or refer someone

Village of Tinley Park

Diesel Mechanic

Tinley Park, IL · On-site

$31.42 - $43.95/hr

... Wheel Loaders. Mechanics regularly repair, service and maintain all automotive and other mechanical equipment. Employees perform preventive maintenance on various vehicles/equipment and exercise ...

Superior Staffing

Forklift Driver

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Toyota Model # 8BDRU15 Load Capacity 3000lbs Toyota Model # 8FBE18U Sit Down 3 Wheel Electric Fork Truck Load Capacity 3,500 lbs Company Description Superior Staffing is looking for employee who is ...

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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 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for wheel loader in Chicago, IL is $20.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.60 and $23.08 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 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, 24% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,488 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Production & Heavy Machinery Operator-Level 1

Midwest Salt & Grit One

Chicago, IL

$24 - $29.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Overview of the Role

Join Grit One as an Operator where you'll play a hands-on role in our production and port operations by safely and efficiently operating essential equipment. You'll be responsible for meeting production standards, maintaining safety protocols, and contributing to continuous improvement. This is an opportunity to learn, grow, and make a direct impact on the success of our facility and team.

What You Will Enjoy Most

  • Working with a variety of equipment and gaining hands-on experience in production operations.
  • Being part of a safety-first team that values discipline, accountability, and improvement.
  • Contributing to Midwest Salt's vision and growth by keeping operations running smoothly.
  • Opportunities to expand your skills and grow into new roles as our company continues to scale.

Heads-up: this is an outdoor, all-weather role that includes evenings and weekends and will require overtime during certain port operations and parts of peak season. If that excites you, read on.

Key Responsibilities

  • Perform assigned production work within established standards and goals.
  • Operate equipment safely and within specifications, following care instructions and company policies.
  • Step into other seat responsibilities as assigned when colleagues are out.
  • Adhere to and recommend improvements for processes, procedures, and safety policies.
  • Maintain accountability for performance metrics as directed by your manager
  • Support continuous improvement by making recommendations to enhance safety, efficiency, and results.
  • Equipment Operated:
  • -Material Loader
  • -Heavy machinery
  • -Sennibogan
  • -Wheel Loader
  • -Pneumatic Hoppers
  • -Blending System
  • -Wheel Bobcat
  • -Other Hoppers
  • -Conveyors
  • -Field Unloader

Who Thrives in this Role

  • Safety-conscious individuals who prioritize personal and team well-being.
  • Hands-on workers who enjoy operating machinery and equipment.
  • Team players who are flexible and willing to step into different roles as needed.
  • Problem-solvers who look for ways to improve processes and drive better results.

Must Haves (Required Qualifications)

  • Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Heavy Equipment Operator Experience: 2 year minimum
  • Technology Skills: Basic ability to follow digital instructions and input data into systems.
  • Skills/Abilities: Strong attention to detail, safety-first mindset, ability to follow processes and standards.
  • Travel Ability: Ability to reliably commute to the assigned facility.
  • Schedule: Availability to work shifts, overtime, and weekends as required.

Bonus Points (Preferred Qualifications)

  • Previous experience in industrial, production, or warehouse settings.
  • OSHA or equipment-specific certifications.

About Grit One

Grit One is Midwest Salt with a port address - and a startup mindset. Located at the Port of Chicago, Grit One is our bulk salt production and storage facility where vessels unload, product gets stockpiled, and supply moves fast to customers who count on us.

We're still building this thing, which means every person on this team has a real hand in shaping what it becomes. We're big on ownership, smart ideas, and getting it right. If you're someone who shows up ready to figure things out, drive change, and be part of something that's just getting started, Grit One is where you want to be. Low prices, quality product, phenomenal service - that's the Midwest Salt promise. At Grit One, we deliver it straight from the water.

Key Role Details

  • Location: On-site in Chicago, IL (Port Facility) Southside off the Calumet River
  • Flexibility: Evenings, weekends, and overtime required during vessel operations and peak times
Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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