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Wheel Loader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Loader Operator

Nashville, TN

$16.25 - $21.50/hr

Equipment operated may include wheel loader, car crusher, skid loader, forklift etc... * Check fluids each day equipment is used and lubricate equipment at recommended intervals. Communicate any ...

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Loader Operator

Houston, TX · On-site

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

Equipment operated may include wheel loader, car crusher, skid loader, forklift etc... * Check fluids each day equipment is used and lubricate equipment at recommended intervals. Communicate any ...

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Loader Operator

Fontana, CA · On-site

$17 - $22.50/hr

Equipment operated may include wheel loader, car crusher, skid loader, forklift etc... * Check fluids each day equipment is used and lubricate equipment at recommended intervals. Communicate any ...

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Loader Operator

Austin, TX · On-site

$16.50 - $22/hr

Equipment operated may include wheel loader, car crusher, skid loader, forklift etc... * Check fluids each day equipment is used and lubricate equipment at recommended intervals. Communicate any ...

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Loader Operator

Clearwater, FL

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Equipment operated may include wheel loader, car crusher, skid loader, forklift etc... * Check fluids each day equipment is used and lubricate equipment at recommended intervals. Communicate any ...

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Loader Operator

Huntsville, AL

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

Equipment operated may include wheel loader, car crusher, skid loader, forklift etc... * Check fluids each day equipment is used and lubricate equipment at recommended intervals. Communicate any ...

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Loader Operator

Austin, TX

$16.50 - $22/hr

Equipment operated may include wheel loader, car crusher, skid loader, forklift etc... * Check fluids each day equipment is used and lubricate equipment at recommended intervals. Communicate any ...

Koppers

Loader Operator

Newsoms, VA

$16.75 - $22.25/hr

Perform daily maintenance and safety checks on wheel loader * Other work-related duties as required Candidate Qualifications/ Requirements * Experience running heavy machinery * Ability to work ...

Liebherr

Product Manager, Wheel Loader

Newport News, VA · On-site

Regularly visits distribution partners within the territory to promote and develop ongoing wheel loaders sales and activities. * Assists in the development of product literature, marketing materials ...

Koppers, Inc.

Loader Operator

Newsoms, VA · On-site

$16.75 - $22.25/hr

Perform daily maintenance and safety checks on wheel loader * Other work-related duties as required Candidate Qualifications/ Requirements * Experience running heavy machinery * Ability to work ...

Koppers, Inc.

Loader Operator

Leland, NC · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Perform daily maintenance and safety checks on wheel loader * Follow all safety regulations and requirements required for Zero Harm compliance. * Follow the KUIP ISO 9001 Quality Management System ...

Koppers

Loader Operator

Kennedy, AL

$16.25 - $21.75/hr

Perform daily maintenance and safety checks on wheel loader * Follow all safety regulations and requirements required for Zero Harm compliance. * Follow the KUIP ISO 9001 Quality Management System ...

Koppers

Loader Operator

Leland, NC

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Perform daily maintenance and safety checks on wheel loader * Follow all safety regulations and requirements required for Zero Harm compliance. * Follow the KUIP ISO 9001 Quality Management System ...

LKQ Corporation

Loader Operator

Moses Lake, WA · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Equipment operated may include a wheel loader, car crusher, skid loader, backhoe, forklift, etc... * Check fluids each day equipment is used and lubricate equipment at recommended intervals.

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All JobsWheel Loader Jobs

Wheel Loader information

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$11

$19

$28

How much do wheel loader jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for wheel loader in the United States is $19.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $22.36 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, 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 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.

How much do loader operators make?

Loader operators typically earn an average annual salary of around $40,000 to $55,000, depending on experience, location, and employer. In some regions, experienced operators with certifications can earn higher wages, especially if working overtime or in specialized environments such as construction or mining. Wages may also vary based on union membership and the complexity of the equipment operated.

Can you make 100k as a heavy equipment operator?

Heavy equipment operators, including those who operate wheel loaders, can potentially earn $100,000 or more annually, especially with experience, specialized skills, and working in high-demand industries or regions. Factors such as certifications, overtime, and union membership can also influence earning potential.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Wheel loader operators in specialized industries or high-demand construction projects can earn around $2,000 per day, especially with extensive experience, certifications, and overtime. Such high daily wages are typically associated with unionized roles, hazardous environments, or project-based work in large-scale construction or mining operations.

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 much does a loader get paid?

The average salary for a wheel loader operator in the United States ranges from $15 to $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer. Skilled operators with certifications and experience in heavy equipment often earn higher wages, and some may receive benefits such as overtime pay and health insurance.
More about Wheel Loader jobs
What cities are hiring for Wheel Loader jobs? Cities with the most Wheel Loader job openings:
What states have the most Wheel Loader jobs? States with the most job openings for Wheel Loader jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Wheel Loader jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Wheel Loader jobs are:
Wheel Loader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wheel Loader job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 26% Full Time, 72% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $41,188 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

Loader Operator

Pick Your Part

Nashville, TN

$16.25 - $21.50/hr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Description

Operate equipment in a safe and responsible manner to move salvage vehicles through all phases of the operation, maintain facility grounds. Help ensure compliance with all federal, state and local regulations. Support dismantle and yard operations. Use scan gun and tablet/phone to update inventory system on location of vehicles. Help ensure fulfillment of daily work orders. Communicate written and verbally with management and other team members. Perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Essential Job Duties

  •  Perform preoperational inspections to ensure equipment is safe for work. 
  •  Operate equipment in a safe and courteous manner in work area with pedestrians and other vehicle traffic. Equipment operated may include wheel loader, car crusher, skid loader, forklift etc...
  •  Check fluids each day equipment is used and lubricate equipment at recommended intervals. Communicate any findings and equipment hours to management. 
  •  Prioritize and plan work load to prevent delays to operations. 
  •  Use long and short auto salvage forks on wheel loader to unload car haulers and stage upcoming cars for inventory, dismantle and cuts. 
  •  Use bucket to remove snow, spread stone and maintain grounds such as access roads, water drainage, vehicle holding areas and salvage yard. 
  •  Assist with regulation compliance and quality assurance of dismantled vehicles before unloading from bay and placing in the salvage yard. 
  •  Load Processing rack with unprocessed cars. Process and crush vehicles that have reached their useful life and load onto scrap haulers for final disposal. 
  •  Assist with safety and regulation compliance for facility in general. Maintain location accuracy and integrity of vehicles placed in the yard. 
  •  Perform tasks assigned by dispatch which may include: location checks, part checks, part pulls etc. Communicate delays and problems promptly with management and affected coworkers. 
  •  Assume other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education & Experience 

  •  1+ years of experience.
  •  Must have heavy equipment operations experience and some automotive background. 
  •  Must possess basic technology competence (scan gun, tablet/phone applications). 
  •  Must have good oral and written communication skills. 
  •  Must possess the ability to stay calm, cool and collected in a high-pressure, fast-paced work environment. 
  •  Must work well with others.

Preferred Requirements

  •  High School Diploma/GED.
  •  Previous heavy equipment operating, some computer skills, general maintenance and understanding of mechanical equipment. 
  •  Understanding of automotive components and disassembly. 
  •  Experience in rigging/lifting operations a plus.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities 

  •  Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. 
  •  Basic computer skills
  • Basic messages communicated orally. May write brief messages and keep simple records.
  • Problems encountered are routine, somewhat repetitive, and generally solved by following clear directions and procedures.
  • Results are defined; sets personal own goals and determines how to achieve results with few or no guidelines to follow; supervisor/manager provides broad guidance and overall direction.
  • Handle multiple tasks or projects simultaneously with moderate complexity.

Essential Physical Demands/Work Environment 

  •  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, push, pull, squat, bend, reach, climb stairs, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or sit for extended periods of time.
  •  The employee may be exposed to hazardous situations, conditions, and equipment. May regularly wear personal protective equipment (PPE). May be exposed to extreme temperatures and high noise levels.
  •  Must be able to lift up to 75 pounds.



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