Baler operator vs loader operator

The differences between baler operators and loader operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a baler operator and a loader operator. Additionally, a loader operator has an average salary of $36,987, which is higher than the $32,608 average annual salary of a baler operator.

The top three skills for a baler operator include perform routine maintenance, routine maintenance and rail cars. The most important skills for a loader operator are front end loader, asphalt, and customer service.

Baler operator vs loader operator overview

	Baler Operator	Loader Operator
Yearly salary	$32,608	$36,987
Hourly rate	$15.68	$17.78
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	53,639	61,980
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 58%	High School Diploma, 57%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	4	4

Baler operator vs loader operator salary

Baler operators and loader operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Baler Operator	Loader Operator
Average salary	$32,608	$36,987
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $39,000	Between $29,000 And $46,000
Highest paying City	Aurora, CO	Bismarck, ND
Highest paying state	North Dakota	Alaska
Best paying company	Schnitzer Steel	Dairy Farmers of America
Best paying industry	Transportation	Construction

Differences between baler operator and loader operator education

There are a few differences between a baler operator and a loader operator in terms of educational background:

	Baler Operator	Loader Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 58%	High School Diploma, 57%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Baler operator vs loader operator demographics

Here are the differences between baler operators' and loader operators' demographics:

	Baler Operator	Loader Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 92.4% Female, 7.6%	Male, 94.1% Female, 5.9%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 16.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.2% Asian, 2.3% White, 58.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%	Black or African American, 14.3% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 2.6% White, 59.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	4%	4%

Differences between baler operator and loader operator duties and responsibilities

Baler operator example responsibilities.

Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
Operate forklift to load and unload pallets, run baler to compact the recycled cardboard and stack the bales.
Hand stack pallets, customize based on needs and requirements of customer.
Perform specialized production line and quality control duties in a professional production environment specializing in plastic extrusion.
Move inventory in support of logistics management.

Loader operator example responsibilities.

Inventory control; FIFO procedures, HAZMAT certify.
Excavate midstream on load lines for repair backfill and finish
Dismantle and reassemble heavy equipment using hoists and hand tools.
Excavate and prepare trenches for plumbing and utilities to residential homes.
Operate excavator doing residential demolition and dig footings for new structures.
Utilize appropriate level of PPE for the chemical being handle or transfer.

Baler operator vs loader operator skills

Common baler operator skills

Perform Routine Maintenance, 26%
Routine Maintenance, 17%
Rail Cars, 14%
Baling, 10%
Pallets, 8%
Hand Tools, 6%

Common loader operator skills

Front End Loader, 11%
Asphalt, 9%
Customer Service, 8%
Loaders, 7%
Hand Tools, 5%
Preventative Maintenance, 4%

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Transportation Industry
Baler Operator
Baler Operator vs Loader Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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