Cat operator vs loader operator

The differences between cat 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 cat operator and a loader operator. Additionally, a loader operator has an average salary of $36,987, which is higher than the $35,910 average annual salary of a cat operator.

The top three skills for a cat operator include CDL, DIG and . The most important skills for a loader operator are front end loader, asphalt, and customer service.

Cat operator vs loader operator overview

	Cat Operator	Loader Operator
Yearly salary	$35,910	$36,987
Hourly rate	$17.26	$17.78
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	42,866	61,980
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 50%	High School Diploma, 57%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	4	4

Cat operator vs loader operator salary

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

	Cat Operator	Loader Operator
Average salary	$35,910	$36,987
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $46,000	Between $29,000 And $46,000
Highest paying City	-	Bismarck, ND
Highest paying state	-	Alaska
Best paying company	-	Dairy Farmers of America
Best paying industry	-	Construction

Differences between cat operator and loader operator education

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

	Cat Operator	Loader Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 50%	High School Diploma, 57%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Cat operator vs loader operator demographics

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

	Cat Operator	Loader Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 93.8% Female, 6.2%	Male, 94.1% Female, 5.9%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 13.6% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 17.9% Asian, 2.6% White, 60.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%	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 cat operator and loader operator duties and responsibilities

Cat operator example responsibilities.

Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
Dig out around certains areas that hold too much snow and spread it out accordingly.
Provide leadership by establishing clear expectations and demonstrating high standards of work practices and safety conscious behavior.
Perform inventory accuracy transactions into MARC, load trailers, organize pallets into the warehouse and receive packaging materials.
Operate finish grade bulldozer with Topcon and/or Trimble G.P.S.
Provide troubleshooting, conflict management, and expedient resolution of technical and/or floor issues with solutions-orient leadership.

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.

Cat operator vs loader operator skills

Common cat operator skills

CDL, 62%
DIG, 38%

Common loader operator skills

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

Cat Operator vs. similar jobs

Cat Operator related careers

Cat Operator related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Transportation Industry
Cat Operator
Cat Operator vs Loader Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse transportation jobs