Dump operator vs loader operator

The differences between dump operators and loader operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a dump operator, becoming a loader operator takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a loader operator has an average salary of $36,987, which is higher than the $34,613 average annual salary of a dump operator.

The top three skills for a dump operator include hand tools, water truck and DOT. The most important skills for a loader operator are front end loader, asphalt, and customer service.

Dump operator vs loader operator overview

	Dump Operator	Loader Operator
Yearly salary	$34,613	$36,987
Hourly rate	$16.64	$17.78
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	30,458	61,980
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 53%	High School Diploma, 57%
Average age	41	43
Years of experience	2	4

Dump operator vs loader operator salary

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

	Dump Operator	Loader Operator
Average salary	$34,613	$36,987
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $45,000	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 dump operator and loader operator education

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

	Dump Operator	Loader Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 53%	High School Diploma, 57%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Dump operator vs loader operator demographics

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

	Dump Operator	Loader Operator
Average age	41	43
Gender ratio	Male, 89.2% Female, 10.8%	Male, 94.1% Female, 5.9%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 6.7% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 13.8% Asian, 0.8% White, 73.5% 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 dump operator and loader operator duties and responsibilities

Dump operator example responsibilities.

Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
Perform specialized production line and quality control duties in a professional production environment specializing in plastic extrusion.
Wash and tumble floor, responsible for cleaning soil linens/uniforms operating washers and dryers.

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.

Dump operator vs loader operator skills

Common dump operator skills

Hand Tools, 40%
Water Truck, 27%
DOT, 22%
Batch Room, 10%

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
Dump Operator
Dump Operator vs Loader Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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