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The differences between equipment operators/labour 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 an equipment operator/labour and a loader operator. Additionally, a loader operator has an average salary of $36,987, which is higher than the $33,959 average annual salary of an equipment operator/labour.
The top three skills for an equipment operator/labour include backhoe, loaders and dump truck. The most important skills for a loader operator are front end loader, asphalt, and customer service.
| Equipment Operator/Labour | Loader Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $33,959 | $36,987 |
| Hourly rate | $16.33 | $17.78 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 60,770 | 61,980 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 57% | High School Diploma, 57% |
| Average age | 45 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
Heavy equipment operators control and drive construction equipment. The operators operate heavy equipment, including backhoes, bulldozers, and lift. They are in charge of placing or moving materials and other equipment. Their job covers the inspection, cleanup, lubrication, and refilling of equipment. They should have experience in operating machines. Among the skills necessary for this job include attention to detail, physical strength, knowledge of production procedure, and analytical skills. They should be able to read schematics, manuals, and blueprints.
A loader operator is responsible for operating and driving multi-wheeled heavy vehicles to transport goods and services from the distribution centers to various locations. Loader operators must have excellent driving skills and a clean driving record to ensure smooth operations and timely deliveries. They also maintain the stability and efficiency of the engine, conduct regular maintenance, and perform repairs for any inconsistencies to avoid potential hazards and prevent operational delays. A loader operator responds to the customers' inquiries and concerns and escalates their complaints to the management.
Equipment operators/labour and loader operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Equipment Operator/Labour | Loader Operator | |
| Average salary | $33,959 | $36,987 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $43,000 | Between $29,000 And $46,000 |
| Highest paying City | Hartford, CT | Bismarck, ND |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Alaska |
| Best paying company | MDU Resources | Dairy Farmers of America |
| Best paying industry | Education | Construction |
There are a few differences between an equipment operator/labour and a loader operator in terms of educational background:
| Equipment Operator/Labour | Loader Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 57% | High School Diploma, 57% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between equipment operators/labour' and loader operators' demographics:
| Equipment Operator/Labour | Loader Operator | |
| Average age | 45 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.3% Female, 5.7% | Male, 94.1% Female, 5.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.0% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.2% Asian, 0.9% White, 68.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.9% | 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 | 2% | 4% |