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What is a front end loader operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read

A front end loader operator drives a front end loader, which is a type of machine that has a bucket attached to the front in order to move heavy materials. Front end loader operators can work on construction sites, in warehouses, or anywhere else where there is heavy material to move. They help the manufacturing or storage process go smoothly by supplying necessary materials or removing debris.

Front end loader operators also need to make sure that their machine is running smoothly and do any necessary maintenance work to their trusty steed. They also need to communicate clearly with foremen and other members of the team to make sure that they are working together.

On average, front end loader operators earn $15.44 an hour, which is more than minimum wage in most of the country. It's rather difficult to learn how to operate a front end loader in a classroom, so it makes sense that most front end loader operators do not have a bachelor's degree. Most learn how to operate their machines on the job, although it is helpful if they have experience with other machines such as dump trucks or forklifts.

ScoreFront End Loader OperatorUS Average
Salary
2.7

Avg. Salary $34,530

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
8.3

Growth rate 7%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
8.8
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.80%

Asian 2.33%

Black or African American 16.39%

Hispanic or Latino 18.24%

Unknown 4.31%

White 57.93%

Gender

female 7.88%

male 92.12%

Age - 44
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44
Stress level
8.3

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.8

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
3.8

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Front end loader operator career paths

Key steps to become a front end loader operator

  1. Explore front end loader operator education requirements

    Most common front end loader operator degrees

    High School Diploma

    59.3 %

    Associate

    15.1 %

    Diploma

    12.0 %
  2. Start to develop specific front end loader operator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Front End Loader25.83%
    Loaders12.16%
    Asphalt12.10%
    End Loaders9.45%
    Dump Truck5.31%
  3. Complete relevant front end loader operator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New front end loader operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a front end loader operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real front end loader operator resumes.
  4. Research front end loader operator duties and responsibilities

    • Operate power construction equipment such as motor graders, bulldozers and front-end loaders.
    • Work safely and wear require PPE.
    • Adjust control attachment such as blades, buckets and swing booms
    • Inspect tank dooms and fitting and insure proper PPE is on before loading/unloading.
  5. Prepare your front end loader operator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your front end loader operator resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a front end loader operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable front end loader operator resume templates

    Build a professional front end loader operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your front end loader operator resume.
    Front End Loader Operator Resume
    Front End Loader Operator Resume
    Front End Loader Operator Resume
    Front End Loader Operator Resume
    Front End Loader Operator Resume
    Front End Loader Operator Resume
    Front End Loader Operator Resume
    Front End Loader Operator Resume
    Front End Loader Operator Resume
  6. Apply for front end loader operator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a front end loader operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first front end loader operator job

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Average front end loader operator salary

The average front end loader operator salary in the United States is $34,530 per year or $17 per hour. Front end loader operator salaries range between $27,000 and $44,000 per year.

Average front end loader operator salary
$34,530 Yearly
$16.60 hourly

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How do front end loader operators rate their job?

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Front end loader operator reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2023
Pros

Different challenges to overcome and adapt to get work done


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A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2022
Pros

The power off the equipment the finish grade off the work and being safe

Cons

Broke down equipment


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A zippia user wrote a review on Sep 2020
Pros

With concentration, using the right lifting material, watching for safe environment while lifting and offloading, having the LMI working etc, you'll have a less accident work delivery.

Cons

Other works going on around lifting and offloading point, etc.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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