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Front end loader operator vs equipment operator

The differences between front end loader operators and equipment 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 front end loader operator and an equipment operator. Additionally, a front end loader operator has an average salary of $34,530, which is higher than the $31,739 average annual salary of an equipment operator.

The top three skills for a front end loader operator include front end loader, loaders and asphalt. The most important skills for an equipment operator are CDL, loaders, and asphalt.

Front end loader operator vs equipment operator overview

Front End Loader OperatorEquipment Operator
Yearly salary$34,530$31,739
Hourly rate$16.60$15.26
Growth rate7%5%
Number of jobs84,18862,473
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 59%High School Diploma, 46%
Average age4345
Years of experience44

What does a front end loader operator do?

A front-end loader operator is a heavy equipment operator who works in demolitions or road construction sites. To become a front end loader operator, one of the techniques that you must have along with many others, is to be able to operate heavy equipment. This indicates that you must be an experienced heavy equipment driver. You will control rubber-tired, tractor-type industrial vehicles that lift and move heavy materials from one location to another.

What does an equipment operator do?

Equipment operators are employees who are assigned to work on specific company equipment. They are skilled workers trained to handle all aspects of the particular equipment, from basic operating to repairing. They use the equipment and ensure that safety standards are being followed. Aside from managing the equipment, they are also in charge of repairs and maintenance. They are responsible for ensuring that the machine works properly, troubleshooting if there are challenges encountered, and repairing any problems. Equipment operators are reliable, trustworthy, and attentive.

Front end loader operator vs equipment operator salary

Front end loader operators and equipment operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Front End Loader OperatorEquipment Operator
Average salary$34,530$31,739
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $44,000Between $24,000 And $40,000
Highest paying CityClifton Park, NYIndianapolis, IN
Highest paying stateAlaskaConnecticut
Best paying companyBallNelsen Partners
Best paying industryManufacturingEnergy

Differences between front end loader operator and equipment operator education

There are a few differences between a front end loader operator and an equipment operator in terms of educational background:

Front End Loader OperatorEquipment Operator
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 59%High School Diploma, 46%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Front end loader operator vs equipment operator demographics

Here are the differences between front end loader operators' and equipment operators' demographics:

Front End Loader OperatorEquipment Operator
Average age4345
Gender ratioMale, 92.1% Female, 7.9%Male, 93.0% Female, 7.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 16.4% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.2% Asian, 2.3% White, 57.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 7.4% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.9% Asian, 0.9% White, 66.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.9%
LGBT Percentage4%2%

Differences between front end loader operator and equipment operator duties and responsibilities

Front end loader operator example 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.
  • Monitor and adjust production processes for quality and productivity, unload trucks operating forklift load mills using front-end loaders.
  • Complete verification of grades with the utilization of a GPS rover as well a grade laser.
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Equipment operator example responsibilities.

  • Manage and cross-train subordinates in several job-relate tasks while promoting leadership.
  • Operate track loader, dozer, excavator, track skid loader, rubber tire loader, and haul truck as assigned.
  • Operate heavy equipment including loaders and rollers.
  • Operate bulldozers, compactors, and scrapers for residential land development
  • Work include backhoe operation, equipment operation, landscaping and snow removal
  • Operate backhoes and trench diggers.
  • Show more

Front end loader operator vs equipment operator skills

Common front end loader operator skills
  • Front End Loader, 26%
  • Loaders, 12%
  • Asphalt, 12%
  • End Loaders, 9%
  • Dump Truck, 5%
  • Routine Maintenance, 5%
Common equipment operator skills
  • CDL, 10%
  • Loaders, 7%
  • Asphalt, 5%
  • Backhoe, 5%
  • Hand Tools, 5%
  • Safety Rules, 4%

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