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.
Front end loader operator responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real front end loader operator resumes:
- 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.
- Set and check elevation grade stakes and check site elevations using up to date GPS technologies.
- Complete intensive on-the-job training in HAZMAT and acquire certification for appropriate handling of hazardous materials.
Front end loader operator skills and personality traits
We calculated that 26% of Front End Loader Operators are proficient in Front End Loader, Loaders, and Asphalt. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Visual ability, and Mechanical skills.
We break down the percentage of Front End Loader Operators that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Front End Loader, 26%
Operated front end loader and forklift to move materials in preparation for delivery* Pulled orders for customers* Provided excellent customer service
- Loaders, 12%
Monitored and adjusted production processes for quality and productivity, unloaded trucks operating forklift loaded mills using front-end loaders.
- Asphalt, 12%
Burn and scrape asphalt off pipes, dig abandoned piepes out of ground with bacco
- End Loaders, 9%
Operated and monitored equipment included in the waste-water treatment process including operating front end loaders.
- Dump Truck, 5%
Operated Dump Truck to haul ditch silt off site, and spread lime rock on rock surfaced roads.
- Routine Maintenance, 5%
Performed routine maintenance and daily inspections on equipment.
"front end loader," "loaders," and "asphalt" are among the most common skills that front end loader operators use at work. You can find even more front end loader operator responsibilities below, including:
Communication skills. One of the key soft skills for a front end loader operator to have is communication skills. You can see how this relates to what front end loader operators do because "material moving machine operators signal and direct workers to load and unload material." Additionally, a front end loader operator resume shows how front end loader operators use communication skills: "operated and monitored multiple cyber computer systems and associated communication equipment for ballistic missile early warning system. "
Visual ability. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling front end loader operator duties is visual ability. The role rewards competence in this skill because "material moving machine operators must be able to see clearly where they are driving or what they are moving." According to a front end loader operator resume, here's how front end loader operators can utilize visual ability in their job responsibilities: "utilize visual andaudio signals for hoisting operations. "
Mechanical skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of front end loader operators is mechanical skills. This skill is critical to many everyday front end loader operator duties, as "material moving machine operators make minor adjustments to their machines and perform basic maintenance on them." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "repaired pulleys, conveyor belts and other plant mechanical issues. "
The three companies that hire the most front end loader operators are:
- Oldcastle Infrastructure7 front end loader operators jobs
- C.W. Matthews Contracting Co.6 front end loader operators jobs
- Arcosa5 front end loader operators jobs
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Compare different front end loader operators
Front end loader operator vs. Forklift driver
A forklift operator is responsible for managing and operating industrial trucks and machines to ensure its performance safety and stability. Forklift operators' duties include safely handling of deliveries, securely moving items to storage areas, monitoring inventories and supplies, running diagnostic tests, reporting inspected malfunctions and deficiencies, performing basic troubleshooting, and adhering to safety procedures. It is a requirement that a forklift operator must have excellent time-management skills, as well as the ability to multi-task for daily operations.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a front end loader operator are more likely to require skills like "front end loader," "loaders," "asphalt," and "end loaders." On the other hand, a job as a forklift driver requires skills like "pallets," "electric pallet jack," "stand-up forklift," and "safety standards." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Forklift drivers tend to make the most money working in the manufacturing industry, where they earn an average salary of $38,078. In contrast, front end loader operators make the biggest average salary, $39,863, in the manufacturing industry.forklift drivers tend to reach similar levels of education than front end loader operators. In fact, forklift drivers are 0.1% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Front end loader operator vs. Loader
The responsibilities of a loader will vary in an industry or organization. In a warehouse or retail setting, a loader is responsible for loading and unloading packages, ensuring the accuracy of all goods and invoices. Most of the tasks will involve physical work, and there are also instances when one needs to operate machines such as a forklift. Moreover, a loader must also keep records and monitor the inventory at all times and coordinate with supervisors, all in adherence to the company's policies and safety regulations.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, front end loader operator responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "front end loader," "asphalt," "end loaders," and "dump truck." Meanwhile, a loader has duties that require skills in areas such as "customer service," "pallets," "semi trailers," and "basic math." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Loaders may earn a lower salary than front end loader operators, but loaders earn the most pay in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $35,772. On the other hand, front end loader operators receive higher pay in the manufacturing industry, where they earn an average salary of $39,863.In general, loaders achieve similar levels of education than front end loader operators. They're 0.2% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Front end loader operator vs. Loader/driver
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from front end loader operator resumes include skills like "front end loader," "loaders," "asphalt," and "end loaders," whereas a loader/driver is more likely to list skills in "safety equipment," "post-trip inspections," "osha," and "safety policies. "
Loader/drivers earn the best pay in the utilities industry, where they command an average salary of $44,581. Front end loader operators earn the highest pay from the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $39,863.When it comes to education, loader/drivers tend to earn similar degree levels compared to front end loader operators. In fact, they're 0.9% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Front end loader operator vs. Forklift operator and receiver
Types of front end loader operator
Updated January 8, 2025
