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The differences between heavy equipment operators 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 a heavy equipment operator and a loader operator. Additionally, a heavy equipment operator has an average salary of $39,822, which is higher than the $36,987 average annual salary of a loader operator.
The top three skills for a heavy equipment operator include loaders, backhoe and CDL. The most important skills for a loader operator are front end loader, asphalt, and customer service.
| Heavy Equipment Operator | Loader Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $39,822 | $36,987 |
| Hourly rate | $19.15 | $17.78 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 47,261 | 61,980 |
| Job satisfaction | 4.6 | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 54% | High School Diploma, 57% |
| Average age | 45 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
Heavy equipment operators are skilled workers who are trained to handle heavy equipment. They are usually in the construction industry. Some of the equipment they operate are forklifts, bulldozers, dump trucks, backhoes, excavation machines, and mixer trucks. Heavy equipment operators are knowledgeable about the ins and outs of their equipment and are expected to be able to do basic repair and maintenance. They should also be able to recommend more complex repairs and maintenance work needed. Heavy equipment operators must adhere to health and safety protocols at all times.
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.
Heavy equipment operators and loader operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Heavy Equipment Operator | Loader Operator | |
| Average salary | $39,822 | $36,987 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $57,000 | Between $29,000 And $46,000 |
| Highest paying City | Trenton, NJ | Bismarck, ND |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Moody's | Dairy Farmers of America |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Construction |
There are a few differences between a heavy equipment operator and a loader operator in terms of educational background:
| Heavy Equipment Operator | Loader Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 54% | High School Diploma, 57% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between heavy equipment operators' and loader operators' demographics:
| Heavy Equipment Operator | Loader Operator | |
| Average age | 45 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.8% Female, 5.2% | Male, 94.1% Female, 5.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.0% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.4% Asian, 0.9% White, 67.4% 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% |