Heavy machinery operator vs loader operator

The differences between heavy machinery 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 machinery operator and a loader operator. Additionally, a loader operator has an average salary of $36,987, which is higher than the $31,351 average annual salary of a heavy machinery operator.

The top three skills for a heavy machinery operator include dump truck, backhoe and load trucks. The most important skills for a loader operator are front end loader, asphalt, and customer service.

Heavy machinery operator vs loader operator overview

	Heavy Machinery Operator	Loader Operator
Yearly salary	$31,351	$36,987
Hourly rate	$15.07	$17.78
Growth rate	5%	7%
Number of jobs	37,580	61,980
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 45%	High School Diploma, 57%
Average age	45	43
Years of experience	4	4

Heavy machinery operator vs loader operator salary

Heavy machinery operators and loader operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Heavy Machinery Operator	Loader Operator
Average salary	$31,351	$36,987
Salary range	Between $24,000 And $40,000	Between $29,000 And $46,000
Highest paying City	Reedley, CA	Bismarck, ND
Highest paying state	Alaska	Alaska
Best paying company	Dairy Farmers of America	Dairy Farmers of America
Best paying industry	Automotive	Construction

Differences between heavy machinery operator and loader operator education

There are a few differences between a heavy machinery operator and a loader operator in terms of educational background:

	Heavy Machinery Operator	Loader Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 45%	High School Diploma, 57%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Heavy machinery operator vs loader operator demographics

Here are the differences between heavy machinery operators' and loader operators' demographics:

	Heavy Machinery Operator	Loader Operator
Average age	45	43
Gender ratio	Male, 91.4% Female, 8.6%	Male, 94.1% Female, 5.9%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 7.2% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 19.0% Asian, 0.9% White, 66.7% 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%

Differences between heavy machinery operator and loader operator duties and responsibilities

Heavy machinery operator example responsibilities.

Used heavy machinery such as a bobcat, backhoe and forklift to move asphalt or material.
Operate CNC lathe along with several other pieces of machinery equipment.
Operate backhoe to excavate excess water/mud to build barriers to prevent a spill over onto roads and residential area.
Start engines, move throttle switch and levers, such as bulldozers, road graders and backhoes and relate machines.
Operate light machinery including bulldozers and maintainers
Reviewed/Approve area assessment reports and corrective action plans assuring compliance with applicable OSHA and EPA regulatory guidance.

Loader operator example responsibilities.

Inventory control; FIFO procedures, HAZMAT certify.
Excavate midstream on load lines for repair backfill and finish
Dismantle and reassemble heavy equipment using hoists and hand tools.
Excavate and prepare trenches for plumbing and utilities to residential homes.
Operate excavator doing residential demolition and dig footings for new structures.
Utilize appropriate level of PPE for the chemical being handle or transfer.

Heavy machinery operator vs loader operator skills

Common heavy machinery operator skills

Dump Truck, 15%
Backhoe, 10%
Load Trucks, 7%
Front End Loader, 7%
CDL, 6%
Bobcat, 6%

Common loader operator skills

Front End Loader, 11%
Asphalt, 9%
Customer Service, 8%
Loaders, 7%
Hand Tools, 5%
Preventative Maintenance, 4%

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Heavy Machinery Operator
Heavy Machinery Operator vs Loader Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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