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Lead loader vs loader operator

The differences between lead loaders 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 lead loader and a loader operator. Additionally, a loader operator has an average salary of $36,987, which is higher than the $36,858 average annual salary of a lead loader.

The top three skills for a lead loader include load trucks, safety standards and pallets. The most important skills for a loader operator are front end loader, asphalt, and customer service.

Lead loader vs loader operator overview

Lead LoaderLoader Operator
Yearly salary$36,858$36,987
Hourly rate$17.72$17.78
Growth rate7%7%
Number of jobs4,33361,980
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 47%High School Diploma, 57%
Average age4343
Years of experience44

Lead loader vs loader operator salary

Lead loaders and loader operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Lead LoaderLoader Operator
Average salary$36,858$36,987
Salary rangeBetween $23,000 And $58,000Between $29,000 And $46,000
Highest paying City-Bismarck, ND
Highest paying state-Alaska
Best paying company-Dairy Farmers of America
Best paying industry-Construction

Differences between lead loader and loader operator education

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

Lead LoaderLoader Operator
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 47%High School Diploma, 57%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Lead loader vs loader operator demographics

Here are the differences between lead loaders' and loader operators' demographics:

Lead LoaderLoader Operator
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 88.8% Female, 11.2%Male, 94.1% Female, 5.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 15.2% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 19.1% Asian, 2.3% White, 58.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%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 Percentage4%4%

Differences between lead loader and loader operator duties and responsibilities

Lead loader example responsibilities.

  • Manage Mexico border, customs paperwork, and drayage for Lear, drayage/door to door movements for Nissan.
  • Move product locations using RF unit.
  • Help direct other loaders during operation, ensuring accurate and efficient completion of tasks.
  • Distribute work to loaders daily and keep records of production numbers for each loader.
  • General warehouse duties and responsible for cleaning the work area and equipment regularly by removing empty pallets, wood and plastic.
  • Operate various machines throughout warehouse following OSHA and company safety protocols.
  • Show more

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.
  • Show more

Lead loader vs loader operator skills

Common lead loader skills
  • Load Trucks, 18%
  • Safety Standards, 16%
  • Pallets, 11%
  • Loaders, 9%
  • Unload Trailers, 6%
  • Pallet Jack, 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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