Loader/driver vs loader operator

The differences between loader/drivers 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 loader/driver and a loader operator. Additionally, a loader/driver has an average salary of $39,446, which is higher than the $36,987 average annual salary of a loader operator.

The top three skills for a loader/driver include CDL, safety equipment and post-trip inspections. The most important skills for a loader operator are front end loader, asphalt, and customer service.

Loader/driver vs loader operator overview

	Loader/Driver	Loader Operator
Yearly salary	$39,446	$36,987
Hourly rate	$18.96	$17.78
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	137,815	61,980
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 48%	High School Diploma, 57%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	4	4

Loader/driver vs loader operator salary

Loader/drivers and loader operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Loader/Driver	Loader Operator
Average salary	$39,446	$36,987
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $59,000	Between $29,000 And $46,000
Highest paying City	New York, NY	Bismarck, ND
Highest paying state	New York	Alaska
Best paying company	Bulkmatic Transport	Dairy Farmers of America
Best paying industry	Utilities	Construction

Differences between loader/driver and loader operator education

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

	Loader/Driver	Loader Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 48%	High School Diploma, 57%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Loader/driver vs loader operator demographics

Here are the differences between loader/drivers' and loader operators' demographics:

	Loader/Driver	Loader Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 92.4% Female, 7.6%	Male, 94.1% Female, 5.9%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 15.4% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 2.5% White, 59.8% 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 Percentage	4%	4%

Differences between loader/driver and loader operator duties and responsibilities

Loader/driver example responsibilities.

DOT certify to drive trucks.
Operate automated and semi-automate hoisting devices that raise refuse bins and empty contents.
Deliver and run all parts of the DFW Metroplex, and love the work
Maintain a neat and clean work area, follow OSHA standards for safe material handling.
Deliver auto supplies Unload/loading supplies upon delivery used GPS
Conduct deliveries of medical equipment throughout Florida, collect payments, and ensure proper cleanliness of medical equipment

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.

Loader/driver vs loader operator skills

Common loader/driver skills

CDL, 28%
Safety Equipment, 11%
Post-Trip Inspections, 9%
DOT, 9%
OSHA, 5%
Safety Policies, 4%

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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Transportation Industry
Loader/Driver
Loader/Driver vs Loader Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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