How To Become A Loader: What It Is and Career Path

What is a loader and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

A loader is probably one of the coolest jobs that not everyone knows about. Their work is basically like a game of Tetris. Loading goods into trucks, according to the delivery schedule. If you love physical work and want to get an understanding of how logistic scheduling works, this can be a role that is eye-opening.

Daily, a loader is involved in activities such as maintaining inventory in warehouses, loading items into delivery trucks, and performing machine operations, such as pallet jackets and forklifts. Besides that, they ensure proper item storage and help to maintain warehouse cleanliness.

Employers require loaders to have a minimum of a high school diploma and they earn, on average, $14 per hour. Being a loader is suitable for individuals who want to specialize in the area of material handling.

ScoreLoaderUS Average

Salary

2.6

Avg. Salary $32,820

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

8.1

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

10.0

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.55%

Asian 4.43%

Black or African American 10.88%

Hispanic or Latino 16.08%

Unknown 3.80%

White 63.26%

Gender

female 12.35%

male 87.65%

Age - 41

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 41

Stress level

8.1

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.2

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

3.3

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a loader

Explore loader education requirements

Most common loader degrees

High School Diploma

55.8 %

Associate

13.3 %

Diploma

13.3 %

Start to develop specific loader skills

Skills	Percentages
Customer Service	17.34%
Pallets	13.73%
Loaders	8.38%
Customer Vehicles	5.46%
Semi Trailers	5.21%

Complete relevant loader training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New loaders learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a loader based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real loader resumes.

Gain additional loader certifications

Loader certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific loader certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for loaders include Commercial Driver License (CDL) and OSHA Safety Certificate .

More About Certifications

Research loader duties and responsibilities

Manage Mexico border, customs paperwork, and drayage for Lear, drayage/door to door movements for Nissan.
have the ability to operate a trackmobile.
Start off as Manifester, tendering BOL's and expediting loads.
Maintain all safety requirements as set forth by the company and OSHA.

Prepare your loader resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your loader resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a loader resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable loader resume templates

Build a professional loader resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your loader resume.