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Loader vs bucket operator

The differences between loaders and bucket operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a bucket operator has an average salary of $41,288, which is higher than the $32,820 average annual salary of a loader.

The top three skills for a loader include customer service, pallets and loaders. The most important skills for a bucket operator are ETC, hand tools, and ladders.

Loader vs bucket operator overview

LoaderBucket Operator
Yearly salary$32,820$41,288
Hourly rate$15.78$19.85
Growth rate6%5%
Number of jobs40,00840,119
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 56%High School Diploma, 68%
Average age4143
Years of experience--

What does a loader do?

The responsibilities of a loader will vary in an industry or organization. In a warehouse or retail setting, a loader is responsible for loading and unloading packages, ensuring the accuracy of all goods and invoices. Most of the tasks will involve physical work, and there are also instances when one needs to operate machines such as a forklift. Moreover, a loader must also keep records and monitor the inventory at all times and coordinate with supervisors, all in adherence to the company's policies and safety regulations.

What does a bucket operator do?

A bucket operator is primarily in charge of operating bucket trucks, ensuring safety and efficiency for a smooth and successful workflow. Although a bucket operator has different responsibilities depending on their industry or place of employment, it usually includes planning and coordinating operations according to project requirements, setting guidelines, and delegating duties among staff. They can also perform tasks such as pouring and collecting materials, keeping records, and maintaining the cleanliness of areas. Moreover, in some companies, they supervise staff operations while enforcing the company's safety standards and regulations.

Loader vs bucket operator salary

Loaders and bucket operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

LoaderBucket Operator
Average salary$32,820$41,288
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $39,000Between $32,000 And $52,000
Highest paying CitySeattle, WA-
Highest paying stateAlaska-
Best paying companyKemps-
Best paying industryManufacturing-

Differences between loader and bucket operator education

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

LoaderBucket Operator
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 56%High School Diploma, 68%
Most common majorBusinessGeneral Studies
Most common college--

Loader vs bucket operator demographics

Here are the differences between loaders' and bucket operators' demographics:

LoaderBucket Operator
Average age4143
Gender ratioMale, 87.6% Female, 12.4%Male, 98.6% Female, 1.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.9% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 16.1% Asian, 4.4% White, 63.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.6%Black or African American, 12.8% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.3% Asian, 7.0% White, 59.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage3%5%

Differences between loader and bucket operator duties and responsibilities

Loader example 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.
  • Set pallet design to ensure the drivers' logistics would not be compromise.
  • Bill out trucks at the end of load, operate bobcat when need.
  • Show more

Bucket operator example responsibilities.

  • Programme CNC machine for component placement and trigonometry assessment of circuitry board.
  • Design rigging and hoisting systems.

Loader vs bucket operator skills

Common loader skills
  • Customer Service, 17%
  • Pallets, 14%
  • Loaders, 8%
  • Customer Vehicles, 5%
  • Semi Trailers, 5%
  • Load Trucks, 5%
Common bucket operator skills
  • ETC, 24%
  • Hand Tools, 16%
  • Ladders, 14%
  • Power Saws, 12%
  • CDL, 10%
  • PPE, 9%

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