How to hire a loader operator

How to hire a loader operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step loader operator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a loader operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new loader operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a loader operator do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the loader operator you need to hire. Certain loader operator roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A loader operator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, loader operators from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list shows salaries for various types of loader operators.

   Type of Loader Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Loader Operator	Material moving machine operators use machinery to transport various objects. Some operators move construction materials around building sites or excavate earth from a mine... Show more	$13-22
   Machine Operator/Forklift Operator	A machine operator/forklift operator is responsible for operating industrial trucks to move merchandise around the warehouse facilities and other assigned areas. Machine operators/forklift operators also assist with inventory tasks by scanning orders and ensuring the correct merchandise for shipment... Show more	$12-18
   Equipment Operator/Labour	Heavy equipment operators control and drive construction equipment. The operators operate heavy equipment, including backhoes, bulldozers, and lift... Show more	$12-20

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Front End Loader
   • Asphalt
   • Customer Service
   • Loaders
   • Hand Tools
   • Preventative Maintenance
   • End Loaders
   • Load Trucks
   • MSHA
   • Routine Maintenance
   • OSHA
   • CDL
   • Safety Rules
   • Safety Regulations

   Check all skills

   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.

   More loader operator duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your loader operator job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A loader operator can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, loader operators' average salary in north carolina is 39% less than in alaska.
   • Seniority. Entry-level loader operators 37% less than senior-level loader operators.
   • Certifications. A loader operator with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a loader operator's salary.

   Average loader operator salary

   $36,987yearly

   $17.78 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level loader operator salary

   $29,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 14, 2025

   Average loader operator salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	North Dakota	$45,896	$22
   2	Kansas	$41,318	$20
   3	Wyoming	$40,755	$20
   4	Washington	$40,142	$19
   5	South Dakota	$39,885	$19
   6	Colorado	$39,853	$19
   7	Oregon	$38,675	$19
   8	California	$38,550	$19
   9	Maryland	$38,166	$18
   10	Utah	$37,506	$18
   11	Iowa	$37,291	$18
   12	Ohio	$35,885	$17
   13	Tennessee	$35,223	$17
   14	Illinois	$34,686	$17
   15	Louisiana	$33,859	$16
   16	South Carolina	$32,373	$16
   17	Florida	$32,299	$16
   18	Texas	$31,728	$15
   19	Georgia	$30,602	$15
   20	North Carolina	$28,628	$14

   Average loader operator salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Dairy Farmers of America	$44,179	$21.24	108
   2	MDU Resources	$43,299	$20.82	1
   3	Fluor Corporation	$42,662	$20.51	21
   4	North American Stainless	$42,612	$20.49
   5	Schnitzer Steel	$42,567	$20.46
   6	Steel Dynamics	$42,475	$20.42	22
   7	Walsh Electric	$42,218	$20.30
   8	FlatironConstruction	$41,912	$20.15
   9	Bunge	$41,721	$20.06	11
   10	Calportland	$41,683	$20.04	13
   11	U.S. Silica	$41,633	$20.02	1
   12	Lehigh Hanson	$41,539	$19.97
   13	Cemex	$41,510	$19.96	23
   14	Allan A. Myers	$41,510	$19.96	14
   15	Blythe Construction	$41,484	$19.94	7
   16	Hubbard Construction	$41,480	$19.94	4
   17	Clyde Companies	$41,440	$19.92	9
   18	International Paper	$41,402	$19.90	24
   19	Jr. Davis Construction	$41,379	$19.89	4
   20	Strata	$41,362	$19.89

4. Writing a loader operator job description

   A loader operator job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a loader operator job description:

   Loader operator job description example

   General Purpose
   The Loader Operator supports the success of the business operations in a warehouse and manufacturing environment by packaging, stacking, movement of goods, and operation of various material handling equipment.
   
   Principal Duties and Responsibilities
   
   Performs functions relating to standard operating of pellet mill yard equipment including start-up, shutdown, cleaning, inspection, and general maintenance
   Assist with operation of bag line, bagging and packaging of different products Responsible for keeping work area clean and orderly Reports any machine problems as soon as possible Conducts quality control tests for products in assigned area as instructed Uses forklifts, skid steers, Cord King, Kiln, Loaders, as needed and instructed Fills in as warehouse and shipping operator as needed Assists with general maintenance, cleaning and organizing in various areas during periods of down time as instructed Ensures all products are shipped or stored properly and counted accurately Adheres to company safety policies and OSHA standards
   
   Qualificaitons/Requirements
   Ability to understand and comply with all safety regulations Must have a good attitude and the ability to interact well with co-workers, contractors and suppliers.Preferred previous warehouse experience Must possess basic math skills Must be willing to work in hot, humid, cold, dusty, and noisy industrial environment.Must be able to perform physically demanding and repetitive tasks for extended periods Ability to work within a team or in a lone environment with limited supervision
   
   We offer a highly competitive salary, comprehensive benefits including: medical and dental, vision, disability and life insurance, 401K, PTO, tuition reimbursement, gear discounts and the ability to add value to an exciting mission!
   
   Our Postings are not intended for distribution to or use in any jurisdiction, country or territory where such distribution or use would violate local law or would subject us to any regulations in another jurisdiction, country or territory. We reserve the right to limit our Postings in any jurisdiction, country or territory.
   
   Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Females/Protected Veteran/Disabled
   
   At this time, Vista Outdoor is closely monitoring the developments on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) COVID-19 workplace rule regarding COVID-19 vaccination or testing. You will not be asked any questions regarding these items during application.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right loader operator for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your loader operator job on Zippia to find and recruit loader operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting loader operators requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new loader operator

   Once you have selected a candidate for the loader operator position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new loader operator first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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How much does it cost to hire a loader operator?