Mule operator vs loader operator

The differences between mule operators 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 mule operator and a loader operator. Additionally, a loader operator has an average salary of $36,987, which is higher than the $33,910 average annual salary of a mule operator.

Mule operator vs loader operator overview

	Mule Operator	Loader Operator
Yearly salary	$33,910	$36,987
Hourly rate	$16.30	$17.78
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	42,264	61,980
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 83%	High School Diploma, 57%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	4	4

Mule operator vs loader operator salary

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

	Mule Operator	Loader Operator
Average salary	$33,910	$36,987
Salary range	Between $28,000 And $41,000	Between $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 mule operator and loader operator education

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

	Mule Operator	Loader Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 83%	High School Diploma, 57%
Most common major	Computer Technical Support	Business
Most common college	-	-

Mule operator vs loader operator demographics

Here are the differences between mule operators' and loader operators' demographics:

	Mule Operator	Loader Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 83.8% Female, 16.2%	Male, 94.1% Female, 5.9%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 20.3% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 23.2% Asian, 1.8% White, 49.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%	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 mule operator and loader operator duties and responsibilities

Mule operator example responsibilities.

Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
Landscape and maintain residential HOA communities.
Perform specialized production line and quality control duties in a professional production environment specializing in plastic extrusion.
Move inventory in support of logistics management.

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.

Mule Operator vs. similar jobs

Mule Operator related careers

Mule Operator related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Transportation Industry
Mule Operator
Mule Operator vs Loader Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse transportation jobs