Unloader operator vs loader operator

The differences between unloader 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 an unloader operator and a loader operator. Additionally, an unloader operator has an average salary of $37,270, which is higher than the $36,987 average annual salary of a loader operator.

The top three skills for an unloader operator include rail cars, storage tanks and unload trucks. The most important skills for a loader operator are front end loader, asphalt, and customer service.

Unloader operator vs loader operator overview

	Unloader Operator	Loader Operator
Yearly salary	$37,270	$36,987
Hourly rate	$17.92	$17.78
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	49,366	61,980
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 61%	High School Diploma, 57%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	4	4

Unloader operator vs loader operator salary

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

	Unloader Operator	Loader Operator
Average salary	$37,270	$36,987
Salary range	Between $29,000 And $47,000	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 unloader operator and loader operator education

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

	Unloader Operator	Loader Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 61%	High School Diploma, 57%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Unloader operator vs loader operator demographics

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

	Unloader Operator	Loader Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 86.0% Female, 14.0%	Male, 94.1% Female, 5.9%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 16.0% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 17.7% Asian, 2.2% White, 59.0% 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 unloader operator and loader operator duties and responsibilities

Unloader operator example responsibilities.

Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
Perform specialized production line and quality control duties in a professional production environment specializing in plastic extrusion.
Recycle used materials -cleane assigned areas -Assist in other warehouse areas as needed

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.

Unloader operator vs loader operator skills

Common unloader operator skills

Rail Cars, 84%
Storage Tanks, 8%
Unload Trucks, 8%

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
Unloader Operator
Unloader Operator vs Loader Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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