Wheel loader operator vs loader operator

The differences between wheel loader 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 wheel loader operator and a loader operator. Additionally, a loader operator has an average salary of $36,987, which is higher than the $32,803 average annual salary of a wheel loader operator.

The top three skills for a wheel loader operator include asphalt, routine maintenance and forks. The most important skills for a loader operator are front end loader, asphalt, and customer service.

Wheel loader operator vs loader operator overview

	Wheel Loader Operator	Loader Operator
Yearly salary	$32,803	$36,987
Hourly rate	$15.77	$17.78
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	43,637	61,980
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 43%	High School Diploma, 57%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	4	4

Wheel loader operator vs loader operator salary

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

	Wheel Loader Operator	Loader Operator
Average salary	$32,803	$36,987
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $40,000	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 wheel loader operator and loader operator education

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

	Wheel Loader Operator	Loader Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 43%	High School Diploma, 57%
Most common major	Criminal Justice	Business
Most common college	-	-

Wheel loader operator vs loader operator demographics

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

	Wheel Loader Operator	Loader Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 95.3% Female, 4.7%	Male, 94.1% Female, 5.9%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 15.0% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 2.7% White, 60.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%	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 wheel loader operator and loader operator duties and responsibilities

Wheel loader operator example responsibilities.

Perform specialized production line and quality control duties in a professional production environment specializing in plastic extrusion.
Experience also includes track hoe and dozer operations as needed.
Perform specialized production line and quality control duties in a professional production environment specializing in plastic extrusion.

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.

Wheel loader operator vs loader operator skills

Common wheel loader operator skills

Asphalt, 57%
Routine Maintenance, 29%
Forks, 15%

Common loader operator skills

Front End Loader, 11%
Asphalt, 9%
Customer Service, 8%
Loaders, 7%
Hand Tools, 5%
Preventative Maintenance, 4%

Wheel Loader Operator vs. similar jobs

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Wheel Loader Operator related jobs

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Transportation Industry
Wheel Loader Operator
Wheel Loader Operator vs Loader Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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