Loader Operator Salaries

Updated on Jun 05, 2025
Position
Salary

How much does a Loader Operator make?

The average salary for a Loader Operator is $45,190 per year in the US.

Loader Operators play a key role in the logistics and transportation industry. They handle heavy machinery to move materials around. This job can be physically demanding, but it also offers good pay. On average, a Loader Operator earns around $45,190 per year. This figure can vary based on experience and location.

The salary range for Loader Operators can be quite broad. Entry-level positions might start at around $32,000. With more experience, salaries can climb to over $70,000. Some key factors that affect salary include:

  • Years of experience
  • Location
  • Type of industry
  • Certifications and training

Loader Operators with specialized skills or certifications often earn more. Those who work in areas with a high demand for their services can also expect higher pay.

View Loader Operator jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Loader Operator?

Job seekers looking for loader operator roles can find high salaries in several cities. Anchorage, Alaska, leads the pack with an average salary of $58,306. Denver, Colorado, and Fort Collins, Colorado, follow closely, offering $51,397 and $50,026 respectively. These cities provide excellent opportunities for those seeking higher wages in this field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Loader Operator jobs, highlighting Anchorage, AK with the highest at $58,306 and Phoenix, AZ with the lowest at $46,819.
  1. Anchorage, AK
    Average Salary: $58,306
    In Anchorage, loader operators find work in construction and logistics. Companies like Mat-Su Construction and Alaska Marine Lines offer steady jobs. The city's cold climate means year-round demand for these skilled workers.
    Find Loader Operator jobs in Anchorage, AK


  2. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $51,397
    Denver offers many opportunities for loader operators in construction and manufacturing. Companies like Ball Corporation and Kiewit Corporation provide good career paths. The city's growing economy means plenty of job openings.
    Find Loader Operator jobs in Denver, CO


  3. Fort Collins, CO
    Average Salary: $50,026
    Fort Collins has a strong job market for loader operators in agriculture and manufacturing. Companies like Colorado State University and JBS USA create many job opportunities. The city's vibrant community supports a healthy job market.
    Find Loader Operator jobs in Fort Collins, CO


  4. Salt Lake City, UT
    Average Salary: $48,798
    Salt Lake City offers many loader operator jobs in logistics and construction. Companies like Zions Bank and Salt Lake City International Airport provide good career options. The city's growing population means steady demand for these workers.
    Find Loader Operator jobs in Salt Lake City, UT


  5. Colorado Springs, CO
    Average Salary: $48,377
    Colorado Springs has a strong job market for loader operators in defense and logistics. Companies like United States Air Force Academy and Peterson Air Force Base offer many job opportunities. The city's strategic location supports a healthy job market.
    Find Loader Operator jobs in Colorado Springs, CO


  6. Greeley, CO
    Average Salary: $48,261
    Greeley offers many loader operator jobs in agriculture and manufacturing. Companies like JBS USA and Greeley-Evans School District provide good career options. The city's rural setting means plenty of work in these fields.
    Find Loader Operator jobs in Greeley, CO


  7. Sioux Falls, SD
    Average Salary: $48,034
    Sioux Falls has a strong job market for loader operators in manufacturing and logistics. Companies like Sanford Health and Daktronics provide many job opportunities. The city's growing economy means steady demand for these workers.
    Find Loader Operator jobs in Sioux Falls, SD


  8. Nashville, TN
    Average Salary: $47,057
    Nashville offers many loader operator jobs in construction and entertainment. Companies like Bridgestone Arena and Nashville International Airport provide good career options. The city's vibrant music scene creates a lively job market.
    Find Loader Operator jobs in Nashville, TN


  9. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $46,858
    Portland has a strong job market for loader operators in construction and logistics. Companies like Fred Meyer and Port of Portland offer many job opportunities. The city's growing tech industry means plenty of work in these fields.
    Find Loader Operator jobs in Portland, OR


  10. Phoenix, AZ
    Average Salary: $46,819
    Phoenix offers many loader operator jobs in construction and logistics. Companies like Freeport-McMoRan and Salt River Project provide good career options. The city's warm climate means year-round demand for these skilled workers.
    Find Loader Operator jobs in Phoenix, AZ

What are the best companies a Loader Operator can work for?

CalPortland offers the highest average salary for Loader Operator jobs, making it a top choice for job seekers. Vulcan Materials Company and Holcim also provide competitive salaries, ensuring good financial rewards. These companies value their employees and offer attractive compensation packages.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Loader Operator jobs, highlighting CalPortland with the highest at $62,932 and CRH with the lowest at $47,160.
  1. CalPortland
    Average Salary: $62,932
    CalPortland offers competitive salaries for Loader Operator jobs. They operate in various locations across the United States, providing opportunities in both urban and rural areas. Their Loader Operators work in construction sites, ensuring materials are loaded and transported efficiently.


  2. Vulcan Materials Company
    Average Salary: $58,433
    Vulcan Materials Company provides a solid average salary for Loader Operators. They have a nationwide presence, with operations in many states. Loader Operators here play a crucial role in the production and distribution of construction materials.


  3. Holcim
    Average Salary: $51,653
    Holcim offers a good salary for Loader Operators. They operate in multiple locations across the country, focusing on the production of cement and other building materials. Loader Operators at Holcim are essential for the smooth operation of their facilities.


  4. Knife River
    Average Salary: $50,599
    Knife River provides a competitive salary for Loader Operators. They have operations in several states, mainly in the Midwest. Their Loader Operators are key in managing the logistics of material handling and transportation.


  5. Croell Inc.
    Average Salary: $49,810
    Croell Inc. offers a solid average salary for Loader Operators. They operate in various locations, focusing on the construction and infrastructure sectors. Loader Operators here are vital for the efficient movement of materials.


  6. L.G. Everist
    Average Salary: $49,108
    L.G. Everist provides a competitive salary for Loader Operators. They have locations across the United States, with a focus on the construction industry. Loader Operators at L.G. Everist ensure that materials are loaded and transported safely and efficiently.


  7. COLAS
    Average Salary: $48,164
    COLAS offers a good salary for Loader Operators. They operate in many states, with a focus on road construction and maintenance. Loader Operators here are essential for the timely delivery of construction materials.


  8. Heidelberg Materials
    Average Salary: $48,146
    Heidelberg Materials provides a competitive salary for Loader Operators. They have operations in various locations across the country, focusing on the production of construction materials. Loader Operators play a key role in the logistics of material handling.


  9. SRM CONCRETE
    Average Salary: $47,238
    SRM CONCRETE offers a good salary for Loader Operators. They operate in multiple locations, mainly in the Midwest. Loader Operators here are crucial for the efficient movement of concrete and other materials.


  10. CRH
    Average Salary: $47,160
    CRH provides a competitive salary for Loader Operators. They have a nationwide presence, with operations in various states. Loader Operators at CRH are essential for the smooth operation of their facilities, ensuring materials are loaded and transported efficiently.

How to earn more as a Loader Operator?

Loader operators can increase their earnings by focusing on several key areas. First, gaining experience and expertise in operating various types of loaders can lead to higher-paying jobs. Employers often value workers who can handle different equipment efficiently. Second, obtaining certifications and training in specialized areas can make a loader operator more attractive to potential employers. Certifications in safety, equipment maintenance, and advanced operating techniques can open up opportunities for higher wages.

Additionally, loader operators can earn more by taking on roles that require leadership and supervision. Those who advance to positions such as team leader or supervisor can command higher salaries. Networking and building relationships within the industry also play a crucial role. Connecting with other professionals can lead to job opportunities that offer better pay. Finally, seeking out employers who offer competitive wages and benefits can make a significant difference in earnings. Researching and applying to companies known for fair compensation can lead to more lucrative positions.

Here are five factors to consider for earning more as a loader operator:

  1. Gain experience and expertise in operating various types of loaders.
  2. Obtain certifications and training in specialized areas.
  3. Advance to leadership and supervisory roles.
  4. Network and build relationships within the industry.
  5. Seek out employers offering competitive wages and benefits.

Currently 437 Loader Operator job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Loader Operator in the US?

Learn what a Loader Operator does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Loader Operator today.
Position
Overview
Loader Operator
437 Job Openings