How much does a Loader Operator make?
Loader Operators typically earn an average yearly salary of $45,760. This job involves operating machinery to move materials like soil, rocks, and sand. The salary can vary based on experience, location, and other factors.
The salary distribution shows that most Loader Operators make between $32,000 and $50,182 per year. About 20.95% earn between $39,273 and $42,909. A small percentage, around 1.76%, earn above $68,364. This range reflects the potential for earnings to increase with experience and skill.
What are the highest paying cities for a Loader Operator?

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Anchorage, AK
Average Salary: $60,552
In Anchorage, loader operators find steady work in construction and logistics. Major projects and companies offer great opportunities for career growth. Key employers include construction firms and shipping companies.
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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $52,759
Denver's dynamic job market offers many openings for loader operators. The city's bustling construction and shipping industries provide a variety of roles. Companies like Xcel Energy and Denver Public Schools are hiring.
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Fort Collins, CO
Average Salary: $50,421
Fort Collins offers a mix of steady jobs for loader operators in agriculture and construction. The area’s growing tech sector also provides diverse opportunities. Companies such as CH2M and Ball Aerospace are always looking for skilled workers.
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Colorado Springs, CO
Average Salary: $49,850
Colorado Springs is a hub for loader operators with plenty of work in logistics and military installations. The area’s growing tech and aerospace sectors provide stable career paths. Key employers include Peterson Air Force Base and various tech firms.
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Greeley, CO
Average Salary: $49,786
Greeley, known for its agriculture, offers solid opportunities for loader operators. The area’s food processing plants and logistics companies need skilled workers. Companies like JBS USA and Conagra Brands are hiring.
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Sioux Falls, SD
Average Salary: $49,780
Sioux Falls provides steady work for loader operators in the logistics and manufacturing sectors. The city’s growing tech industry also offers new opportunities. Major employers include Sanford Health and Dakota Dunes Casino.
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Salt Lake City, UT
Average Salary: $48,106
Salt Lake City’s diverse economy offers plenty of job openings for loader operators. The city’s logistics, construction, and tech sectors provide good career options. Key employers include Zions Bank and Vivint Smart Home.
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Eugene, OR
Average Salary: $47,427
Eugene’s job market offers many opportunities for loader operators in manufacturing and construction. The area’s tech and education sectors also provide good roles. Companies like Amazon and the University of Oregon are hiring.
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Portland, OR
Average Salary: $46,908
Portland’s vibrant job market offers diverse roles for loader operators. The city’s logistics, construction, and tech industries provide many opportunities. Key employers include Portland General Electric and Intel.
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Albuquerque, NM
Average Salary: $45,690
Albuquerque provides stable jobs for loader operators in construction and logistics. The city’s energy and tech sectors offer good career paths. Employers like Sandia National Laboratories and PNM Resources are looking for skilled workers.
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What are the best companies a Loader Operator can work for?

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CalPortland
Average Salary: $64,362
CalPortland offers exciting opportunities for Loader Operators across various locations in the western United States. At CalPortland, Loader Operators play a key role in cement production. This job involves operating heavy machinery and ensuring smooth operations in cement plants, mainly located in California, Oregon, and Washington.
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Vulcan Materials Company
Average Salary: $56,228
Vulcan Materials Company provides rewarding career paths for Loader Operators in multiple regions. Loader Operators at Vulcan work in quarries and cement plants. They manage loading and unloading materials. Vulcan operates in numerous states, including Alabama, Florida, and Texas, offering diverse work environments.
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CEMEX
Average Salary: $54,735
CEMEX offers well-paying roles for Loader Operators. These professionals work in cement plants and quarries across the country. They handle heavy equipment to ensure efficient production. CEMEX operates in many states, such as New York, Pennsylvania, and Georgia, providing extensive job opportunities.
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Knife River
Average Salary: $53,932
Knife River Corporation hires Loader Operators who work in various mining operations. They operate heavy machinery to extract materials. Knife River operates in North Dakota and Montana, focusing on mining and agriculture sectors.
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Holcim
Average Salary: $50,979
Holcim provides diverse opportunities for Loader Operators in its cement plants across the United States. Loader Operators at Holcim manage loading and unloading materials, ensuring smooth production processes. Holcim has facilities in states like Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan.
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Heidelberg Materials
Average Salary: $48,155
Heidelberg Materials offers roles for Loader Operators in its cement and aggregates plants. They work with heavy machinery to move materials. Heidelberg Materials operates in various states, including Illinois, Missouri, and Wisconsin.
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Allan Myers
Average Salary: $47,561
Allan Myers Corporation provides opportunities for Loader Operators in its cement plants. They manage heavy equipment to ensure efficient production. Allan Myers operates in states such as Colorado and Kansas.
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COLAS
Average Salary: $47,429
Colas Ltd offers positions for Loader Operators in its construction and infrastructure projects. They handle loading and unloading materials. Colas operates in multiple states, providing extensive opportunities.
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Summit Materials
Average Salary: $47,075
Summit Materials hires Loader Operators who work in quarries and cement plants. They manage heavy equipment to ensure smooth production. Summit Materials operates in states such as New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
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Denali Water Solutions
Average Salary: $46,841
Denali Water Solutions provides roles for Loader Operators in its water treatment facilities. They handle loading and unloading materials. Denali Water Solutions operates in Alaska, offering unique job opportunities.
How to earn more as a Loader Operator?
Loader operators can find various ways to earn more in their profession. By focusing on skill development and work efficiency, one can increase their income. Attention to detail, safety compliance, and teamwork also play crucial roles in advancing one's career.
Here are five key factors that can help loader operators earn more:
- Certifications: Earning certifications can demonstrate a higher level of skill and knowledge. Many employers value certified workers more and may offer higher wages.
- Experience: Gaining experience in different environments and with various equipment helps loader operators become more versatile. This versatility can lead to better job opportunities and higher pay.
- Safety Record: A strong safety record shows an employer that the loader operator takes their job seriously. Fewer accidents mean less downtime and can result in higher pay or promotions.
- Efficiency: Working quickly and accurately can lead to higher productivity. Efficient loader operators often receive bonuses or higher pay for their ability to complete tasks on time.
- Additional Skills: Learning additional skills, such as operating other machinery or handling logistics, makes loader operators more valuable to employers. These skills can lead to higher-paying jobs or roles with more responsibilities.



