What You Need to Know About Becoming a Loader Operator

If you’re looking to find a new career, you should consider becoming a loader operator. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 45,000 loader operator jobs are projected each year over the next decade, making it a very in-demand career choice. Loaders are found on job sites in numerous industries, such as construction, mining, renewable energy, and transportation, so no matter what industry you want to work in, you’ll likely find various opportunities as a loader operator.

But what does a loader actually do and why is it so important on a job site? Here, we’ll dive into what a loader operator does and how PTS can help you join this exciting career.

Want to know more about wheel loaders and how they move materials? Check out our article here, Why You Should Attend a Wheel Loader Training School.

Everything You Need to About Loaders

First things first: what is a loader and why is it important? A loader is a piece of heavy equipment used to move various items on a job site, such as rock, soil, debris, and other building materials. It has a large bucket used to scoop and dump these materials, and is essential in construction, highway projects, landscaping, and agriculture. They are different from bulldozers because they use large buckets to lift materials, while bulldozers use a heavy metal plate.

There are various types of loaders with different characteristics but similar capabilities. A front-end loader has a large bucket mounted in the front of the machinery that scoops and lifts materials. A specific type of front-end loader is a wheel loader, which has large, thick wheels that enable it to cover larger areas. A backhoe loader utilizes the typical loader bucket in the front, combined with a backhoe attachment at the back that allows them to perform excavating tasks.

While dependent on location and experience, the average salary of a loader operator is about $55,270, but there are plenty of opportunities for that number to grow as your career progresses. Earning a NCCER credential can go a long way in improving your salary potential, and PTS can help with that. Let’s learn how.

PTS Can Help You Become a Loader Operator

At PTS, we are committed to preparing you for a long and successful career as a loader operator. With our Heavy Equipment Operator 1 course, you can learn how to operate various types of heavy equipment, including wheel loaders, skid steers, backhoes, and more. You’ll also learn how to perform preventative maintenance, safety protocols, and learn earthmoving and soils, preparing you to be a loader operator on any job site you wish.

Take your education one step further with our Heavy Equipment Operator 2 course. You’ll learn how to operate other types of equipment, like bulldozers and excavators, and also gain experience with finishing and grading, as well as site work. Combined, these two courses will prepare you well for a rewarding career.

PTS has long been considered one of the nation’s premier heavy equipment training schools, and we’re proud to serve individuals from all walks of life, including veterans and recent high school graduates. With our three-week programs, you’ll gain valuable foundational skills that will help you succeed in your career. Our courses combine practical experience with classroom instruction so you have all the tools you need to find a job as a loader operator.

If you’re looking to enhance your career, get in touch with PTS today. Schedule a tour and earn a $500 tuition reduction scholarship now.