Loader Operators
Overview
Snapshot
Summary
Loader Operators operate motorised loaders to move and load soil, rock and other material.
Specialisations: Bobcat Operator, Front-end Loader Operator.
Formal qualifications are not essential to work as a Loader Operator. Although some workers have a certificate III in civil construction plant operations.
Tasks
-
Prepares and positions plant for operation.
-
Selects, fits and removes attachments such as buckets, winches and loading scoops.
-
Operates controls to move and load a range of natural materials.
-
Monitors operation of plant and adjusts controls to regulate pressure, speed and flow of operation, and ensures safety of other workers.
-
Raises, lowers and manipulates attachments using manual and hydraulic controls.
-
Works from drawings, markers and verbal instructions.
-
Services, lubricates, cleans and refuels plant and performs minor adjustments and repairs.
Characteristics
-
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
-
Informal or on-the-job
-
Practical
-
Medium
Outlook
JSA produces employment projections to show where likely future job opportunities may be. Employment projections data are only produced for occupations at the broad four digit Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) level. While data are not available for this occupation, projections data are available for the parent occupation, Earthmoving Plant Operators, under the outlook section.
Earnings and hours
Working arrangements
-
Around 84% of people employed as Loader Operators work full-time hours, in all their jobs combined. This is 18 percentage points above the all jobs average (66%).
Full-time workers work an average of 48 hours per week in their main job. This is 4 hours more than the all jobs average (44 hours per week).
Sources:Full-time share and full-time hours: ABS, 2016 Census, customised report. Compared to the all jobs average.
Industries
Main industries
-
Loader Operators work in industries like:
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report.
Regions
Employment across Australia
NSW
VIC
QLD
SA
WA
TAS
NT
ACT
Employment by State and Territory (% Share)
State | Loader Operators | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
NSW | 22.9 | 31.6 |
VIC | 18.7 | 25.6 |
QLD | 22.4 | 20.0 |
SA | 8.3 | 7.0 |
WA | 23.4 | 10.8 |
TAS | 2.3 | 2.0 |
NT | 0.8 | 1.0 |
ACT | 1.1 | 1.9 |
-
Around 61% of Loader Operators live outside of capital cities, compared with the all jobs average of 38%.
Western Australia has a large share of employment relative to its population size.
The regions with the largest share of workers are:
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Share of workers across Australian states, territories and regions, in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Worker profile
Age and gender
-
The median age of Loader Operators is 46 years. This is higher than the all jobs average of 40 years.
A large share of workers are aged 45 to 54 years.
Females make up 3% of the workforce. This is 45 percentage points below the all jobs average of 48%.
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile and gender share compared to the all jobs average.
Age Profile (% Share)
Age Bracket | Loader Operators | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
15-19 | 1.1 | 5.0 |
20-24 | 5.3 | 9.3 |
25-34 | 18.0 | 22.9 |
35-44 | 22.1 | 22.0 |
45-54 | 28.6 | 21.6 |
55-59 | 12.3 | 9.0 |
60-64 | 8.5 | 6.0 |
65 and Over | 4.0 | 4.2 |
Median Age | 46 | 40 |
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile of workers in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Employment Pathways
Education, training and experience
Formal qualifications are not essential to work as a Loader Operator. Although some workers have a certificate III in civil construction plant operations.
Visit
- My Skills to compare Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses, providers and student outcomes.
- AAPathways website to explore Transport and Logistics Training Package VET training pathways.
Highest Level of Education (% Share)
Type of Qualification | Loader Operators | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate | 0.1 | 10.1 |
Bachelor degree | 0.7 | 21.8 |
Advanced Diploma/Diploma | 2.2 | 11.6 |
Certificate III/IV | 29.2 | 21.1 |
Year 12 | 14.5 | 18.1 |
Year 11 | 8.8 | 4.8 |
Year 10 and below | 44.5 | 12.5 |
Source: ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Highest qualification completed by workers in this job (in any field of study). Qualifications needed by new workers might be different from the qualifications of workers already in the job.
Skills and Knowledge
Employers look for Earthmoving Plant Operators who are reliable and hardworking.
Skills
Skills can be improved through training or experience.
-
52%
Operation and controlControlling equipment or systems.
-
46%
Operation monitoringWatching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
-
45%
Coordination with othersBeing adaptable and coordinating work with other people.
-
45%
Equipment maintenanceMaintaining equipment and deciding what maintenance will be needed in the future.
-
45%
RepairingFixing machines or systems.
-
43%
Active listeningListening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
-
43%
Critical thinkingThinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
-
43%
MonitoringKeeping track of how well work is progressing so you can make changes or improvements.
-
43%
Reading comprehensionReading work related information.
-
43%
TroubleshootingFiguring out why a machine or system went wrong and working out what to do about it.
-
41%
Active learningBeing able to use what you have learnt to solve problems now and again in the future.
-
41%
Complex problem solvingNoticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
-
41%
Equipment selectionDeciding on the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
-
41%
Management of personnel resourcesMotivating, developing, and directing people as they work, and choosing the best people for the job.
-
41%
Time managementManaging your own and other peoples' time to get work done.
-
39%
Judgment and decision makingFiguring out the pros and cons of different options and choosing the best one.
-
39%
PersuasionTalking people into changing their minds or their behaviour.
-
39%
Quality control analysisDoing tests and checking products, services, or processes to make sure they are working properly.
-
39%
SpeakingTalking to others.
-
37%
Social perceptivenessUnderstanding why people react the way they do.
Knowledge
These are important topics, subjects or knowledge areas.
-
54%
MechanicalMachines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
-
52%
Building and constructionMaterials, and methods used to construct or repair houses, buildings, or other structures like highways and roads.
-
44%
Public safety and securityUse of equipment, rules and ideas to protect people, data, property, and institutions.
-
37%
MathematicsArithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics.
-
33%
Administration and managementBusiness principles involved in strategic planning, leadership, and coordinating people and resources.
-
33%
Technical designDesign techniques, tools, and principles used to make detailed technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
-
32%
Education and trainingCurriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
-
31%
Engineering and technologyUse engineering, science and technology to design and produce goods and services.
-
30%
English languageEnglish language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
-
30%
TransportationMoving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road.
-
29%
Customer and personal serviceUnderstanding customer needs, providing good quality service, and measuring customer satisfaction.
-
25%
ChemistryChemical composition, structure, and properties. How chemicals are made, used, mixed, and can change.
-
23%
PhysicsThe physical laws of matter, motion and energy, and how they interact through space and time.
-
22%
PsychologyHuman behaviour; differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; research methods; assessing and treating disorders.
-
22%
Production and processingRaw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and ways of making and distributing goods.
-
20%
Law and governmentHow our laws and courts work. Government rules and regulations, and the political system.
-
18%
Computers and electronicsCircuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
-
16%
Personnel and human resourcesRecruiting and training people, managing pay and other entitlements (like sick leave), and negotiating pay and conditions.
-
13%
ClericalWord processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office work.
-
13%
TelecommunicationsTransmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Abilities
Workers use these physical and mental abilities..
-
59%
Multilimb coordinationUse your arms and/or legs at the same time while sitting, standing, or lying down.
-
59%
Reaction timeQuickly move your hand, finger, or foot when a sound, light, picture or something else appears.
-
59%
Auditory attentionPay attention to a certain sound when there are other distracting sounds.
-
57%
Control precisionQuickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat.
-
57%
Response orientationQuickly choose the right movement of the hand, foot, or other body part when there are two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures).
-
55%
Depth perceptionDecide which thing is closer or further away from you, or decide how far away it is.
-
54%
Far visionSee details that are far away.
-
54%
Rate controlChange when and how fast you move based on how something else is moving.
-
52%
Oral comprehensionListen to and understand what people say.
-
52%
Oral expressionCommunicate by speaking.
-
46%
Near visionSee details that are up-close (within a few feet).
-
45%
Arm-hand steadinessKeep your hand or arm steady.
-
45%
Manual dexterityQuickly move your hand to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
-
45%
Finger dexterityPut together small parts with your fingers.
-
45%
Hearing sensitivityTell the difference between sounds.
-
45%
Peripheral visionSee things to your side when your eyes are looking ahead.
-
45%
Problem spottingNotice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong, even if you can't solve the problem.
-
43%
Spatial orientationKnow where things are around you.
-
43%
Colour discriminationNotice differences between colours, including shades of colour and brightness.
-
43%
Speech recognitionIdentify and understand the speech of another person.
Activities
These are kinds of activities workers regularly do in this job.
-
85%
Handling and moving objectsUsing hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, moving and manipulating objects.
-
81%
Controlling equipment or machinesOperating machines or processes either directly or using controls (not including computers or vehicles).
-
79%
Driving vehicles or equipmentRunning, manoeuvring, navigating, or driving things like forklifts, vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
-
72%
Doing physically active workUse your arms, legs and whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling objects.
-
70%
Working with mechanical equipmentServicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment.
-
66%
Checking for errors or defectsInspecting equipment, structures, or materials for errors, problems or defects.
-
66%
Monitoring people, processes and thingsChecking objects, actions, or events, and keeping an eye out for problems.
-
63%
Planning and prioritising workDeciding on goals and putting together a detailed plan to get the work done.
-
62%
Coordinating the work of a teamGetting members of a group to work together to finish a task.
-
61%
Communicating within a teamGiving information to co-workers by telephone, in writing, or in person.
-
61%
Making decisions and solving problemsUsing information to work out the best solution and solve problems.
-
60%
Building good relationshipsBuilding good working relationships and keeping them over time.
-
56%
Coaching and developing othersWorking out the needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or helping them to improve.
-
53%
Checking compliance with standardsDeciding whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
-
52%
Collecting and organising informationCompiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or checking information or data.
-
52%
Looking for changes over timeComparing objects, actions, or events. Looking for differences between them or changes over time.
-
52%
Thinking creativelyUsing your own ideas for developing, designing, or creating something new.
-
51%
Training and teaching othersUnderstanding the needs of others, developing training programs, and teaching or instructing.
-
51%
Estimating amounts, costs and resourcesWorking out sizes, distances, amounts, time, costs, resources, or materials needed for a task.
-
46%
Researching and investigatingLooking for, getting and understanding different kinds of information.
Interests and demands
Learn about the daily activities, and physical and social demands faced by workers. Explore the values and work styles that workers rate as most important.
Interests
Interests are the style or type of work we prefer to do. All interest areas are shown below.
-
100%
PracticalPractical, hands-on work. Often with plants and animals, or materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
-
29%
EnterprisingStarting up and carrying out projects. Leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes require risk taking and often deal with business.
-
24%
AdministrativeFollowing set procedures and routines. Working with numbers and details more than with ideas, usually following rules.
-
24%
AnalyticalIdeas and thinking. Searching for facts and figuring out problems in your head.
-
14%
CreativeWorking with forms, designs and patterns. Often need self-expression and can be done without following rules.
-
14%
HelpingWorking with people. Helping or providing service to others.
Values
-
67%
SupportSupportive management that stands behind employees. Workers are treated fairly by their company, they are supported by management, and have supervisors who train them well.
-
57%
IndependenceWork alone and make decisions. Workers are able to try out their own ideas, make decisions on their own, and work with little or no supervision.
-
48%
RelationshipsServe and work with others. Workers usually get along well with each other, do things to help other people, and are rarely pressured to do things that go against their sense of right and wrong.
-
43%
Working conditionsJob security and good working conditions. There is usually a steady flow of interesting work, and the pay and conditions are generally good.
-
33%
AchievementResults oriented. Workers are able to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment.
-
29%
RecognitionAdvancement and the potential to lead. Workers are recognised for the work that they do, they may give directions and instructions to others, and they are looked up to in their company and their community.
Demands
-
99%
Wear common protective or safety equipmentWear equipment like safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets.
-
94%
Using your hands to handle, control, or feelSpend time using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls.
-
90%
Face-to-face discussionsTalk with people face-to-face.
-
89%
TeamworkWork with people in a group or team.
-
88%
Contact with peopleHave contact with people by telephone, face-to-face, or any other way.
-
88%
Whole body vibrationBe exposed to whole body vibration (e.g., operate a jackhammer).
-
88%
Exposure to contaminantsBe exposed to pollutants, gases, dust or odours.
-
83%
Frequent decision makingFrequently make decisions that impact other people.
-
82%
Making repetitive motionsSpend time making repetitive motions.
-
82%
Outdoors, exposed to weatherWork outdoors, exposed to the weather.
-
81%
Dangerous equipmentWork near dangerous equipment like saws, machinery with open moving parts, or moving traffic.
-
81%
Freedom to make decisionsHave freedom to make decision on your own.
-
81%
In an enclosed vehicle or equipmentWork in a closed vehicle (e.g., car).
-
81%
Loud or uncomfortable soundsBe exposed to noises and sounds that are distracting or uncomfortable.
-
81%
Spend time sittingSpend time sitting at work.
-
80%
Health and safety of othersTake responsibility for the health and safety of others.
-
78%
Pace of work set by equipmentPace of work depends on the speed of equipment or machinery.
-
78%
Unstructured workHave freedom to decide on tasks, priorities, and goals.
-
76%
Being exact or accurateBe very exact or highly accurate.
-
75%
Consequence of errorWork where mistakes have serious consequences.
O*NET is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.
The skills and importance ratings on this page are derived from the US Department of Labor O*NET Database Version 21.2, 53-7032.00 - Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators.
Links and downloads
Research and reports
The Skills Priority List provides a current labour market rating and a future demand rating for nearly 800 occupations nationally. Current labour market ratings are available for occupations at a state and territory level.
Downloads
-
Occupation profiles data are available for download.
The Employment Projections are available for download.