How to become a Loader Operator

Operates a motorised loader to move and load soil, rock and other material.

Main tasks

• Moves materials to designated areas, and loads and unloads materials onto trucks or other vehicles using the loader
• Weighs and measures materials to ensure accurate loading
• Inspects and maintains the loader to ensure it is in proper working condition
• Performs routine maintenance on the loader, such as cleaning and lubricating

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Certificate II in Autonomous Workplace Operations (RII21222); Certificate III in Resource Processing (RII30420); Certificate III in Surface Extraction Operations (RII30120)
• Licence or registration: Registration or licensing may be required.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $98,800 a year
• About 48,600 people work in this job group now, and about 50,700 are projected by 2035. (+4.3%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Related jobs

• Backhoe Operator
• Earthmoving Plant Operator (General)
• Bulldozer Operator
• Excavator Operator
• Grader Operator
• Tunnel Constructor

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Loader Operator?

Ways in include: Certificate II in Autonomous Workplace Operations; Certificate III in Resource Processing.

How much does a Loader Operator earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $98,800 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Loader Operator a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 4% by 2035, from about 48,600 to about 50,700 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Loader Operator?

Usually not. Only 2% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate II in Autonomous Workplace Operations; Certificate III in Resource Processing.

Will AI change the work of a Loader Operator?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04