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Backhoe Loader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Granite

Backhoe Loader Operator Combo

Orlando, FL

$43K - $57K/yr

General Summary Operates backhoe (hydraulic shovel attached to tractor or train) which digs holes and trenches and removes and transports earth, gravel and other such materials. Essential Job ...

Nelson Pipeline

Tractor Backhoe Operator

Fort Lupton, CO · On-site

$28 - $38/hr

Description Nelson Pipeline is seeking a highly motivated Tractor Backhoe Loader who will be responsible for digging trenches, loading trucks with excavated material, backfilling excavated area, and ...

Nelson Pipeline

Tractor Backhoe Operator

Fort Lupton, CO · On-site

$51K - $67K/yr

Description Nelson Pipeline is seeking a highly motivated Tractor Backhoe Loader who will be responsible for digging trenches, loading trucks with excavated material, backfilling excavated area, and ...

Bird Construction

Crane Operator

Perth Amboy, NJ · On-site

$35 - $60/hr

Able To Run Excavators, Backhoe & Loader. Qualifications: Must Have 3-5 Years Experience Working In Marine Construction. Must Have CCO With LBC and TLL Endorsements With New Jersey Crane License.

American Track

Backhoe Operator

San Angelo, TX

$44K - $59K/yr

The backhoe operator is an hourly-rated skilled craft position that works on construction and ... Operate equipment to move, load or unload material * Install equipment or attachments on machinery ...

Arlington County, VA

Backhoe Operator

Arlington, VA · On-site

$53K - $70K/yr

Operating a uni-loader, backhoe, forklift, skid steer, and/or crane truck with precision; * Considering site and utility line locations, and determining appropriate methods of operation for other ...

Arlington County, VA

Backhoe Operator

Arlington, VA · On-site

$59K - $94K/yr

Operating a uni-loader, backhoe, forklift, skid steer, and/or crane truck with precision; * Considering site and utility line locations, and determining appropriate methods of operation for other ...

Total-Western

Backhoe Operator

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$46K - $61K/yr

Use the backhoe to load and unload materials, move dirt, rocks, and debris, and assist with other tasks as required by the project manager or supervisor. Maintenance and Safety Checks: Conduct daily ...

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Backhoe Loader information

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$33K

$57K

$88K

How much do backhoe loader jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for backhoe loader in the United States is $56,952.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,500.00 and $61,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do I need a license to operate a backhoe?

Yes, operating a backhoe loader typically requires a valid operator's license or certification, which varies by state or country. Employers often prefer or require operators to complete training and obtain certification in heavy equipment operation. Additionally, adherence to safety standards and proper knowledge of controls are essential for safe operation.

What is a backhoe loader?

A backhoe loader is a versatile piece of heavy equipment commonly used in construction and excavation projects. It features a tractor-like body with a front-mounted loading bucket and a rear-mounted backhoe for digging. Operators use backhoe loaders for tasks such as trenching, material handling, landscaping, and demolition. Their compact size and multifunctionality make them ideal for small to medium-sized jobs where space or equipment variety is limited.

How much money can I make with a backhoe?

Backhoe loader operators typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the job. Annual salaries can range from approximately $30,000 to $70,000, with higher wages often available for skilled operators with certifications and specialized training.

What jobs can you do with a backhoe?

A backhoe loader is used in construction, excavation, landscaping, and utility work. It can dig trenches, holes, and foundations, move materials, and perform demolition tasks. Operators should have proper training and certification to safely handle the equipment in various job sites.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Backhoe Loader Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Backhoe Loader Operator, you need expertise in heavy equipment operation, site safety practices, and often a high school diploma or equivalent, with valid equipment operator certifications. Familiarity with GPS systems, hydraulic controls, and routine equipment maintenance tools is typically required. Attention to detail, strong coordination, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for operating safely and efficiently on construction sites. These skills are vital to ensure safe operations, project efficiency, and the prevention of costly accidents or delays.

What are some common challenges faced by Backhoe Loader operators on construction sites?

Backhoe Loader operators often encounter challenges such as working in confined or uneven spaces, coordinating with other heavy machinery, and adapting to varying soil conditions that can affect stability and efficiency. Effective communication with site supervisors and fellow operators is key to ensuring safety and meeting project deadlines. Additionally, operators must stay alert to potential hazards and maintain their equipment to minimize downtime and prevent accidents.

What is the difference between Backhoe Loader vs Excavator?

FeatureBackhoe LoaderExcavator
Primary UseVersatile for digging, loading, and material handlingHeavy-duty digging and trenching
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, urban projectsLarge-scale excavation sites
Required CertificationsOperator license, safety trainingOperator license, safety training
Size & MobilityCompact, easily transportedLarger, less mobile

Backhoe loaders are versatile machines suitable for various tasks on construction sites, combining a loader and backhoe in one unit. Excavators are specialized for heavy-duty digging and trenching, often used in large-scale projects. While both require operator certification and are common in construction, backhoe loaders are more adaptable for smaller or mixed tasks, whereas excavators excel in deep digging and heavy lifting.

More about Backhoe Loader jobs
What cities are hiring for Backhoe Loader jobs? Cities with the most Backhoe Loader job openings:
What states have the most Backhoe Loader jobs? States with the most job openings for Backhoe Loader jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Backhoe Loader jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Backhoe Loader jobs are:
Backhoe Loader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Backhoe Loader job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $56,952 per year, or $27.4 per hour.
Backhoe Loader Operator Combo

Backhoe Loader Operator Combo

Granite

Orlando, FL

$43K - $57K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Granite Telecommunications rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 83 rated telecommunications companies

Job description

Building a career at Granite may be the most valuable thing you could do...

Find your dream job today, and be part of something great. Our most powerful partnership is the one we have with our employees. Our people are our most valued asset and the foundation of Granite's century-old success. We're building more than infrastructure; we are building your future.

General Summary

Operates backhoe (hydraulic shovel attached to tractor or train) which digs holes and trenches and removes and transports earth, gravel and other such materials.

Essential Job Accountabilities

  • Moves hand and foot levers to control hydraulic shovel.

  • Uses shovel to dig trenches and holes of specified length, depth and width, remove loosened material and put in piles or transport trucks.

  • Performs routine maintenance on equipment, such as lubricating, fueling, and cleaning

Education

  • High School Diploma, GED or equivalent years of experience

Certification

  • Proper certification required

Work Experience

  • Appropriate training and experience required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Workers should be able to:

  • Practice good safety habits

  • Work in dusty or dirty surroundings

  • Follow instructions and meet set standards

  • Judge distances and slopes accurately

  • Make decisions based on verifiable standards.

Physically, workers must be able to:

  • Stoop, bend, and crouch

  • Use hands, arms, and legs fully

  • See well (either naturally or with correction)

  • Lift up to 50 pounds, with frequent lifting and carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

About Granite Construction Incorporated

Granite Construction Incorporated is a member of the S&P 400 Index and is the parent company of Granite Construction Company, one of the nation's largest heavy civil contractors and construction materials producers. Granite is a Drug-Free Workplace and Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.We consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws.

For additional information on applicant/employee rights please clickhere.

Notice to Staffing Agencies

Granite Construction, Inc. and its subsidiaries ("Granite") will not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. Any unsolicited resumes sent to Granite, including unsolicited resumes sent to a Granite mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Granite employees, or to Granite's resume database will be considered Granite property. Granite will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume.Granite will consider any candidate for whom an Agency has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Agency free of any charges or fees.Agencies must obtain advance written approval from Granite's recruiting function to submit resumes, and then only in conjunction with a valid fully-executed contract for service and in response to a specific job opening.Granite will not pay a fee to any Agency that does not have such agreement in place.Agency agreements will only be valid if in writing and signed by Granite's Human Resources Representative or his/ her designee. No other Granite employee is authorized to bind Granite to any agreement regarding the placement of candidates by Agencies.

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