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Backhoe Loader Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Construction Diesel Mechanic

Acton, CA ยท On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

Construction company with Fleet of heavy equipment ranging from Backhoe, Mini excavators, Track and skid loaders as well as truck fleet looking for qualified diesel Mechanic for Monday thru Friday ...

Equipment Operator

Porterville, CA ยท On-site

$50 - $52/hr

Work with and assist the line crew in trenches, hoisting materials, tools, equipment, and performing related work with a backhoe or front-end loader. * Keep equipment clean and free of dirt and ...

Production Worker

Frazier Park, CA ยท On-site

$17.50 - $22/hr

Operate at least 2 pieces of mobile equipment (haul truck, farm tractor, water truck, rubber tire backhoe, front loader, etc.) * Operate equipment in quarry or production * Follow all safety rules ...

Production Worker

Frazier Park, CA ยท On-site

$17.50 - $22/hr

Operate at least 2 pieces of mobile equipment (haul truck, farm tractor, water truck, rubber tire backhoe, front loader, etc.) * Operate equipment in quarry or production * Follow all safety rules ...

Equipment Operator Senior

Commerce, CA ยท On-site

$24 - $27.04/hr

The Street Maintenance Equipment Operator Senior operates heavy duty backhoe/front end loader and heavy equipment used in the construction and maintenance of items within the City of Charlotte.

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Showing results 1-20

Backhoe Loader information

See California salary details

$32.6K

$56.2K

$86.8K

How much do backhoe loader jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for backhoe loader in California is $56,206.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,900.00 and $60,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 over $70,000 for experienced operators working full-time in construction or excavation environments. Certifications and familiarity with specific machinery can also influence earning potential.

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 certifications 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.

Is there demand for backhoe operators?

Backhoe loader operators are in steady demand across construction, landscaping, and infrastructure projects due to ongoing development and maintenance needs. Employers often seek candidates with experience operating heavy machinery and relevant certifications, and job opportunities are generally available in regions with active construction activity.

What is the going rate for backhoe work?

The pay rate for backhoe loader operators typically ranges from $20 to $35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and project complexity. Some operators may earn higher rates with specialized skills or certifications, especially for long-term or high-demand projects.

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.

Infographic showing various Backhoe Loader job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $56,206 per year, or $27 per hour.
SoCal JCB - Product Support Sales Representative

SoCal JCB - Product Support Sales Representative

JCB North America

La Mirada, CA โ€ข On-site

$20.75 - $23/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Company Summary
SoCal JCB is a highly successful, fast-growing business We pride ourselves in customer service. We invest in our workforce and offer a highly competitive compensation and benefit program. SoCal JCB is an authorized dealer for JCB construction equipment including skid steer loaders, backhoe loaders, wheel loaders, excavators and telehandlers.
Position Summary
The Product Support Sales Representative (PSSR) serves as the primary field-facing consultant bridging the dealership's aftermarket parts and service departments with our customer base. The core mission of the PSSR is to proactively help equipment owners lower their total cost of ownership, maximize machine uptime, and optimize fleet performance. Rather than waiting for a breakdown, the PSSR sells preventative maintenance programs, custom service agreements, telematics solutions, and replacement wear parts directly at customer job sites, aggregate mines, and yards.
Position Type
Full Time, Exempt
What We Offer (Benefits & Perks)
  • Competitive base salary plus performance-driven commission structure.
  • Company-provided field vehicle, fuel card, laptop, and smartphone.
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • 401(k) plan with company matching contributions.
  • Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays.
  • Ongoing OEM-certified product training and career advancement pathways.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities
To excel in this role, the PSSR must effectively balance consultative technical expertise with proactive relationship management across their assigned territory.
  • Territory & Account Management: Proactively manage and grow assigned territory by executing regular site visits to current and prospective fleet owners, contractors, and maintenance/service managers.
  • Consultative Aftermarket Sales: Promote and sell heavy equipment parts, service capabilities, custom hydraulic options, remanufactured components, and major machine rebuild programs.
  • Preventative Maintenance & Telematics Promotion: Partner with customers to implement Preventive Maintenance (PM) agreements. Utilize OEM telematics platforms (e.g., remote machine monitoring) to track fleet health, anticipate service intervals, and intercept failures before they cause critical downtime.
  • Field Inspections & Evaluations: Conduct walk-around equipment inspections on job sites. This includes performing undercarriage wear measurements, evaluating ground-engaging tools (GET), and providing technical data to assist customers with long-term maintenance budgeting.
  • Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Work seamlessly with the Parts and Service Managers to coordinate accurate quoting, schedule field technicians, check stock availability, and ensure a flawless handoff from whole-goods sales representatives to the aftermarket lifecycle.
  • CRM & Activity Tracking: Maintain disciplined records of customer touches, machine profiles, active quotes, and territory growth strategies within the dealership CRM.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
The success of the PSSR will be measured by the health and profitability of their territory, specifically tracking:
  1. Incremental Revenue Growth: Year-over-year increases in parts and service sales margins within the territory.
  2. PM Agreement Capture Rate: Net-new Customer Value/Preventative Maintenance Agreements signed.
  3. Territory Touch Frequency: Meeting established benchmarks for face-to-face customer and job site visits.
  4. Quote-to-Close Ratio: Efficiency in converting field inspection recommendations into closed service work orders or parts invoices.

Job Requirements & Qualifications
Experience & Education:
  • Minimum 3-5 years of experience in heavy equipment product support, machinery sales, or technical dealership service/parts operations.
  • High School Diploma or equivalent required; a technical degree is a plus.
  • Proven track record of managing a sales territory or working a field-based technical role.

Technical & Behavioral Competencies:
  • Strong Equipment Aptitude: Familiarity with heavy machinery systems (hydraulics, powertrains, electrical, and diesel engines) and the ability to confidently inspect equipment.
  • Relationship & Negotiation Skills: Excellent interpersonal communication skills, with an innate ability to build trust with a mechanic in the dirt as easily as an executive or fleet procurement manager in a boardroom.
  • Digital Proficiency: Experience using dealership management systems (DMS), CRM software, and OEM telematics/diagnostic programs.
  • Self-Discipline: A high degree of self-motivation to plan travel routes and execute daily schedules independently.

Physical & Environmental Demands:
  • Must hold a valid Driver's License and maintain a clean driving record.
  • Willingness to travel up to 80-100% of the workday within the regional territory, including frequent visits to active construction zones, quarries, and industrial environments.
  • Ability to walk rough terrain, climb onto heavy machinery to check serial numbers or component wear, and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.

Equal Opportunity Employer
JCB is an equal employment opportunity (EEO) employer in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. JCB complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment at every location where the company has facilities. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability statute, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, and local laws.
EEO EMPLOYER/VET/DISABLED.
JCB is not currently hiring individuals for this position who now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status; however, as a global company, JCB offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S. which can be found through our website at https://www.jcb.com/en-gb/about/careers.