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Backhoe Loader Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Fisher Industries

General Laborer

Blythe, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Ability to load and unload equipment (backhoe, steel plates, excavators, loaders, etc.) * Safety, Safety, Safety comply with all company policies, procedures, and standards of safety * Perform other ...

Fisher Industries

*Laborer - General

Blythe, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Ability to load and unload equipment (backhoe, steel plates, excavators, loaders, etc.) * Safety, Safety, Safety comply with all company policies, procedures, and standards of safety * Perform other ...

Roto-Rooter

Excavator Operator

Livermore, CA · On-site

$17 - $24/hr

... backhoe and/mini excavator for sewer & water service repairs/replacements at our East Bay branch ... Load, unload and secure equipment on transport trailers according to guidelines. * Follow OSHA and ...

SeaWorld

Horticulture Tech, Senior

San Diego, CA · On-site

... forklift, loaders, trucks, trailers, etc. * Perform cold-weather protection and hurricane ... Heavy machinery experience (backhoe, forklift, manlift) preferred What else is important: * Able to ...

Clean Harbors

Traveling Heavy Equipment Operator

Newhall, CA · On-site +1

$14.90 - $34.62/hr

Operating machinery like the following: backhoe, front end loader, excavator, bulldozer, track-hoe, and compactor; * Operates a heavy-duty forklift as required; * Assures unit is never operated in an ...

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Backhoe Loader information

See California salary details

$32.6K

$56.2K

$86.8K

How much do backhoe loader jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 5, 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.

Is there demand for backhoe loaders?

Backhoe loader operators are in steady demand in construction, agriculture, and infrastructure projects due to ongoing development and maintenance needs. Skills in equipment operation and safety certifications can enhance job prospects in this field.

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.

How much money can I make with a backhoe loader?

Backhoe loader operators typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer. Annual salaries generally range from $30,000 to $70,000, with higher wages for skilled operators or those with certifications. Wages can also vary based on the complexity of the projects and the work environment.

How much does a backhoe loader operator make?

Backhoe loader operators in Florida typically earn an average hourly wage of around $18 to $25, which translates to approximately $37,000 to $52,000 annually for full-time work. Wages can vary based on experience, certifications, and the complexity of the projects they handle.

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.

What are popular job titles related to Backhoe Loader jobs in California? For Backhoe Loader jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Backhoe Loader jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Backhoe Loader jobs in California are:
Backhoe Loader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Backhoe Loader job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,206 per year, or $27 per hour.

Union Energy Storage Operator Apprentice - Gabriel

M. A. Mortenson Company

Irwindale, CA • On-site

$39.71 - $66.71/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Mortenson rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description


SUMMARY
Mortenson is currently seeking an Operator Apprentice that will be responsible for operating equipment as directed and specified while adhering to all rules and regulations as mandated by Mortenson safety policies and procedures.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Operate equipment such as blade, dozer, loader, scraper, forklift/telehandler, crane, bobcat/skid-steer, boom lifts/aerial lifts, roller, backhoe, and track crane
  • Follow prescribed safety regulations and maintain clear and orderly housekeeping
  • Perform routine maintenance, observe equipment operation, and detect malfunctions
  • Follow work plans and pre-task cards
  • Build relationships with diverse backgrounds and organizational levels
  • Perform all other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Equipment certifications as required
  • Minimum one (1) year of related experience
  • Current driver's license of proper classification and necessary endorsements as required by law
  • Strong teamwork orientation, positive attitude, professional customer service skills, and detail-oriented; ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and load charts
  • Ability to operate equipment by moving levers, shifting gears, depressing pedals, and maneuvering steering wheels; knowledge of equipment and their uses; basic mathematical skills
  • Ability to work independently with active listening and effective communication skills, open to diverse input and feedback
  • Repetitive hand, arm, leg movements
  • *Lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling: up to 50 lbs.
  • Please note: this position description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position. The duties and responsibilities of this position may change without notice.

*Lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling over 50 lbs will be done with assistance of another team member or equipment.
The base pay range for this role is $39.71 - $66.71 per hour. (Actual range is higher for the following office locations: Denver, CO and Chicago, IL - 5%, Seattle, WA, and Portland, OR - 10%, Washington, D.C. - 12.5%).
Base pay is positioned within the range based on several factors including an individual's knowledge, skills, and experience, with consideration given to internal equity.
Please make note:
  • Visa sponsorship is not offered for this position.
  • Our postings are typically open a minimum of 5 days and an average of 44 days.

ABOUT MORTENSON
As a top builder, developer, and EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction), our expertise spans markets like sports, renewable energy, data centers, healthcare, and more. We are builders at heart, working to ensure the built environment has a lasting positive impact.
Let's Redefine Possible®
Equal Employment Opportunity
Your uniqueness brings new and creative perspectives to the team. Mortenson is committed to providing equal opportunities of employment (EOE) to all individuals, regardless of your race, religion, gender, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status or any other legally protected category.
Other Items to Note
  • Mortenson reserves the right to hire any individual without legal or financial obligation on unwanted solicitations. No agency emails, calls, or solicitations are accepted without a valid agreement.
  • Must be currently legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status, 0-1, TN, CPT, OPT, etc.). We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

What Mortenson employees say

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About M. A. Mortenson

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

M. A. Mortenson is a prominent name in the construction industry, based out of Minneapolis, MN, US. Established in 1954 by M.A. Mortenson Sr., the company has over six decades of experience offering construction services that have contributed to building lasting infrastructures across various sectors, including healthcare, energy, corporate, and sports. Mortenson has proven its exceptional expertise through a range of complex building and facility projects across the US fulfilling the customer's specifications and exceeding their expectations. Moreover, the company's core values are outlined as ‘Do the Right Thing’, ‘We Before I’, ‘Inspire What’s Possible’, and ‘In it for the long haul’.

Industry

Manufacturing and construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US

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