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Backhoe Operator Jobs in Arkansas (NOW HIRING)

Ring Container Technologies

Operator

Little Rock, AR · On-site

$16.75 - $22/hr

Perform necessary Operator Checklists. * Perform data collection of quality measurements as directed. Correct any deviations from quality standards in order to produce product within specifications.

Ring Container Technologies

Operator

Little Rock, AR · On-site

$16.75 - $22/hr

Perform necessary Operator Checklists. * Perform data collection of quality measurements as directed. Correct any deviations from quality standards in order to produce product within specifications.

TerralRiver Service

BARGE WORKER

Blytheville, AR · On-site

Operating equipment (skid steer, backhoe, crane) * General maintenance * Maintaining required paperwork Requirements: Basic requirements: * At least eighteen (18) years of age. * Must be a high ...

Sotera Health

Operator

West Memphis, AR · On-site

$16.25 - $21.25/hr

Reporting to the Shift Supervisor or Process Supervisor, the Operator is responsible for coordinating all activities on the conveyor by organizing the work orders at the load and unload stations.

Sotera Health

Operator

West Memphis, AR · On-site

$16.25 - $21.25/hr

Reporting to the Shift Supervisor or Process Supervisor, the Operator is responsible for coordinating all activities on the conveyor by organizing the work orders at the load and unload stations.

Terral RiverService

BARGE WORKER

Blytheville, AR · On-site

Operating equipment (skid steer, backhoe, crane) * General maintenance * Maintaining required paperwork Requirements Basic requirements: * At least eighteen (18) years of age. * Must be a high school ...

Sotera Health

Operator

West Memphis, AR · On-site

$16.25 - $21.25/hr

Reporting to the Shift Supervisor or Process Supervisor, the Operator is responsible for coordinating all activities on the conveyor by organizing the work orders at the load and unload stations.

Sotera Health

Operator

West Memphis, AR · On-site

$16.25 - $21.25/hr

Reporting to the Shift Supervisor or Process Supervisor, the Operator is responsible for coordinating all activities on the conveyor by organizing the work orders at the load and unload stations.

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All JobsBackhoe Operator JobsBackhoe Operator Jobs in Arkansas

Backhoe Operator information

See Arkansas salary details

$27.3K

$47.1K

$72.8K

How much do backhoe operator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for backhoe operator in Arkansas is $47,094.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $50,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a backhoe operator?

A backhoe operator, sometimes known as a heavy equipment operator, runs a backhoe—an excavation machine with a large digger bucket attached by a hinged arm. Their responsibilities include the moving or removing of soil and other materials on a construction site. They may also make light repairs on the equipment.

What does a backhoe operator do?

A Backhoe Operator is responsible for operating a backhoe, which is a type of heavy construction equipment used for digging, excavating, and moving earth or other materials. Their duties typically include loading and unloading materials, digging trenches, backfilling excavations, and maintaining the equipment. Backhoe Operators often work on construction sites, roadworks, utility installation, and landscaping projects. They must follow safety protocols and be able to read site plans or instructions to complete tasks efficiently and safely.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a backhoe operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Backhoe Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, equipment operation skills, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant operator certifications. Familiarity with construction site safety protocols and proficiency in using hydraulic backhoes and related machinery are essential. Attention to detail, communication skills, and the ability to work well in a team help operators stand out. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and precise operation of heavy equipment, which is crucial for meeting project deadlines and maintaining workplace safety.

What are some common challenges a backhoe operator might face on a job site, and how can they be managed?

Backhoe Operators often encounter challenges such as working in tight spaces, dealing with varying soil conditions, and operating in adverse weather. Safety is also a significant concern, as operators must remain vigilant to avoid underground utilities and protect nearby workers. These challenges can be managed by maintaining open communication with the site supervisor, participating in regular safety briefings, and staying up-to-date with equipment maintenance and best operating practices. Being adaptable and proactive helps ensure both efficiency and safety on the job.

What is the difference between Backhoe Operator vs Excavator Operator?

AspectBackhoe OperatorExcavator Operator
CredentialsCommercial driver's license (CDL) often required, OSHA safety trainingOSHA safety training, sometimes specialized certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, utility work, landscapingConstruction sites, mining, heavy-duty excavation
Employer & IndustryConstruction companies, utility firms, landscapingConstruction, mining, infrastructure projects

Both Backhoe Operators and Excavator Operators work in construction and excavation environments, often using similar safety training and certifications. The main difference lies in equipment specialization: Backhoe Operators handle backhoes primarily for digging and loading, while Excavator Operators operate larger excavators for heavy-duty digging and demolition tasks. Understanding these distinctions helps employers and job seekers find the right fit for their skills and project needs.

How much do backhoe operators make?

Backhoe operators in Florida typically earn an average hourly wage of around $18 to $25, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $37,000 to $52,000. Wages can vary based on experience, certifications, and the complexity of the projects they work on.

How much money can I make with a backhoe operator?

Backhoe operators typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, with median annual salaries around $40,000 to $60,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Skilled operators with additional training or specialized equipment knowledge can earn higher wages, especially in construction or heavy civil projects.

Is there demand for backhoe operators?

Backhoe operators are in demand in the construction, landscaping, and infrastructure industries due to ongoing projects and infrastructure development. Employment opportunities often require operating skills, certifications, and familiarity with heavy machinery, and demand can vary by region and economic conditions.
More about Backhoe Operator jobs

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What cities in Arkansas are hiring for Backhoe Operator jobs?

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For Backhoe Operator jobs in AR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Backhoe Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Backhoe Operator job openings in Arkansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,094 per year, or $22.6 per hour.

Light Equipment Operator-Street

City of North Little Rock

Maumelle, AR • On-site

$16.46 - $87/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

General Responsibilities Summary Serves on any of three crews and operates a variety of light equipment used in the installation, repair, and maintenance of City streets and other related City properties by performing the following duties. Essential Functions The list of essential functions is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary. Other duties may be assigned.

Regular and predictable attendance and punctuality are essential functions of this position Operates equipment on any one of three crews: Operates rubber tire front end loader, asphalt spreader, bushhog, street sweeper, poison spray rig, boom truck, backhoe, tractor, bobcat with attachment, and flush truck; operates frequently a steel wheel roller, a bulldozer, a small track hoe, and a forklift,; operates seasonally a salt/sand spreader and snow plow; may occasionally operate a gradall, asphalt paver, or motor grader; assists the Heavy Equipment Operator with the operation of the asphalt paver by working controls on the rear of the paver. Drives various vehicles: a ton or ton pickup, 1 ton flat bed dump truck, 6 yd, 10 yd, or 14 yd tandem axle dump truck; frequently drives a tractor with dump trailer or lowboy trailer, or 2 ton flat bed dump truck. Loads and unloads equipment.

Uses hand tools or equipment: uses a shovel, pick, rake, weedeater, street broom, and compactor daily; frequently uses a chainsaw, jackhammer, sledgehammer, pole saw, and axe; occasionally uses lopping shears, pitchfork and Kaiserblade. Performs preventive maintenance: checks oil, water, hydraulic levels, tires and other functions daily. Minimum Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. One year directly related experience operating light equipment.

An Arkansas Class B Commercial driver's license with no restrictions and good driving record are required and must be maintained throughout employment. Application Requirements The complexity, guidelines, supervisory controls, and supervision responsibilities described below are representative of this position. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The supervisor provides continuing or individual assignments by indicating generally what is to be done, limitations, quality and quantity expected, deadlines, and priority of assignments.

The supervisor provides additional, specific instructions for new, difficult, or unusual assignments including suggested work methods or advice on source material available. The employee uses initiative in carrying out recurring assignments independently without specific instruction, but refers deviations, problems, and unfamiliar situations not covered by instructions to the supervisor for decision or help. The supervisor reviews some of the work, with more review of difficult or unfamiliar assignments.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: The employee does not supervise any employees. COMPLEXITY: The work consists of duties that involve related steps, processes, or methods; the decision regarding what needs to be done involves various choices requiring the employee to recognize the existence of and differences among a few easily recognizable situations; actions to be taken or responses to be made differ in such things as the source of information, the kind of transactions or entries, or other differences of a factual nature. GUIDELINES: A number of specific guidelines are available; judgment is used in locating and selecting the most appropriate guidelines; minor deviations can be made in specific cases; significant deviations are referred to the supervisor.

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