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Backhoe Operator Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Veit

Backhoe Operator (Utilities)

New Berlin, WI · On-site

The Heavy Equipment Operator will operate one or several types of power construction equipment, such as motor graders, bulldozers, scrapers, compressors, pumps, derricks, shovels, tractors, or ...

Veitusa

Backhoe Operator (Utilities)

New Berlin, WI

The Heavy Equipment Operator will operate one or several types of power construction equipment, such as motor graders, bulldozers, scrapers, compressors, pumps, derricks, shovels, tractors, or ...

Veit CO

Backhoe Operator (Utilities)

New Berlin, WI · On-site

The Heavy Equipment Operator will operate one or several types of power construction equipment, such as motor graders, bulldozers, scrapers, compressors, pumps, derricks, shovels, tractors, or ...

Manitowoc County

Highway Maintenance Wkr

Manitowoc, WI

$40K - $52K/yr

Track or Rubber Tire Backhoe operating experience (Digging at grade) * Road Grader operating experience * Dozer operating experience * Track or Wheel Skid loader operating experience Working for the ...

MANITOWOC COUNTY

Highway Maintenance Wkr

Manitowoc, WI · On-site

$24.73 - $28/hr

Track or Rubber Tire Backhoe operating experience (Digging at grade) * Road Grader operating experience * Dozer operating experience * Track or Wheel Skid loader operating experience Working for the ...

Walbec Group

Certified Crane Operator

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

The Position: We're looking for Heavy Equipment Operators/Certified Crane Operators responsible for ... Lattice boom and crane crawler proficient, and able to operate production 336 backhoe, Tadano, and ...

Zenith Inc

Certified Crane Operator

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

The Position: We're looking for Heavy Equipment Operators/Certified Crane Operators responsible for ... Lattice boom and crane crawler proficient, and able to operate production 336 backhoe, Tadano, and ...

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All JobsBackhoe Operator JobsBackhoe Operator Jobs in Wisconsin

Backhoe Operator information

See Wisconsin salary details

$33.3K

$57.5K

$88.8K

How much do backhoe operator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for backhoe operator in Wisconsin is $57,485.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,900.00 and $62,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the going rate for backhoe work per hour?

Backhoe operators typically earn between $20 and $35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and job complexity. Rates may be higher for specialized skills or union positions, and some operators charge daily or project-based rates instead of hourly. Certification and familiarity with specific equipment can also influence pay rates.

How much money can I make with a backhoe?

Backhoe operators typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Skilled operators with certifications and experience in heavy equipment often earn higher wages and may receive benefits such as overtime pay and health insurance.

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.

Do I need a license to operate a backhoe?

Backhoe operators typically need to obtain a state-issued commercial driver's license (CDL) or a specific operator certification, depending on local regulations. Employers may also require training and certification in equipment operation and safety standards before hiring. Licensing requirements vary by location and the type of work performed.

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.

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 is the highest paid heavy equipment operator?

The highest paid heavy equipment operators are often those who specialize in operating large machinery like cranes, bulldozers, or excavators in high-demand industries such as oil and gas or construction. Experienced operators with certifications, advanced skills, and working in remote or high-risk environments tend to earn the highest salaries, which can exceed $70,000 to $100,000 annually depending on location and experience.
More about Backhoe Operator jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Backhoe Operator jobs in Wisconsin? The most popular types of Backhoe Operator jobs in Wisconsin are:
What are popular job titles related to Backhoe Operator jobs in Wisconsin? For Backhoe Operator jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Backhoe Operator jobs in Wisconsin look for? The top searched job categories for Backhoe Operator jobs in Wisconsin are:
What are popular job titles related to Backhoe Operator jobs in WI? For Backhoe Operator jobs in WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Backhoe Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Backhoe Operator job openings in Wisconsin as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 82% Physical, and 18% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $57,485 per year, or $27.6 per hour.
Backhoe Operator (Utilities)

Backhoe Operator (Utilities)

Veit

New Berlin, WI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Job Description:
The Heavy Equipment Operator will operate one or several types of power construction equipment, such as motor graders, bulldozers, scrapers, compressors, pumps, derricks, shovels, tractors, or front-end loaders to excavate, move, and grade earth, erect structures, or pour concrete or other hard surface pavement. May repair and maintain equipment in addition to other duties.
A Day in the Life
  • Operates heavy equipment of various sizes and weights used in site or highway construction.
  • Properly follows company and OSHA safety procedures. Brings problems to the attention of the project Foreman, Superintendent, General Superintendent or Safety Director.
  • Follows daily procedures and protocols as set forth in job orientations and training.
  • Performs routine inspection and preventative maintenance on assigned equipment and refers defects or needed repairs to project Foreman, Superintendent, General Superintendent or Safety Director.
  • Assists in training entry level employees to perform maintenance and repair duties as required or assigned.
  • Helps identify any underground and overhead utilities have been located/exposed prior to excavating.
  • Reviews trenching requirements with Superintendent and ensure any required protection is available.
  • Keep project foreman, superintendent, or general superintendent informed of known actions, written or verbal, which may affect the ability to successfully perform tasks at construction project sites or adversely affect Company operations.
  • Other projects or duties as assigned by management.

What You'll Need
  • High school diploma or equivalent, six to twelve months of operating construction equipment experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Considerable knowledge of heavy equipment operating principles. Ability to operate heavy equipment under varying working conditions.
  • Working knowledge of hazards and safety precautions common to heavy equipment operations.
  • OSHA 10, First Aid/CPR, and the ability to follow applicable safety precautions as well as view and understand Veit's safety training video is required. Working knowledge of hazards and safety precautions common to heavy equipment operations is also required.
  • Ability to read and comprehend grade stakes and/or site plans.
  • Good communication skills both oral and written when working with all levels of management and employees, external vendors and other business associates. Ability to understand, follow and transmit written and oral instructions.
  • Ability to work with and apply mathematical concepts such as fractions, percentages ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
  • Ability to meet attendance schedule with dependability and consistency as required by management and/or project requirements.

Other
  • Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test.
  • Must be willing to travel as needed.
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Union affiliation or willingness to join the union is required.
  • Must be able to work 8 to 12-hour workdays, Monday through Friday, with occasional weekends. Must be flexible regarding work hours including evenings and weekends.

Physical Demands
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, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Ability to perform manual work requiring periods of extensive physical exertion and potential exposure to adverse weather conditions. Required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Often required to sit, stand, walk, bend knees, stretch arms, stoop, kneel, talk and hear.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those employees encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. Employee is exposed to environmental conditions, working near machines and loud noises associated with construction sites. Exposed to variable weather conditions including rain, snow, wind, cold and heat. Also exposed to variable terrain.
Additional Job Description:
Who Are We?
Veit is one of the country's leading specialty contractors, with nearly a century of experience and the best people in the industry. We specialize in foundations, earthwork, utilities, marine services, industrial cleaning, cured-in-place pipelining, and waste disposal. We pride ourselves on our relentless pursuit to push the construction industry forward and deliver for our customers. Our modern fleet of iron, diverse expertise, and unmatched determination allow us to successfully tackle some of the largest and most complex projects across every sector while also living out our values every day. Our company culture is one where everyone pitches in to get the job done, regardless of job title or seniority. We do everything we can to maintain an atmosphere where family comes first. We want every one of our employees to look forward to each day at work and make it home safe and happy at the end of the day.
Never settle, dig deeper
Our Core Values
  • Deliberately Safe We believe all safety incidents are avoidable when everyone operates with a deliberate mindset. We are deliberately proactive and thorough in training and job planning. We are deliberately safe in our everyday operations and decision-making.
  • Build with Intention We build with intention. Whether in the office or the field, we work with grit and determination toward a better future for everyone involved. We leave things better than we found them, and never leave a job until we're proud to put the Veit name on it.
  • Leaders Dig First Egos have no place at Veit. We expect everyone on our team to dig in with a leadership mentality. That means being willing to jump in, take ownership, and get mud on our boots - especially when times get challenging.
  • Real Relationships Like our work, we approach relationships authentically, with a long-term mindset. Whether you're a client partner, vendor, or team member, we make an effort to build a more meaningful connection with you by communicating with respect and honesty.
  • Integrity in Everything As part of the Veit family, everything we do and say reflects on this entire company. We act with integrity, which means treating others just as we want to be treated, doing the right thing, and holding ourselves accountable.

VEIT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER, INCLUDING VET/DISABILITY

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