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Backhoe Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Universal Rail Systems

Backhoe Operator I

Houston, TX · On-site

$44K - $58K/yr

Backhoe Operator American Track recognizes that earthwork is a vital part of almost all railroad construction projects. With our equipment and expertise, we offer a broad range of earthwork services ...

Universal Rail Systems

Backhoe Operator I

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$44K - $58K/yr

Backhoe Operator American Track recognizes that earthwork is a vital part of almost all railroad construction projects. With our equipment and expertise, we offer a broad range of earthwork services ...

Rinvio

Backhoe Operator

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$48K - $63K/yr

Rinvio is hiring a Backhoe Operator for full-time construction work supporting concrete cutting, demolition, and excavation jobs across Oxnard, Sylmar, and surrounding Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and ...

Mears Group

Backhoe Operator

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$44K - $59K/yr

Backhoe Operator Las Vegas, NV 89115 Mears Group, A Quanta Services Company At Mears Group, we believe in developing and retaining the best people in the industry and providing best value services to ...

Arlington County

Backhoe Operator

Arlington, VA · On-site

$53K - $70K/yr

Backhoe Operator The Department of Environmental Services (DES) is seeking an experienced Backhoe Operator to operate heavy construction equipment for its Water, Sewer, and Streets (WSS) Bureau. This ...

Delta Contracting

Backhoe Operator

Haw River, NC · On-site

$33K - $44K/yr

Title: Backhoe Operator Reporting Manager: Foreman or Supervisor Entity: Delta Contracting, Inc. Job Location: Haw River, NC FLSA Status: Non-Exempt COMPENSATION PACAKGE: * The company offers a ...

Universal Rail Systems

Backhoe Operator

Dillsburg, PA · On-site

$42K - $56K/yr

Backhoe Operator North American Rail Solutions (NARS) is seeking a skilled Backhoe Operator to perform essential earthwork for railroad construction and maintenance projects. This hourly craft ...

Sinacola

Backhoe Operator - Paving

Dallas, TX · On-site

$46K - $60K/yr

Backhoe Operator Job Summary: The Backhoe Operator operates or tends machinery equipped with scoops, shovels, or buckets, to excavate and load loose materials. Operates construction equipment, such ...

C.W. Matthews

Backhoe Operator

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$44K - $59K/yr

CWM is seeking a skilled and versatile Backhoe Operator to join our team. The primary responsibility of this position is to operate all sizes of backhoes (both track and rubber tire) in support of ...

Sinacola

Backhoe Operator - Paving

Dallas, TX · On-site

$46K - $60K/yr

Backhoe Operator Job Summary: The Backhoe Operator operates or tends machinery equipped with scoops, shovels, or buckets, to excavate and load loose materials. Operates construction equipment, such ...

Sinacola

Backhoe Operator - Paving

Dallas, TX · On-site

$46K - $60K/yr

Backhoe Operator Job Summary: The Backhoe Operator operates or tends machinery equipped with scoops, shovels, or buckets, to excavate and load loose materials. Operates construction equipment, such ...

Sinacola Inc

Backhoe Operator - Paving

Dallas, TX · On-site

$46K - $61K/yr

Backhoe Operator Job Summary: The Backhoe Operator operates or tends machinery equipped with scoops, shovels, or buckets, to excavate and load loose materials. Operates construction equipment, such ...

The Walsh Group

Backhoe Operator

Konawa, OK

$38K - $51K/yr

The Backhoe Operator's primary function is to operate a Backhoe at the site of work to construct, maintain, or repair highway, heavy civil, or building type structures; equipment operators are also ...

The Walsh Group

Backhoe Operator

Konawa, OK · On-site

$38K - $51K/yr

The Backhoe Operator's primary function is to operate a Backhoe at the site of work to construct, maintain, or repair highway, heavy civil, or building type structures; equipment operators are also ...

Mears Group, Inc.

Backhoe Operator

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$43K - $57K/yr

Backhoe Operator A Backhoe Operator will join field crews and contribute to the successful completion of underground pipeline projects. Operators work directly under the Project Foreman and ...

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Backhoe Operator information

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$88K

How much do backhoe operator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for backhoe operator 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.

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.

How much money can I make with a backhoe operator?

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

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.

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.

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Backhoe Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Backhoe Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,952 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

Backhoe Operator I

OWS Construction and Railroad Maintenance Ltd

Fort Worth, TX • On-site

$44K - $58K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

American Track recognizes that earthwork is a vital part of almost all railroad construction projects. With our equipment and expertise, we offer a broad range of earthwork services and our backhoe operators are at the heart of our operations. The backhoe operator is an hourly-rated skilled craft position that works on construction and maintenance projects and performs any combination of the duties described below. A backhoe operator typically performs a wide variety of tasks, transferring from one task to another as the workflow dictates. The applicant who fills this position will also be trained on and operate specialty railroad machinery that include a Tamper machine and Ballast Regulator. The applicant is being hired with the intent of working as a backhoe operator as well as an operator of our on-track machines. Some travel/ weekend work should be expected. We offer competitive pay, paid time off, holiday pay, 401k and a robust benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
Job Responsibilities:
  • Operate all machinery in a safe manner
  • Sets up heavy construction equipment
  • 1+ years of experience operating a backhoe with experience in a railroad construction environment preferred.
  • Proper pre-start and daily Maintenance- Including lubrication and required documentation
  • Keep equipment clean and well-maintained (perform required maintenance)
  • Operates equipment to grade or redistribute earth
  • Operates equipment to move, load or unload material
  • Installs equipment or attachments on machinery or related structures
  • Signals directions or warnings to coworkers
  • Coordinates machine actions with other activities, positioning or moving loads in response to hand or audio signals from crew members
  • Locates underground services, such as pipes and wires, prior to beginning work
  • Studies instructions, plans, and diagrams to establish work requirements
  • Grade plan requirements and set grade standards
  • Demonstrate the ability to lead a crew and delegate work within work scope
  • Understand production and quantity requirements
  • Make decisions based on verifiable standards
  • Perform incidental work items and duties included within other crafts including operating on-track machinery
  • Assist crews with necessary labor on an as-needed basis
  • Ability and willingness to be trained as well as train others on the machine

This is an evergreen posting that supports our ongoing talent pipeline and is used to collect applications for future openings. We review all submissions, and candidates whose qualifications best align with our needs will be contacted as opportunities become available.
Thank you for your interest in this position and for taking the time to apply. We appreciate your patience as we review all applications. While we will provide updates as soon as they are available, please note that we may not be able to respond to all applicants individually.

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