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Backhoe Owner Operator Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

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Backhoe Owner Operator information

See Ohio salary details

$31.4K

$54.1K

$83.7K

How much do backhoe owner operator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for backhoe owner operator in Ohio is $54,144.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,200.00 and $58,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Backhoe Owner Operators face when managing both equipment maintenance and project deadlines?

Backhoe Owner Operators often juggle the dual responsibility of keeping their equipment in peak condition while meeting tight project schedules. Unexpected equipment breakdowns or maintenance issues can cause costly delays, making proactive maintenance and regular inspections essential. Balancing these tasks requires strong organizational skills and a clear understanding of project timelines. Additionally, effective communication with clients and contractors helps prioritize work and mitigate disruptions, ensuring both machinery and projects stay on track.

Is backhoe operation a good career?

Backhoe operation is a viable career in construction and excavation industries, requiring skills in operating heavy machinery, safety protocols, and sometimes certifications. It offers steady employment opportunities, especially with experience and proper licensing, and often involves outdoor work with variable schedules.

How much money can I make with a backhoe?

Backhoe owner operators typically earn between $20 and $35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and job complexity. Annual income can range from $40,000 to over $80,000, especially for those with specialized skills or working in high-demand areas. Certifications and equipment ownership can also influence earning potential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Backhoe Owner Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Backhoe Owner Operator, you need expertise in heavy equipment operation, a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), and knowledge of safety regulations. Familiarity with backhoe maintenance procedures and operating GPS or construction management software is also valuable. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help ensure safe, efficient job performance and client satisfaction. These abilities are vital for completing projects on time, minimizing risks, and maintaining equipment longevity in a competitive construction environment.

What type of owner operators make the most money?

Backhoe owner operators who specialize in high-demand industries such as construction, infrastructure, or utility work tend to earn higher incomes. Those with extensive experience, proper certifications, and a strong understanding of equipment maintenance and safety protocols also typically make more money. Operating in busy markets or taking on specialized projects can further increase earnings for backhoe owner operators.

How much do owner-operator excavators make?

Owner-operator backhoe operators typically earn between $20 and $35 per hour, with annual incomes ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 depending on experience, location, and workload. Factors such as equipment maintenance, job complexity, and certifications can also influence earnings.

What are Backhoe Owner Operators?

Backhoe Owner Operators are skilled professionals who own and operate their own backhoe equipment to perform excavation, digging, and construction tasks. They often work as independent contractors, providing services to construction companies, municipalities, and private clients. In addition to operating the machinery, they are responsible for maintaining their equipment, managing business operations, and ensuring safety standards are met on job sites.

What is the difference between Backhoe Owner Operator vs Excavator Operator?

AspectBackhoe Owner OperatorExcavator Operator
CredentialsValid CDL or operating license, equipment experienceOperator certification, experience with excavators
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, private projects, equipment ownershipConstruction sites, rental equipment, industrial projects
Employer/IndustrySelf-employed or small business owner, construction, landscapingConstruction companies, contractors, industrial sectors

The main difference between a Backhoe Owner Operator and an Excavator Operator lies in ownership and scope. A Backhoe Owner Operator owns and operates a backhoe, often working independently or for small businesses, while an Excavator Operator typically works for larger companies or contractors, focusing solely on excavator operation. Both roles require similar certifications and work in construction environments, but ownership and job scope distinguish them.

What are popular job titles related to Backhoe Owner Operator jobs in Ohio? For Backhoe Owner Operator jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Backhoe Owner Operator jobs in Ohio look for? The top searched job categories for Backhoe Owner Operator jobs in Ohio are:
Backhoe Owner Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Backhoe Owner Operator job openings in Ohio as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 88% Physical, and 12% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $54,144 per year, or $26 per hour.

Maintenance Technician - Streets and Utilities

City of Hilliard, OH

Hilliard, OH • On-site

$49K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Salary : $49,566.40 Annually
Location : 3700 Municipal Way, Hilliard, OH
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 202600209
Department: Public Service Department
Opening Date: 07/09/2026
Closing Date: 7/22/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Employment Opportunity
The City is recruiting for a Maintenance Technician who would work in our Public Service Department.
This position falls under the USW union contract. The starting hourly pay for this position is $23.83 per hour. Below is the outline of our current wage structure as outlined in the City's contract with the United Steelworkers (2025-2027). Candidates who possess a valid Class A CDL and have prior relevant experience may be eligible to start at a higher step.
Starting hourly wage: $23.829/ hourly $49,564.424/ annually
Step 2 (After 12 months of service in Step 1): $26.331/ hourly $54,768.314/ annually
Step 3 (After 12 months of service in Step 2): $28.835/hourly $59,976.488/ annually
Step 4 (After 12 months of service in Step 3): $31.338/hourly $65,182.520/ annually
Step 5 (After 12 months of service in Step 4): $33.842/hourly $70,390.694/ annually
Step 6 (After 12 months of service in Step 5): $36.344/hourly $75,594.584/ annually
Under direct supervision of the Maintenance Supervisor, working alone or as part of a crew, performs a wide range of semi-skilled and skilled general maintenance tasks and repair activities. The position frequently requires expenditures of heavy physical labor and may require the operation of motorized equipment and special tools. Activities performed require working outdoors in inclement weather conditions. Work primarily involves light to heavy manual labor and maintenance work.
Essential Functions of Work
Operates a variety of motorized vehicles and specialized mechanical and/or electronic equipment (i.e., dump truck with snowplow and salt spreading attachments, backhoe, front end loader, chain saw, chipper/leaf machine, jack hammer, sewer video camera, vac truck, post driver, mowers, skid steer loader or other equivalent types of equipment) based on the functions necessary to perform specific job duties.
Utilizes various hand tools (i.e., shovel, pick, axe, sledgehammer, handsaw, air wrench, welder, or other equivalent types of hand tools) based on the functions necessary to perform specific job duties.
Utilizes field mobile devices to complete work orders, maintain routine records, and communicate.
Maintains and repairs city vehicle and equipment inventory to ensure it is in good operating order.
Conducts inventory of equipment, materials, and supplies and informs supervisor of any resource needs.
Performs a variety of tasks relating to special events including traffic control and debris removal.
Ensures proper utilization of safety precautions, including proper barricades and traffic control devices.
Responsible for cleaning, camera inspection, and/or replacement of sanitary and storm sewer lines.
Monitors, cleans, and repairs wastewater lift station pumps and related facilities.
Performs chipper brush and leaf collection.
Performs road repairs including pavement and berm work.
Performs citywide landscape maintenance and right-of-way beautification tasks.
Plants, weeds, and waters flowers, shrubs, trees, and lawns.
Maintains parks, multi-use paths, and athletic fields/courts.
Performs preventative maintenance and makes repairs to HVAC and related mechanical equipment; plumbing and electrical systems; maintaining facilities (doors, windows, ceiling, floors, walls, roofs, plumbing, heating, ventilation, etc.); and other maintenance related duties.
Performs simple mechanical, plumbing, carpentry, masonry, painting and dry-wall work.
Performs electrical repairs to City lift stations, streetlights, and traffic signal systems.
Plans, organizes, and performs traffic street sign fabrication, construction, installation, and repair tasks.
Sets up proper work zones and maintains job sites.
Operates CDL and non-CDL equipment.
Assists with custodial duties as assigned at city-owned public buildings and facilities.
Performs on-call repairs, when necessary, 24 hours a day for emergencies.
Performs all other duties as directed.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Operational knowledge of motorized, mechanical, and electronic equipment, (i.e., dump truck with snowplow and salt spreading attachments, tractor mower, backhoe, front-end loader, paint striper, chain saw, leaf vac, sewer vacuum, street sweeper, chipper, or other equivalent types of equipment.)
Equivalent combination of training and experience that provides knowledge of the methods, materials, and equipment used in construction and maintenance work.
Must continuously and consistently demonstrate the initiative and responsibility to work in an efficient and productive manner with or without direct supervision.
Knowledge of the safe and correct use of hand and power tools.
Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the work assigned.
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to complete work orders and written reports.
Ability to perform a variety of manual tasks.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow Maintenance Technicians and to be courteous to the public.
Typical Qualifications
High School diploma or (GED) equivalent.
Possession of a valid driver's license and a valid State of Ohio Class A Commercial Driver's license (CDL) with "Tanker" and "Air Brake" endorsements; said CDL must be obtained within six (6) months of appointment.
Must be able to maintain a flexible work schedule and be on-call for repairs, when necessary, 24 hours a day for emergencies.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Employees are eligible to enroll in health insurance, vision, and dental benefits. If enrolled, employees pay a bi-weekly medical insurance premium though Steelworkers Health and Welfare Fund (USW) which includes prescription coverage.
LIFE INSURANCE
The City pays 100% of the premium on a $100,000 life insurance policy for employees.
RETIREMENT PENSION
The City contributes 14% monthly toward retirement benefits offered through the Ohio Public Employee Retirement System.
VACATION
Employees accrue two weeks of vacation in their first year of employment. They are eligible to use their vacation leave after earning 40 hours of leave.
PERSONAL LEAVE
New Employees receive two personal days a year. New employees hired on or after July 1st will receive one personal day.
SICK LEAVE
Employees accrue 4.6 hours of sick leave per pay period.
HOLIDAYS
Employees observe 11 holidays.
WELL MEMBERSHIP
Employees are eligible to enroll in the employee Well membership program. This program allows employees to receive an individual Well membership if they meet the program's quarterly goal.

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