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Backhoe Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Welder/Fitter

Decatur, AL

$17.25 - $21.75/hr

Operate equipment including forklifts, backhoe, skid steer, excavator, compactors, and construction hoist. * Ensure security of equipment and work area while conducting operations. * Identify ...

Chipyard Operator

Eastaboga, AL

$16 - $21/hr

Must have experience driving heavy equipment such as front end loader, grader, backhoe, bulldozer, or 8-ton lift * Ability to read, comprehend, and follow all JHSAs, technical specifications, and ...

Chipyard Operator

Eastaboga, AL

$16 - $21/hr

Must have experience driving heavy equipment such as front end loader, grader, backhoe, bulldozer, or 8-ton lift * Ability to read, comprehend, and follow all JHSAs, technical specifications, and ...

New

Chipyard Operator

Eastaboga, AL · On-site

$16 - $21/hr

Must have experience driving heavy equipment such as front end loader, grader, backhoe, bulldozer, or 8-ton lift * Ability to read, comprehend, and follow all JHSAs, technical specifications, and ...

Showing results 41-60

Backhoe information

See Alabama salary details

$29.9K

$51.6K

$79.8K

How much do backhoe jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for backhoe in Alabama is $51,621.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,100.00 and $55,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a backhoe operator?

Backhoe operators are skilled construction workers who operate backhoe loaders, which are heavy equipment machines used for digging, trenching, and moving earth and materials. They are responsible for maneuvering the backhoe safely on job sites, excavating foundations, loading trucks, and sometimes assisting in demolition tasks. Operators must understand how to read site plans, follow safety protocols, and perform basic maintenance on their equipment. Their work is essential in construction, landscaping, and utility installation projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a backhoe operator?

To thrive as a Backhoe Operator, you need proficiency in operating heavy machinery, a high school diploma or equivalent, and often a commercial driver's license (CDL) or specialized equipment certification. Familiarity with hydraulic systems, safety protocols, and GPS or telematics systems is typically required. Attention to detail, strong spatial awareness, and effective communication skills help operators work safely and efficiently with team members. These skills and qualifications ensure safe equipment operation, reduce risk of accidents, and contribute to successful project completion.

What are some common challenges faced by backhoe operators on construction sites, and how can they be overcome?

Backhoe operators often encounter challenges such as working in tight or uneven spaces, managing equipment maintenance, and ensuring safety around other workers and machinery. To overcome these challenges, operators should remain vigilant about their surroundings, communicate effectively with team members, and follow established safety protocols. Regular maintenance checks and ongoing training can also help operators adapt to different job site conditions and handle unexpected obstacles efficiently.

What is the difference between Backhoe vs Excavator?

AspectBackhoeExcavator
Required CertificationsOperator license, safety trainingOperator license, safety training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, utility workConstruction sites, demolition, mining
Common UsageDigging, trenching, loadingHeavy digging, excavation, demolition

Backhoes and excavators share similar certifications and work environments, often used in construction and utility projects. The main difference is that backhoes are versatile with a front loader and rear digging arm, ideal for smaller or more precise tasks. Excavators are larger, more powerful machines suited for heavy-duty excavation and demolition work. Both are essential in construction but serve slightly different roles based on project needs.

How much money can you make with a backhoe?

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 employer. Skilled operators with certifications and experience in construction or excavation can earn higher wages, especially in regions with high demand for heavy equipment operators.

Is there demand for backhoe operators?

Backhoe operators are in steady demand across construction, landscaping, and infrastructure projects, especially in regions with active development. Employment opportunities often require operating skills, safety certifications, and familiarity with heavy machinery. The job outlook remains positive due to ongoing infrastructure improvements and construction needs.

What is the hourly rate for a backhoe?

The hourly rate for a backhoe operator typically ranges from $20 to $35, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the job. Skilled operators with certifications may earn higher wages, especially for specialized or long-term projects.
Infographic showing various Backhoe job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $51,621 per year, or $24.8 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator

City of Tuscaloosa

Tuscaloosa, AL • On-site

$51K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


City Of Tuscaloosa rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

544th of 848 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Summary The purpose of this classification is to operate heavy equipment and perform manual work functions associated with the construction, maintenance, and repair of city grounds, roads, water systems, sewer systems, and buildings. Essential Functions The following duties are normal for this classification. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification.

Other duties may be required and assigned. Specific duties listed may not be required for all positions within this classification, but are determined by the normal requirements for the particular position. Operates and maintains equipment of heavy weight and considerable difficulty, specifically: front end loader, Crane Truck, gradall, bulldozer, motor patrol, low boy truck and trailer, backhoe, road grader, trencher, track loader, and track hoes to assist in construction, maintenance, and repair work.

Inspects equipment prior to use and ensures necessary equipment repairs are made; performs maintenance tasks necessary to keep machinery, equipment, and tools in good working condition, specifically: greasing and cleaning, maintaining fluid levels, and changing tires. Inspects job site for possible hazards prior to operating equipment. Performs manual work functions associated with construction, maintenance, and repair of city roads, water systems, sewer systems, building structures, or grounds according to assignment.

Cleans catch basins, roads, and right-of-ways, repairs drain pipes, installs chain link fences, and lays pipes. Loads/unloads and hauls equipment, concrete blocks, bricks, rocks, cement, and related heavy materials. Installs, repairs, and/or replaces water lines, sewer lines, meters, valves, drainage boxes, and fire hydrants; digs trenches, cuts pipe, and performs pipe fittings.

Cuts/grades ditches and roads, patches streets, and pulls stumps/trees; sets concrete forms, pours concrete, and lays bricks. Hauls explosives, demolishes houses, buildings, and related structures and removed associated debris. Cleans up hazardous material spills.

Prepares and/or receives various forms, reports or other documents; forwards as appropriate. Transports heavy equipment. Communicates via telephone and/or two-way radio; provides information; takes and relays messages and/or directs calls to appropriate personnel; responds to requests for service.

Responds to requests for information from officials, employees, the public or other individuals. Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner. Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications High school diploma or GED required; two years of experience in heavy equipment operation and maintenance or a related field. Must obtain and maintain an Alabama Commercial Driver's License (CDL), Class A within twelve months of employment. This job classification is considered to be safety-sensitive and is subject to pre-employment and random drug screens.

Minimum Requirements to Perform Essential Job Functions The following requirements are normal for this classification. Specific requirements may not apply to all positions within this classification, but are determined by the normal requirements for the particular position. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to operate a variety of equipment, machinery and tools which may include backhoe, road grader, trencher, track loader, front end loader, gradall, bulldozer, motor patrol, track hoes, ,two-way radio, tapping machine, shovel, pick, post hole digger, air compressor, and mechanics tools.

Physical demand requirements for some positions within this classification may at times be at levels of those for heavy work. DATA COMPREHENSION: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things which may include work orders, maps, and operational manuals. INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to speak with and/or signal people to convey or exchange information, including giving/receiving assignments and/or directions to/from co-workers, assistants, managers, or supervisors as well as communicating with the general public.

LANGUAGE ABILITY: May require ability to read a variety of informational documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures. Requires the ability to write basic job related documentation and reports with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech. May require ability to speak with others with poise, voice control, and confidence using correct English and well-modulated voice.

INTELLIGENCE: Requires the ability to learn and understand relatively complex mechanical and operational principles and techniques, to understand departmental policies and procedures, to make independent judgments in absence of supervision, and to acquire and be able to expound on knowledge of topics related to primary occupation. VERBAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, and to follow verbal and written instructions. NUMERICAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to add and subtract, multiply and divide, and determine time and weight.

FORM/SPATIAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to visually inspect items for proper length, width, and shape using job related equipment which may include standard measuring devices. MOTOR COORDINATION: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes in using heavy equipment and to operate a motor vehicle. MANUAL DEXTERITY: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, heavy equipment, motor vehicles, control knobs, switches, mechanics tools, etc.

Must have the ability to use one hand for twisting motion or turning motion while coordinating other hand with different activities. Must have average levels of eye/hand/foot coordination. COLOR DIFFERENTIATION: May require the ability to discern color.

INTERPERSONAL TEMPERAMENT: Requires the ability to deal with and relate to people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be able to adapt to and perform under moderate stress when confronted with an emergency. PHYSICAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to talk, express, or exchange ideas by means of spoken words and/or hear and perceive nature of sounds by ear.


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