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Backhoe Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Hubbard Construction Company

Backhoe Operator

Clearwater, FL · On-site

$42K - $56K/yr

Additionally, the backhoe operator must understand how to drive the backhoe both forward and backward and how to use the stabilizers to prevent machine movement while digging. Key Duties. * Able to ...

Hubbard Construction

Backhoe Operator

Clearwater, FL · On-site

$42K - $56K/yr

Additionally, the backhoe operator must understand how to drive the backhoe both forward and backward and how to use the stabilizers to prevent machine movement while digging. Key Duties. * Able to ...

American Track

Backhoe Operator

Mulberry, FL

$20/hr

Backhoe Operator Build your career with an innovative and sustainable railroad maintenance and construction team! Our company is rapidly growing, and we have plenty of opportunities available for ...

Universal Rail Systems

Backhoe Operator I

Mulberry, FL · On-site

$40K - $53K/yr

Backhoe Operator American Track, a North American Rail Solutions company, is seeking a skilled Backhoe Operator to perform essential earthwork for railroad construction and maintenance projects. This ...

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All JobsBackhoe JobsBackhoe Jobs in Florida

Backhoe information

See Florida salary details

$24.7K

$42.6K

$65.8K

How much do backhoe jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for backhoe in Florida is $42,560.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,700.00 and $46,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs can you do with a backhoe?

A backhoe operator can perform tasks such as excavation, trenching, digging foundations, loading materials, and site grading. These jobs are common in construction, landscaping, utility work, and road maintenance, often requiring knowledge of equipment operation and safety protocols.

What is the going rate for backhoe work?

Backhoe operators typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and project complexity. Rates can also be influenced by whether the work is hourly, daily, or project-based, and may include additional compensation for overtime or specialized skills.

What are backhoe operators and what do they do?

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.

How much 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. Certification and familiarity with specific machinery can influence earning potential.

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 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 is the highest paying heavy equipment job?

Heavy equipment operators, including those who operate backhoes, can earn high wages, especially with specialized skills or certifications. The highest-paying roles often involve operating large machinery in construction, mining, or oil and gas industries, with salaries increasing for experienced operators or those working in remote or high-risk environments.

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.

What cities in Florida are hiring for Backhoe jobs? Cities in Florida with the most Backhoe job openings:
Backhoe jobs near you
Infographic showing various Backhoe job openings in Florida as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,560 per year, or $20.5 per hour.
Backhoe Operator

Backhoe Operator

Hubbard Construction Company

Clearwater, FL • On-site

$42K - $56K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

100+ Years of Experience at Work for You!
Since 1920, the professional men and women of Hubbard Construction have literally paved the way for hundreds of public and private projects that have supported Florida's rise to prominence.
Hubbard is one of Florida's largest heavy civil construction companies. We are proud to be a part of Florida's history and we are eager to continue to serve the Florida market and beyond.
The scope of Hubbard's work includes complex highway projects, site development, paving, utility and drainage systems, surveying, RAP and hot mix sales, and state-of-the-art bridge building. We provide multiple delivery systems in design-build, bid-build, public/private-partnerships and design-build finance.
Hubbard Construction's parent company, Vinci, operates through a network of 330 agencies and 770 production sites, in 17 countries around the world.
General Description. Responsible for digging trenches and holes. This includes opening and closing the bucket, raising and lowering the boom, and digging, lifting and dumping dirt. Additionally, the backhoe operator must understand how to drive the backhoe both forward and backward and how to use the stabilizers to prevent machine movement while digging.
Key Duties.
  • Able to operate the excavator and backhoe on road building and heavy construction projects.
  • Able to operations for road bed preparation, utilities trenching, excavations, pipeline, land clearing and demolition.
  • Able to operate a excavators with variety of attachments.
  • Capable of performing duties such as earthmoving.
  • Able to lift in close proximity to other people, equipment and utilities.
  • Able to work on sites and on all types of terrain.
  • Implementation of production goals.
  • Safe operation of Equipment.
  • OSHA trenching requirements.
  • Knowledge of the Clear Zone.
  • Grade and survey layout.
  • Working and installing trench boxes and steel plates.
  • Proper pre-start, shutdown and daily maintenance including cleaning machine.
  • Loading trucks.
  • Load and unloading of small equipment.
  • Read grade stakes.
  • Cut grade.
  • Excavation for structures and footings.
  • Fine grade slopes and contours suitable for sod.
  • Other duties as assigned.

General. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each Key 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.
Education and Experience. This position typically is not an entry-level job.
  • Requires demonstrable previous experience as a Backhoe Operator.
  • A high school diploma or general education degree (GED) is preferred.
  • Must be able to understand work directions and communicate effectively with job site supervisors and fellow employees.
  • Three (3) to Five (5) years or more of industry related experience is required for this position, with an emphasis on roads, highways, and bridges.

Physical Demands. The following physical demands are representative of those that must be met by a Backhoe Operator to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
  • Constant physical effort, including standing and sitting is required during a regular work shift of at least eight hours per day. Employee must be able to stand and sit for extended periods of time, and to stoop, bend, and crouch as required to perform Key Duties.
  • Frequently walk and climb on uneven surfaces of heavy equipment.
  • Ability to lift, on a frequent basis, at least 50 pounds and carry at least 30 pounds personally, and up to 150 pounds with assistance.
  • Manual dexterity to operate hand tools.
  • Maintain constant alertness to the multiple concurrent activities of the construction site, including the activities of other employees and contractors, the operation of stationary equipment, and the movement of mobile equipment.
  • The Operator must be able to climb on and off heavy mobile equipment safely.

Work Environment. The work environment characteristics described below are representative of those that a Backhoe Operator encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
  • Work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions.
  • Work environment periodically exposes the employees to high levels of noise, grease, and dust that is typically associated with road construction..
  • Employee regularly works near heavy equipment and moving machinery.
  • Work may involve a variety of substances commonly found on construction sites such as form oil, grease, gasoline, diesel fuel and asphalt concentrate at hot temperatures.

Company Benefits.
  • Company Paid Basic Life Insurance
  • Company Paid Long Term Disability Policy
  • Company Paid Vacation & Holiday Pay
  • Company Paid Parental Leave
  • Company Paid Maternity Leave
  • Company Paid Employee/Family Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Voluntary Medical & Vision Insurance
  • Voluntary Dental Insurance
  • Voluntary Short Term Disability
  • Voluntary Supplemental Term Life
  • Voluntary Accident, Legal, Hospital, Critical Illness Policies
  • 401(k) Plan w/Employer Match
  • Annual Company Stock Purchase Opportunities
  • Discount Partnerships: Verizon, Ford, Perkspot
  • Health and Wellness Benefits, including Monthly Gym/Fitness Incentives

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. We promote a Drug-Free Workplace.
Blythe Construction, Inc. - Hubbard Construction Company - Northeast Paving - Sunmount Paving - Virginia Paving Company, are hereby referred to as VINCI CONSTRUCTION USAAccessibility: If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process please contact Human Resources atBlythe Construction, Inc.: Phone: 704-375-8474Hubbard Construction Company: Phone: 407-645-5500Eurovia Atlantic Coast, LLC:Phone: 704-375-8474
VINCI CONSTRUCTION USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.VINCI CONSTRUCTION USA is committed to providing a fair and equal employment opportunity workplace. All hiring and promotional decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status that is protected by federal, state, or local law.
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