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Backhoe Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

City of Salt Lake City

$20.91 - $27.55/hr

May operate backhoe or track hoe to excavate beds for connection boxes and lines and to lift pipe and other structures. Operates 10-wheel dump truck and front-end loader to load and haul fill and ...

JENNMAR Services

Heavy Equipment Operator

Newburgh, IN · On-site

Backhoe * Front End Loader * Skid Steer * Ability to work on call for emergency situation on weekends. (required) * Must be able to pass a drug test and background check. (required) * Reside within ...

NCW

Heavy Equipment Operator

Indianapolis, IN

Operates heavy machinery, such as a tractor, bulldozer, backhoe, or excavator, for the purposes of construction, demolition, or excavation. May be responsible for routine maintenance or repairs. May ...

Midwest Mole

HDD Drill Operator

Greenfield, IN · On-site

Operate Excavators, Loaders, Skid Steer, Backhoe as needed. * Other duties as requested by the supervisor. * General Maintenance on the directional drill * Other duties as requested by the ...

Midwest Mole

HDD Drill Operator

Greenfield, IN · On-site

Operate Excavators, Loaders, Skid Steer, Backhoe as needed. * Other duties as requested by the supervisor. * General Maintenance on the directional drill * Other duties as requested by the ...

Midwest Mole

HDD Drill Operator

Greenfield, IN · On-site

Operate Excavators, Loaders, Skid Steer, Backhoe as needed. * Other duties as requested by the supervisor. * General Maintenance on the directional drill * Other duties as requested by the ...

Boone County, IN

Highway Worker

Lebanon, IN · On-site

$48K - $60K/yr

... backhoe, dump truck, snow plow, compaction roller, tractor, jack hammer, skid steer, dirt loader, water pump, air compressor, etc. Hauls, shovels and spreads road materials as assigned, such as stone ...

Boone County Government

Highway Worker

Lebanon, IN · On-site

$48K - $60K/yr

... backhoe, dump truck, snow plow, compaction roller, tractor, jack hammer, skid steer, dirt loader, water pump, air compressor, etc. Hauls, shovels and spreads road materials as assigned, such as stone ...

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All JobsBackhoe JobsBackhoe Jobs in Indiana

Backhoe information

See Indiana salary details

$31.4K

$54.2K

$83.7K

How much do backhoe jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for backhoe in Indiana is $54,193.00, 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 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.

Backhoe jobs near you
Infographic showing various Backhoe job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,193 per year, or $26.1 per hour.
Backhoe Operator - Heavy Equipment Operator

Backhoe Operator - Heavy Equipment Operator

City of Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne, IN • On-site

Other

Posted 7 days ago

City Of Fort Wayne rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

167th of 835 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Backhoe Operator - Heavy Equipment Operator

Dig into a career that moves Fort Wayne forward-operate heavy equipment and make a real impact every day!

What You'll Do

  • Operate heavy equipment including excavators, backhoes, skid steers, trenchers, loaders, and more
  • Perform excavations for repair or replacement of water, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer assets
  • Level, grade, and cut swales along roadways
  • Lift, move, and place heavy materials and objects using equipment
  • Chip brush, cut trees, and operate chainsaws and trimmers as required
  • Load and secure equipment onto transport trailers
  • Safely handle and dispose of chemicals

Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • 3+ years operating heavy equipment preferred
  • Valid Indiana Driver's License; CDL "A" with tanker "N" endorsement required within first 180 days for new hires
  • Certified Component Person: Excavation and Trench (obtain within 90 days)
  • Certified Competent Person: Confined Space (obtain within 90 days)

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

  • Climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl; occasionally lift/move up to 50 lbs
  • Close, distance, peripheral vision and depth perception required
  • Work outdoors in loud environments; hearing protection required
  • Exposure to varying weather conditions and heavy equipment operations
  • Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30am-3:30pm

Why Join Us? Operate heavy machinery, contribute to Fort Wayne's infrastructure, and be part of a skilled team that keeps the city moving.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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