ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Backhoe Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

City of Salt Lake City

$20.91 - $27.55/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

NCW

Heavy Equipment Operator

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

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 ...

Boone County, IN

Highway Worker

Lebanon, IN · On-site

$48K - $60K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

... 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 ...

Carmeuse Americas

Terminal Operator

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

Previous equipment operating experience (e.g., loader, backhoe, skid steer, etc.) is preferred * Working knowledge of material handling systems, including pneumatic, electrical, and mechanical ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

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 Aug 20, 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 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.
Backhoe jobs near you
Infographic showing various Backhoe job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% 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

City of Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne, IN • On-site

Other

Posted 29 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

170th of 848 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

What City Of Fort Wayne employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply