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Backhoe Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Troost Cemeteries

Groundskeeper

Darien, IL · On-site

$20/hr

Under supervision, may operate backhoe to dig graves without damage to surrounding vaults, markers, or monuments. * Under supervision, may operate casket lift for entombments. * Installs headstones ...

Geneva, City of (IL)

Journeyman Lineman

Geneva, IL · On-site

$136K/yr

... backhoe, bucket/boom truck; maintain and care for assigned tools and equipment; read, understand, and interpret engineering plans and specifications; deal tactfully, and professionally with ...

Troost Cemeteries

Groundskeeper

Northlake, IL · On-site

$20/hr

Under supervision, may operate backhoe to dig graves without damage to surrounding vaults, markers, or monuments. * Under supervision, may operate casket lift for entombments. * Installs headstones ...

FiOptix

Operator III

Romeoville, IL · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

... backhoe, and large trenchers and plows * Load, transport, and unload tools, materials, and equipment in a safe manner * Locate cables in accordance with blueprints * Identify marked and/or unmarked ...

M. A. Mortenson Company

Power Operator

Itasca, IL · On-site

$17 - $22.50/hr

Operate equipment such as blade, dozer, loader, scraper, forklift/telehandler, crane, bobcat/skid-steer, boom lifts/aerial lifts, roller, backhoe, and track crane * Follow prescribed safety ...

Mortenson

Power Operator

Itasca, IL

Operate equipment such as blade, dozer, loader, scraper, forklift/telehandler, crane, bobcat/skid-steer, boom lifts/aerial lifts, roller, backhoe, and track crane * Follow prescribed safety ...

Cranemasters

Driver/Operator - CDL A

Merrillville, IN · On-site

Three years of progressive experience operating heavy motorized equipment to include: backhoe, bulldozer, excavator, front-end loader, grapple truck, rail-bound equipment, tractor and skid-steer ...

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All JobsBackhoe JobsBackhoe Jobs in Chicago, IL

Backhoe information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$34K

$58.7K

$90.7K

How much do backhoe jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for backhoe in Chicago, IL is $58,715.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,900.00 and $63,400.00 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 Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $58,669 per year, or $28.2 per hour.
FEA analyst ( Automotive sector )

FEA analyst ( Automotive sector )

System Canada Technologies

Burr Ridge, IL

Contractor

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Company Description

SCT resources have a broad range of skills in different technologies. The large skill-set has been made possible by a conscious focus on strengthening our skills base. Every person selected for our team brings something new, something that adds to our offerings. We learn continuously, both on the job and through formal training programs.

Job Description

    5+ years of experience in the applications of Computer Aided Engineering; Finite Element Analysis of Off highway vehicles/Agriculture equipment, Machines, Engines and industrial products.

         Providing conclusive information about design critical locations so as to validate the design in actual testing.

         Working experience in CAE tools like ABAQUS, HyperMesh, ANSYS, ANSYS WorkBench, Optistruct, RADIOSS etc.

         Good analytical, Problem solving and Decision making capabilities.

         Good Project management abilities

Software knowledge:

         Pre Processing -  HyperMesh, ABAQUS CAE

         FEA Solvers -  ABAQUS,  ANSYS, ANSYS WorkBench, Optistruct, RADIOSS, FE-safe

         Post Processing - ANSYS, ABAQUS, HyperView, IDEAS

         Operating System - Windows, Linux

CAE skills

         FEA of Off-highway machines like Wheel loaders, Backhoe loaders, Excavators, Skid steers, structures like Frames, attachments like arm and booms, Axles, Cabs etc. Agricultural equipment like Tractors, Harvesters, Balers, Planters etc., Engines, Industrial products like Pumps, Tanks etc.

         Analytical calculations of bolt preload, bearing crush load, bearing load estimation etc.

         Failure root cause and design suggestions.

         Various analysis types including Static Linear/Non-linear, Explicit Dynamics, Modal, Transient, Frequency response etc.

 
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About System Canada

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

System Canada delivers high end solutions in corporate world. Our resources have a broad range of skills in different technologies.The large skill-set has been made possible by a conscious focus on strengthening our skills base. Every person selected for our team brings something new, something that adds to our offerings. We learn continuously, both on the job and through formal training programs.

Industry

It services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Toronto, ON, CA

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