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Backhoe Jobs in Phoenix, AZ (NOW HIRING)

CleanHarbors

Facility Equipment Operator I

Phoenix, AZ

$24/hr

Clean Harbors in Phoenix, AZ is seeking an Equipment Operator I to operate heavy equipment such as a backhoe, heavy duty crane, heavy duty forklift and/or track hoe within the field. Monday - Friday ...

Clean Harbors

Facility Equipment Operator I

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$14.16 - $32.88/hr

Clean Harbors in Phoenix, AZ is seeking an Equipment Operator I to operate heavy equipment such as a backhoe, heavy duty crane, heavy duty forklift and/or track hoe within the field. Monday - Friday ...

Earthmover Tire Sales

Tire Technician

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Tires to be serviced range from small UTV tires to backhoe and semi-truck tires. There are also opportunities to be trained in OTR(loaders, scrapers..etc) tires as well. * We are willing to train new ...

haydon

Landscape Operator/Phoenix

Phoenix, AZ

$15.50 - $19/hr

Operate heavy equipment including water truck, backhoe, gang mower, bobcat, trencher, skip loader with bucket and crane truck for a variety of landscape maintenance and repair operations. * May ...

haydon

Landscape Operator/Phoenix

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$15.50 - $19/hr

Operate heavy equipment including water truck, backhoe, gang mower, bobcat, trencher, skip loader with bucket and crane truck for a variety of landscape maintenance and repair operations. * May ...

Kinder Morgan

Pipeline Specialist

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

Perform all phases of mobilizing, operating and maintaining heavy excavation equipment (hydrovac truck, backhoe, track hoe, side boom, dozer, and maintainers) to include excavation frequently on ...

Primoris Services Corporation

Drill Foreman

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

Backhoe and/or Mini Ex experience is a plus Working experience in construction, or the utility distribution industry in Gas or Electric is preferred. * 3 plus years of working experience in operating ...

haydon

Landscape Operator/Phoenix

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$15.50 - $19/hr

Operate heavy equipment including water truck, backhoe, gang mower, bobcat, trencher, skip loader with bucket and crane truck for a variety of landscape maintenance and repair operations. * May ...

Team Fishel

Foreman

Chandler, AZ · On-site

$28 - $36/hr

Backhoe, Trencher Operator is desired * Bilingual in Spanish and prior construction experience is a plus Pay- $28.00- $36.00 an hour Benefits * Health Insurance * Wellness Program * Life Insurance ...

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Backhoe information

See Phoenix, AZ salary details

$32.8K

$56.5K

$87.4K

How much do backhoe jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for backhoe in Phoenix, AZ is $56,548.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,200.00 and $61,100.00 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 Phoenix, AZ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,548 per year, or $27.2 per hour.

Facility Equipment Operator I

Clean Harbors

Phoenix, AZ

$24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 16 days ago

Clean Harbors rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 153 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 91 rated recycling and waste

Job description

Clean Harbors in Phoenix, AZ is seeking an Equipment Operator I to operate heavy equipment such as a backhoe, heavy duty crane, heavy duty forklift and/or track hoe within the field.
 
Monday - Friday
Pay - $24.00 hr
 
Clean Harbors is the leading provider of environmental, energy and industrial services throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico.  Everywhere industry meets environment, Clean Harbors is on-site, providing premier environmental, energy and industrial services. We are solving tough problems through innovation and proven methodology - come be part of the solution with us.
 
Why work for Clean Harbors?
  • Health and Safety is our #1 priority and we live it 3-6-5!
  • Focus on maintaining sustainability and cleaning the Earth 
  • Recruiting Pay range
  • Comprehensive health benefits coverage after 30 days of full-time employment including 401K with Company match
  • Own part of the company with our Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Opportunities for growth and development for all the stages of your career
Company paid training and tuition reimbursement
Required Qualifications:
  • Ability to work in a team environment
  • Previous experience in operating: backhoe, heavy duty crane, heavy duty forklift and/or track hoe
  • Perform physical functions per job requirements
  • Successfully complete a background check, drug test, and physical, by position
  • Per OSHA's Respiratory Protection standard, 29 CFR 1910.134, employees in positions requiring respirators are required to meet facial hair standards.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Previous experience in Hazmat

Clean Harbors is an equal opportunity employer.

Clean Harbors is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact ect@cleanharbors.com or 1-844-922-5547.

Clean Harbors is a Military & Veteran friendly company.

Please be advised that Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used to support certain stages of the recruitment process but are not used as a replacement for human decision making.

Clean Harbors is committed to complying with applicable pay transparency laws and ensuring fair and equitable compensation. The posted salary range reflects the minimum and maximum target for this role. Final compensation may vary based on factors such as location, experience, skills, and business needs. In addition to the base salary, some roles may be eligible for bonus or incentive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.


#CH
#LI-TA1

Key Responsibilities:
  • Ensure Health and Safety is the number one goal by following policies, processes and always acting in a safe manner
  • Operates backhoe, heavy duty crane, heavy duty forklift, and/or track hoe.
  • Operates a forklift as necessary
  • Completes daily checklist as required for proper operation of the unit being operated
  • Assures unit is never operated in an unsafe manner or in a manner which is inconsistent with Standard Operating Procedures
  • Completes and submits all associated paperwork as required for waste tracking movements
  • Assures that all containers are properly secured, i.e., chock blocks, jack stands
  • Follow all local, state (provincial) and federal compliance regulations and rules.
  • Safely operate vehicles in accordance with U.S. DOT, local, state (provincial) and federal requirements
  • Safely observe all corporate operating guidelines and procedures
  • Observe all company environmental health and safety operating guidelines
  • Performs other duties as assigned
  • By position, ability to be on call for emergency response on rotating basis every other week
  • By position, site-remediation, equipment decontamination, and the handling of hazardous materials. 

What Clean Harbors employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About Clean Harbors

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Clean Harbors is North America’s leading provider of environmental and industrial services. The Company serves a diverse customer base, including a majority of Fortune 500 companies. Its customer base spans a number of industries, including chemical, and manufacturing, as well as numerous government agencies. These customers rely on Clean Harbors to deliver a broad range of services such as end-to-end hazardous waste management, emergency spill response, industrial cleaning and maintenance, and recycling services. Through its Safety-Kleen subsidiary, Clean Harbors also is North America’s largest re-refiner and recycler of used oil and a leading provider of parts washers and environmental services to commercial, industrial and automotive customers. Founded in 1980 and based in Massachusetts, Clean Harbors operates throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico.

Industry

Environmental consulting services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Norwell, MA, US

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