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Contract Backhoe Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Equipment Operator

Helena, MT · On-site

$26.64 - $33.22/hr

... backhoe, forklift, or excavator - excludes operation of cranes. Employee maybe subject to operating ... Wage is per the Montana Communications contract. IBEW Locals 206, 532, 768 | Pay Range is based on ...

Equipment Operator

Black Eagle, MT · On-site

$26.64 - $33.22/hr

... backhoe, forklift, or excavator - excludes operation of cranes. Employee maybe subject to operating ... Wage is per the Montana Communications contract. IBEW Locals 206, 532, 768 | Pay Range is based on ...

Equipment Operator

Helena, MT · On-site

$26.64 - $33.22/hr

... backhoe, forklift, or excavator - excludes operation of cranes. Employee maybe subject to operating ... Wage is per the Montana Communications contract. IBEW Locals 206, 532, 768 | Pay Range is based on ...

Equipment Operator

Helena, MT · On-site

$26.64 - $33.22/hr

... backhoe, forklift, or excavator - excludes operation of cranes. Employee maybe subject to operating ... Wage is per the Montana Communications contract. IBEW Locals 206, 532, 768 | Pay Range is based on ...

Equipment Operator

Black Eagle, MT · On-site

$26.64 - $33.22/hr

... backhoe, forklift, or excavator - excludes operation of cranes. Employee maybe subject to operating ... Wage is per the Montana Communications contract. IBEW Locals 206, 532, 768 | Pay Range is based on ...

Equipment Operator

Black Eagle, MT · On-site

$26.64 - $33.22/hr

... backhoe, forklift, or excavator - excludes operation of cranes. Employee maybe subject to operating ... Wage is per the Montana Communications contract. IBEW Locals 206, 532, 768 | Pay Range is based on ...

... Job title Hammel Operator Contract type Full-time About us Kronospan is the world's leading ... Must have experience driving heavy equipment such as front end loader, grader, backhoe, bulldozer ...

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Contract Backhoe Operator information

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$33K

$57K

$88K

How much do contract backhoe operator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract backhoe operator in the United States is $56,952.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,500.00 and $61,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the going rate for backhoe work per hour?

Contract backhoe operators typically earn between $20 and $35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and project complexity. Rates may be higher for operators with specialized skills or certifications and can vary based on the job environment and duration of the contract.

What jobs pay 700 a day?

Contract backhoe operators can earn around $700 a day, especially when working on large construction projects or with specialized equipment. High daily pay often requires experience, certifications, and the ability to work long hours or in remote locations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Backhoe Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Backhoe Operator, you need expertise in heavy equipment operation, understanding of construction site safety, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with backhoe machinery, GPS surveying tools, and proper certification or licensing for heavy equipment operation are typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to work independently make someone stand out in this role. These skills and qualities ensure safe, efficient, and accurate execution of excavation and construction projects.

What are Contract Backhoe Operators?

Contract Backhoe Operators are skilled professionals who operate backhoe machinery on a contract basis, typically for construction, excavation, or demolition projects. They are responsible for digging, moving earth, and handling materials efficiently and safely according to project specifications. Unlike full-time employees, contract operators are usually hired for specific jobs or periods, providing flexibility for both employers and operators. They must have proper training, certifications, and often their own equipment to perform the work. Their expertise is essential for projects that require precise earthmoving and site preparation.

What are some typical challenges Contract Backhoe Operators face when working on multiple job sites?

Contract Backhoe Operators often encounter challenges related to adapting to different site conditions and project requirements. Each site may have unique soil types, space constraints, or safety protocols, requiring operators to quickly assess and adjust their techniques. Coordinating with various teams, such as site supervisors and other equipment operators, is essential to maintain productivity and safety. Additionally, managing equipment maintenance across multiple locations can be demanding but is crucial to minimize downtime.

What is the difference between Contract Backhoe Operator vs Excavator Operator?

AspectContract Backhoe OperatorExcavator Operator
CredentialsOSHA certification, CDL often preferredOSHA certification, specialized excavator training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, utility work, landscapingConstruction sites, demolition, mining
Employer & IndustryConstruction companies, contractorsConstruction, mining, infrastructure

The Contract Backhoe Operator and Excavator Operator roles share similar certifications and work environments, often overlapping in construction and utility projects. The main difference lies in equipment specialization: backhoe operators handle versatile backhoe loaders, while excavator operators focus on larger, more specialized excavators. Both roles are essential in construction and excavation projects, with similar credential requirements and industry usage.

How much money can I make with a backhoe?

A contract backhoe operator typically earns between $15 and $30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and project complexity. Annual salaries can range from approximately $30,000 to $70,000, with higher pay often associated with specialized skills or certifications. Wages may also vary based on whether the work is seasonal or full-time.
What cities are hiring for Contract Backhoe Operator jobs? Cities with the most Contract Backhoe Operator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Backhoe Operator jobs? The most popular types of Backhoe Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Backhoe Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Backhoe Operator jobs include:
Utility Construction Operator (2P.26)

Utility Construction Operator (2P.26)

American States Water Company

Jackson, SC • On-site

$24.19 - $38.79/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Through its wholly owned subsidiaries, American States Utility Services, Inc. contracts with the federal government to provide water and wastewater services that include operating, maintaining, renewing, replacing, and constructing new systems on military installations throughout the United States. The installations where we presently operate are home to nearly 350,000 military and civilian personnel and families.
We proudly deliver these vital services to military installations in Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas (including southeastern New Mexico), Virginia, Florida, Kansas, and Massachusetts.
Serving those who serve.
United States Veterans, Reservists, National Guard Members, and Military Spouses encouraged to apply.
PRIMARY JOB FUNCTIONS:
• Under close supervision, performs activities related to all phases of water and wastewater system utility construction.
• Observes and complies with all Federal, State and Company safety rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Reports all unsafe conditions and actions to a Supervisor and/or Manager.
• Operates backhoe, excavator, loader and skidsteer and provide training and assistance to others.
• Responsible for daily maintenance and service on construction equipment.
• Responsible for daily record keeping of maintenance and service performed on construction equipment.
• Adheres to all manufacturer provided safety operational procedures and industry safety standards for construction equipment.
• Performs physical construction including, but not limited to, excavating trenches manually or with equipment, pipe laying, backfilling excavations, compacting soil to grade specifications using a variety of manual pneumatic tools, and water and wastewater main testing.
• Performs all work in a safe, efficient manner, following all standards of performance. Work is repetitive and continuous.
• Responsible for ensuring safe working conditions including trench safety and bracing.
• Responsible for constructing and maintaining erosion control devices as required and as directed.
• Loads, unloads, identifies and distributes utility materials to the appropriate location, according to project plans and specifications
• Signals additional equipment operators to facilitate alignment, movement and adjustment of machinery, equipment and materials
• Cleans and prepares construction sites to eliminate possible hazards
• Performs other duties as assigned
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Four (4) years of verifiable experience operating heavy equipment such as backhoe, excavator, loader and skidsteer required.
• Requires field experience with digging operations in city and urban areas around existing utilities.
• Prior experience handling and setting a trench box in an excavation/utility ditch, lifting and placing steel plates, digging in confined spaces and placing material in and out of a dump truck required.
• Must work well with others and participate on a crew.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License issued by the state where employed
• CDL license issued by the state where employed and knowledge of driving a dump truck preferred.
• Two (2) years of prior water and wastewater system construction experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of general hand tools and power tools required
• Must take and pass Federal OSHA and or State Mandated Safety training with annual refresher courses as required by the associated regulations for this Position. Such training will be provided by company and compliance is mandatory
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Work in extreme weather conditions
• Lift and carry loads up to 50lbs and push or pull up to 100lbs
• Work in confined spaces
• Work in areas exposed to noise and chemicals
Standing, sitting, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing/puling, reaching, handling, fine dexterity, kneeling, crouching, crawling, bending, twisting, climbing, balancing, vision, hearing, talking, hand & foot controls
BENEFITS
Our Company supports our employees with rich benefit programs and resources to help them thrive today and prepare for tomorrow. Benefit options include medical, dental, and vision plans with the Company currently paying 85% of the monthly premium for employees and their eligible dependents. We also offer paid vacation and sick time and twelve Company paid holidays per year. To help our employees plan for the future, we offer both a 401(k) retirement plan as well as a Defined Contribution Profit Sharing retirement plan. Additional benefits include life, AD&D, and LTD insurance as well as health savings account and flexible spending plans.
COMPENSATION INFORMATION
The compensation range provided is in compliance with state specific laws. Multiple factors are used to determine the actual starting rate of pay for all of our positions, including specific skills, years of experience, education, certification(s), and other job related factors.
U.S. Citizenship is required pursuant to our contract with the federal government.
The responsibilities of this position will involve access to information that may be considered confidential, private and sensitive. Therefore, the individual filling this position will be required to both allow and pass a background check.
NOTE: Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with special needs to perform the essential functions.