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Contract Excavator Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Jobs on Cash

Excavator Operator

Charleston, SC · On-site

$21 - $27.75/hr

Contract Responsibilities: - Description As a part of our continued growth, we are looking for dedicated and passionate employees to grow with our company and excel at your highest abilities. At ...

Jobs on Cash

Excavator Operator

Ladson, SC · On-site

$21.25 - $28/hr

Excavator Operator Work Location : Ladson, SC Job Type ... Contract Responsibilities: - Description As a part of our continued growth, we are looking for ...

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Louisa, VA · On-site

$20.50 - $27/hr

Excavator Operator Job Locations US-VA-Louisa ID 2026-14443 # of Openings 1 Category (For search on ... under contract. Any resume submitted without a signed agreement and prior written authorization ...

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

Excavator Operator Job Locations US-VA-Richmond ID 2026-14659 # of Openings 2 Category (For search ... under contract. Any resume submitted without a signed agreement and prior written authorization ...

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Fort George G Meade, MD · On-site

$26 - $32/hr

Excavator Operator Job Locations US-MD-Fort Meade ID 2026-14657 # of Openings 4 Category (For ... under contract. Any resume submitted without a signed agreement and prior written authorization ...

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Richmond, VA

$20.75 - $27.25/hr

The ideal candidate has at least three (3) years of experience operating excavators in site ... under contract. Any resume submitted without a signed agreement and prior written authorization ...

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Louisa, VA

$20.50 - $27/hr

The ideal candidate has at least three (3) years of experience operating excavators in site ... under contract. Any resume submitted without a signed agreement and prior written authorization ...

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Richmond, VA

$20.75 - $27.25/hr

The ideal candidate has at least three (3) years of experience operating excavators in site ... under contract. Any resume submitted without a signed agreement and prior written authorization ...

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Louisa, VA

$20.50 - $27/hr

The ideal candidate has at least three (3) years of experience operating excavators in site ... under contract. Any resume submitted without a signed agreement and prior written authorization ...

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Louisa, VA

$20.50 - $27/hr

The ideal candidate has at least three (3) years of experience operating excavators in site ... under contract. Any resume submitted without a signed agreement and prior written authorization ...

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

Excavator Operator Job Locations US-VA-Chesapeake ID 2026-14529 # of Openings 2 Category (For ... under contract. Any resume submitted without a signed agreement and prior written authorization ...

Allan Myers, Inc.

Excavator Operator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$20.75 - $27.25/hr

The ideal candidate has at least three (3) years of experience operating excavators in site ... under contract. Any resume submitted without a signed agreement and prior written authorization ...

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Richmond, VA

$20.75 - $27.25/hr

The ideal candidate has at least three (3) years of experience operating excavators in site ... under contract. Any resume submitted without a signed agreement and prior written authorization ...

Ledcor

Excavator Operator

Pahrump, NV · On-site

$22.50 - $29.75/hr

Excavator Operator You know how to run an excavator--and you deliver. We're looking for experienced ... contract mining of coal, minerals, or metals, all the way to mine reclamation. Our service ...

Allan Myers, Inc.

Excavator Operator

Louisa, VA · On-site

$20.50 - $27/hr

The ideal candidate has at least three (3) years of experience operating excavators in site ... under contract. Any resume submitted without a signed agreement and prior written authorization ...

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Fort George G Meade, MD · On-site

$26 - $32/hr

The ideal candidate has at least three (3) years of experience operating excavators in site ... under contract. Any resume submitted without a signed agreement and prior written authorization ...

Allan Myers, Inc.

Excavator Operator

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

Minimum of 5 years of experience operating excavators in heavy civil construction. * Experience in ... under contract. Any resume submitted without a signed agreement and prior written authorization ...

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Contract Excavator Operator information

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How much do contract excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract excavator operator in the United States is $26.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.63 and $28.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Contract Excavator Operators?

Contract Excavator Operators are skilled professionals who operate excavators and other heavy machinery on a contract basis for construction, demolition, or earthmoving projects. Instead of working as full-time employees, they are typically hired by construction companies or contractors for specific jobs or periods. Their responsibilities include digging, grading, trenching, and moving earth or materials according to project specifications. They must have a good understanding of equipment safety, maintenance, and efficient operation. These operators often need to be licensed or certified, depending on regional regulations.

What are some common challenges faced by contract excavator operators when working on multiple job sites?

Contract excavator operators often need to quickly adapt to new job sites, each with unique terrain, safety requirements, and team dynamics. Managing different equipment, understanding varying site layouts, and collaborating with new crews can be challenging. Additionally, maintaining consistent safety practices and ensuring proper communication with supervisors and other contractors are crucial for success. Staying organized and flexible helps operators handle these challenges effectively.

How much should I charge an hour for an excavator?

Contract excavator operators typically charge between $50 and $150 per hour, depending on factors such as experience, equipment size, project complexity, and regional rates. Skilled operators with certifications and specialized machinery may command higher rates, especially for long-term or complex projects.

Is there a demand for excavator operators?

There is consistent demand for excavator operators in the construction, infrastructure, and mining industries due to ongoing development projects. Skilled operators with certifications and experience are often sought after, especially in regions with active construction activity and infrastructure upgrades.

Can you make 100k a year as a heavy equipment operator?

Contract excavator operators can potentially earn $100,000 or more annually, especially with experience, specialized skills, and working in high-demand regions or on large projects. Achieving this income often requires certifications, such as OSHA or NCCCO, and experience operating advanced machinery like excavators and bulldozers. Income varies based on location, employer, and the complexity of the projects worked on.

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

To thrive as a Contract Excavator Operator, you need hands-on experience in heavy equipment operation, a high school diploma or equivalent, and often a relevant operator's license or certification. Familiarity with industry-standard excavators, GPS machine control systems, and routine equipment maintenance procedures is important. Strong attention to detail, spatial awareness, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for safety and collaboration on job sites. These skills and qualifications ensure safe, efficient, and precise operation, reducing risks and maximizing productivity in construction projects.

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

AspectContract Excavator OperatorEquipment Operator
CertificationsOSHA safety training, excavator operation certificationOSHA safety training, general equipment operation certification
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, excavation projectsConstruction, mining, industrial sites
Employer & Industry UsageContract basis, specialized in excavationFull-time or contract, broader equipment handling

The Contract Excavator Operator specializes in operating excavators for excavation projects, often on a contractual basis, focusing on digging, trenching, and site preparation. Equipment Operators may handle a variety of machinery, including bulldozers, loaders, and excavators, across different industries. While both roles require safety certifications and experience with heavy machinery, Contract Excavator Operators are more focused on excavation-specific tasks, whereas Equipment Operators have a broader scope of equipment handling.

What is the highest salary for an excavator operator?

The highest salaries for contract excavator operators can reach up to $70,000 to $90,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, location, and project complexity. Skilled operators with specialized equipment knowledge and safety certifications tend to earn higher wages, especially in high-demand regions or large-scale construction projects.
More about Contract Excavator Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Excavator Operator jobs? Cities with the most Contract Excavator Operator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Excavator Operator jobs? The most popular types of Excavator Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Excavator Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Excavator Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Contract Excavator Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Excavator Operator jobs are:
Contract Excavator Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Excavator Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 34% Full Time, 33% Temporary, and 33% Nights. Highlights an 82% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,408 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Excavator Operator

Jobs on Cash

Charleston, SC • On-site

$21 - $27.75/hr

Contractor

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Excavator Operator

Work Location: Charleston, SC      

Job Type: Contract

Responsibilities: -

Description

As a part of our continued growth, we are looking for dedicated and passionate employees to grow with our company and excel at your highest abilities. At Enterprise Recycling Wrench A Part, we strive to have the best supply and prices in Texas! Our plan to accomplish this goal is provide quality recycled auto and truck parts using superior customer service at a price that will prove that used auto parts are the best value on the market today. As an Excavator Operator, you will be responsible for the following:

Pulling radiator, dash, and engine/transmission from the vehicle

Ensuring all wire harness, aluminum, breakage, starters, compressors, and alternators are removed from the vehicles

Assisting Crush Operator

Supervising ground laborers

Requirements

High School graduate - BUT NOT REQUIRED

Must be able to lift and carry 25 lbs. repetitive and up to 75 lbs. occasionally

Personal protective equipment required- Hard hats and safety glasses, gloves and any other safety gear will be issues upon request

Forklift RTF Case 586G preferred experience is a plus!

Previous Supervisor experience a plus!

Ability to operate have machinery

Excavator operators experience preferred