1

Contract Excavator Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Excavator Operator

Charleston, SC ยท 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 ...

Excavator Operator

Ladson, SC ยท 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 ...

Solid Rock Excavation is looking for an Excavator Operator to join our talented team. We are an ... When you contract with Solid Rock Excavation we will work hard to earn your respect and your ...

Excavator Operator $24-$32/Hour | Full-Time | 50+ Hours Weekly Norfolk, VA Now Hiring: Experienced ... Contract-to-Hire Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Virginia ...

Excavator Operator

Houston, TX ยท On-site

$18 - $28/hr

Trade Management is seeking experienced Excavator Operators to work on various construction ... Ability to work independently and as part of a team Job Types: Full-time, Contract Why Trade ...

Excavator Operator

Baton Rouge, LA ยท On-site

$17.75 - $23.25/hr

The Barge Mounted Excavator position is responsible for operating, repairing, and preventive ... contract which stipulates the position or work as Safety Sensitive.

Excavator Operator

Baton Rouge, LA

$21.50 - $28.50/hr

The Barge Mounted Excavator position is responsible for operating, repairing, and preventive ... contract which stipulates the position or work as Safety Sensitive.

Excavator Operator

Baton Rouge, LA ยท On-site

$31.48 - $34.84/hr

The Barge Mounted Excavator position is responsible for operating, repairing, and preventive ... contract which stipulates the position or work as Safety Sensitive. Job Posted by ApplicantPro

Excavator Operator

Newport News, VA ยท On-site

$20.50 - $27/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 ...

Excavator Operator

Winchester, IN

$20 - $26.50/hr

Heavy Equipment Operator (Excavator - Drilling Operator) Join a high-performing civil construction ... Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Winchester, IN. Pay and ...

Excavator Operator

Suffolk, VA ยท On-site

$20 - $26.25/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 ...

Excavator Operator

Suffolk, VA ยท On-site

$20 - $26.25/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 ...

Excavator Operator

Suffolk, VA ยท On-site

$20 - $26.25/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 ...

Excavator Operator

Newport News, VA ยท On-site

$20.50 - $27/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 ...

Excavator Operator

Newport News, VA ยท On-site

$20.50 - $27/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 ...

Excavator Operator

Fort Wayne, IN ยท On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Commercial Trade Source (CTS), one of the nation's leading providers of construction contract labor ... Do As a CTS Equipment Operator, you'll: * Safely operate GPS excavators in a construction ...

New

Excavator Operator

Elko, NV ยท On-site

$21.75 - $28.75/hr

We're looking for experienced Excavator Operators who can work safely, move efficiently, and keep ... contract mining of coal, minerals, or metals, all the way to mine reclamation. Our service ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Contract Excavator Operator information

See salary details

$13

$26

$41

How much do contract excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 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 is a contract excavator operator?

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 skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a contract excavator operator?

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 are 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.

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.

How much do they pay a contract excavator operator?

Contract excavator operators typically earn between $20 and $40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and project complexity. Rates may vary based on certifications, equipment used, and the duration of the contract.

How to get a job as a contract excavator operator?

To get a job as a contract excavator operator, you should obtain a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) and relevant excavator operation certifications. Gaining experience through apprenticeships or entry-level positions, demonstrating proficiency with heavy machinery, and building a network in the construction industry can improve your chances of securing contract work.

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:

Infographic showing various Contract Excavator Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 35% Full Time, 63% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,408 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Excavator Operator

Charleston, SC โ€ข On-site

$21 - $27.75/hr

Contractor

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


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