ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Contract Excavator Operator Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Allan Myers

Pipe Hoe Excavator Operator

Annapolis, MD

$28 - $35/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 ...

Reworld

Crane Operator

Derwood, MD · On-site

... excavator. Key Responsibilities: * Mi-Jack crane operator - Ability and willingness to learn and ... contracts (if applicable). Pay ranges are reviewed from time to time and may be modified in the ...

Reworld

Crane Operator

Derwood, MD

... excavator. Key Responsibilities: * Mi-Jack crane operator - Ability and willingness to learn and ... contracts (if applicable). Pay ranges are reviewed from time to time and may be modified in the ...

NG Bailey

Civils Operative

Washington, DC · On-site

$33K/yr

Experience working on utility or power distribution contracts. * Plant operator tickets or relevant industry qualifications. * Experience working on excavation and reinstatement projects within ...

Bartley Corp

Concrete Estimator

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

$46K - $117K/yr

Contract Document Review * Prepare Job Start & Handoff to Production Required Experience ... Bartley Corporation's services include Residential Concrete Foundations, Excavation, Waterproofing ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsContract Excavator Operator JobsContract Excavator Operator Jobs in Washington

Contract Excavator Operator information

See Washington salary details

$15

$29

$47

How much do contract excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract excavator operator in Washington is $29.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.52 and $32.40 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 are the most commonly searched types of Excavator Operator jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Excavator Operator jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Contract Excavator Operator jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Contract Excavator Operator job openings:

Contract Excavator Operator jobs near you

Pipe Hoe Excavator Operator

Allan Myers, Inc.

Annapolis, MD • On-site

$28 - $35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Allan Myers rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Responsibilities
Allan Myers is looking for a highly skilled and experienced Excavator Operator to join our Mainline Pipe Crew or Mass Excavation Crew on heavy civil construction projects. The ideal candidate has at least three (3) years of experience operating excavators in site development, utility installation, or large-scale excavation projects. This role is essential to ensuring safe and efficient operations on our job sites.
Key Responsibilities
  • Operate hydraulic excavators (e.g., Cat 330, 336, 349, or similar) to perform precise digging, trenching, and grading.
  • Excavate for utility installation, including water, sewer, and storm drainage systems (Mainline Pipe Crew).
  • Perform bulk earthmoving, slope work, and grading in large-scale excavation projects (Mass Excavation Crew).
  • Read and interpret construction plans, grade stakes, and laser levels.
  • Ensure safe and efficient operation of equipment, following company and OSHA safety standards.
  • Perform daily equipment inspections, routine maintenance, and report mechanical issues.
  • Work collaboratively with crew members, site supervisors, and project managers.

Hourly Range:
  • $28.00 - $35.00, based on experience.

Benefits:
  • We offer competitive industry-leading benefits (including Medical, Vision and Dental), vacation, paid holidays, annual performance bonus program and 401k.

Qualifications
  • Minimum 3 years of experience operating excavators in heavy civil construction (water mains, storm, or sanitation sewers).
  • Experience in mainline pipe installation or mass excavation preferred.
  • Ability to work with GPS machine control systems is a plus.
  • Strong knowledge of excavation techniques, trenching safety, and soil conditions.
  • Must be able to work in a physically demanding environment and in various weather conditions.
  • Valid driver's license required; CDL is a plus.
  • Must pass pre-employment drug screening and background check.

Overview
Our Company Does Work That Matters
Allan Myers is a leading self-performing heavy civil construction and construction materials company with a strategic network of offices, quarries and asphalt plants covering the Mid-Atlantic from New Jersey to Virginia Beach. We build infrastructure: the highways and bridges that connect cities and towns, the public water and wastewater systems that provide clean water to your home and keep our streams clean. We take pride in meeting the highest quality standards because it ensures our work will have a long-lasting positive impact on the community. When you get home safe each night, you know that what you did that day matters.
At Allan Myers, you are part of a team dedicated to making things better, including your career. We pay well and provide generous benefits. We offer extensive training and promote from within. If you have the drive, we will help you build a career in the thriving construction industry and reach your full potential.
Allan Myers is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Notice to External, Third Party, Agency Recruiting Firms:
Allan Myers maintains a preferred vendor list and does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies not under contract. Any resume submitted without a signed agreement and prior written authorization from our Talent Acquisition team will be deemed the property of Allan Myers. We reserve the right to engage with such candidates (contact, interview and hire) without financial obligation. No other employee is authorized to approve resume submissions or bind Allan Myers to any fee arrangement.

What Allan Myers employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply