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Contract Excavator Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Allan Myers

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 ...

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Chesapeake, VA

$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 ...

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Chesapeake, VA

$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 ...

Ledcor Group

Excavator Operator

Spring Creek, NV

$21.75 - $28.75/hr

Ledcor is hiring experienced Excavator Operators to support the construction of high-speed ... contract mining of coal, minerals, or metals, all the way to mine reclamation. Our service ...

Ledcor Group

Excavator Operator

Carlin, NV

$21.75 - $28.75/hr

Ledcor is hiring experienced Excavator Operators to support the construction of high-speed ... contract mining of coal, minerals, or metals, all the way to mine reclamation. Our service ...

Ledcor Group

Excavator Operator

Pahrump, NV · On-site

$22.50 - $29.75/hr

Ledcor is hiring experienced Excavator Operators to support the construction of high-speed ... contract mining of coal, minerals, or metals, all the way to mine reclamation. Our service ...

Ledcor Group

Excavator Operator

Reno, NV

$22.50 - $29.75/hr

Ledcor is hiring experienced Excavator Operators to support the construction of high-speed ... contract mining of coal, minerals, or metals, all the way to mine reclamation. Our service ...

Ledcor Group

Excavator Operator

Eureka, NV · On-site

$21.25 - $28.25/hr

Ledcor is hiring experienced Excavator Operators to support the construction of high-speed ... contract mining of coal, minerals, or metals, all the way to mine reclamation. Our service ...

Ledcor Group

Excavator Operator

Pahrump, NV · On-site

$22.50 - $29.75/hr

Ledcor is hiring experienced Excavator Operators to support the construction of high-speed ... contract mining of coal, minerals, or metals, all the way to mine reclamation. Our service ...

Ledcor Group

Excavator Operator

Sparks, NV

$23 - $30.50/hr

Ledcor is hiring experienced Excavator Operators to support the construction of high-speed ... contract mining of coal, minerals, or metals, all the way to mine reclamation. Our service ...

Ledcor Group

Excavator Operator

Elko, NV

$21.75 - $28.75/hr

Ledcor is hiring experienced Excavator Operators to support the construction of high-speed ... contract mining of coal, minerals, or metals, all the way to mine reclamation. Our service ...

Ledcor Group

Excavator Operator

Las Vegas, NV

$21.50 - $28.50/hr

Ledcor is hiring experienced Excavator Operators to support the construction of high-speed ... contract mining of coal, minerals, or metals, all the way to mine reclamation. Our service ...

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Contract Excavator Operator information

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$13

$26

$41

How much do contract excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 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.

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.

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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Full Time, and 96% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $54,408 per year, or $26.2 per hour.
Excavator Operator

Excavator Operator

Allan Myers

Chesapeake, VA • On-site

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Allan Myers rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

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.
Qualifications
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience operating excavators in heavy civil construction.
  • 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 the largest heavy civil construction and materials production contractor in the mid-Atlantic. 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.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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