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Contract Excavator Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ledcor Group

Excavator Operator

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$21.50 - $28.50/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 ...

Ledcor Group

Excavator Operator

Sparks, NV

$23 - $30.50/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 ...

Ledcor Group

Excavator Operator

Carlin, NV · 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 ...

Ledcor Group

Excavator Operator

Spring Creek, NV

$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 ...

Ledcor Group

Excavator Operator

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$21.50 - $28.50/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 ...

Ledcor Group

Excavator Operator

Eureka, NV · On-site

$21.25 - $28.25/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 ...

Allan Myers

Utility Pipe Excavator Operator

Laurel, MD · On-site

$28 - $35/hr

Utility Pipe Excavator Operator Job Locations US-MD-Laurel ID 2026-14553 # of Openings 1 Category ... under contract. Any resume submitted without a signed agreement and prior written authorization ...

Ledcor Group

Excavator Operator

Pahrump, NV · On-site

$22.50 - $29.75/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 ...

Ledcor Group

Excavator Operator

Lovelock, NV · On-site

$22.50 - $29.50/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 ...

Ledcor Group

Excavator Operator

Sparks, NV · On-site

$23 - $30.50/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 ...

Allan Myers

Utility Pipe Excavator Operator

Largo, MD · On-site

$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 ...

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Contract Excavator Operator information

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$41

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

Excavator Operator

Ledcor Group

Las Vegas, NV • On-site

$21.50 - $28.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

You know how to run an excavator-and you deliver.
We're looking for experienced Excavator Operators who can work safely, move efficiently, and keep production on track in a fast-paced telecom construction environment. This is hands-on work building critical infrastructure-no shortcuts, no wasted movement.
At Ledcor, you'll be part of a crew that gets the job done right, supporting large-scale, high-speed telecommunications projects that have real impact.
This is a long-term career opportunity, with steady work and rotational travel every 4 weeks across Nevada and surrounding states.
If you're reliable, safety-focused, and take pride in clean, efficient work, you'll fit right in.
Come build something that lasts-with a team that expects the best and backs it up.

Essential Responsibilities:

  • Operate excavators for trenching, backfilling, grading, and utility installation in a fast-paced telecom construction environment
  • Safely excavate around live underground utilities including power and telecommunications-no shortcuts
  • Read and execute work using utility locates, site plans, and construction drawings
  • Support crews with conduit placement and cable installation to keep production moving
  • Complete daily inspections and basic maintenance checks to keep equipment running reliably
  • Step in on general construction tasks when needed-team-first mindset
  • Communicate clearly with crew and supervisors to stay aligned and hit daily targets

Qualifications:

  • Minimum 5 years of excavator experience in utilities or construction environments
  • Experience with fiber optic or underground utility installation is a strong asset
  • Solid ability to read drawings and interpret utility locates
  • Strong understanding of safe digging practices and job site safety standards
  • Valid driver's license with a clean driving record
  • Physically capable of lifting up to 70 lbs and working in active construction environments

Work Conditions:

  • Monday to Friday schedule (7:00 AM - 3:00 PM), with overtime available after 40 hours
  • Living Out Allowance (LOA) provided
  • Travel required (rotational work across Nevada and surrounding areas)
  • Full health, dental, vision, and 401(k) matching
  • Outdoor, hands-on work in variable conditions-this is a field role, not a cab-only job

Additional Information

Ledcor Heavy Civil and Mining services reach across the lifespan of a mine, from facility construction, to full-scale contract mining of coal, minerals, or metals, all the way to mine reclamation. Our service offerings are vast-as are the projects we work on.

Ledcor has been recognized as a Top 100 Inspiring Workplace in North America.

Our competitive total rewards package provides compensation and benefits that support your physical, mental and financial well-being. We offer exciting, challenging work with opportunities to develop your skills and knowledge.

Employment Equity

At Ledcor we believe diversity, equity, and inclusion should be part of everything we do. We are proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, Veteran status or any other identifying characteristic are encouraged to apply.

Our True Blue team consists of individuals from all backgrounds who contribute diverse perspectives and experiences to Ledcor. For more information about Ledcor's Inclusion and Diversity initiatives, please visit our I&D page. Adjustments will be provided in all parts of our hiring process. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance by submitting a request via email.

All applicants must be able to show proof of eligibility to work in the United States.

Ledcor participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Link to: https://www.uscis.gov/e-verify

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