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Contract Excavator Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Granite Construction, Inc.

EXCAVATOR OPERATOR

Mission, TX · On-site

$17.50 - $23/hr

Agencies must obtain advance written approval from Granite's recruiting function to submit resumes, and then only in conjunction with a valid fully-executed contract for service and in response to a ...

TIC

Excavator Operator Journeyman

Mabelvale, AR · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

... equipment to excavate, move and/or grade material. Experience Level Skilled Primary ... Inspect subordinate's work for compliance with the contract plans and specifications, point out ...

Granite Construction, Inc.

Excavator Operator

Orlando, FL · On-site

$21 - $27.75/hr

Agencies must obtain advance written approval from Granite's recruiting function to submit resumes, and then only in conjunction with a valid fully-executed contract for service and in response to a ...

Granite

Excavator Operator Journeyman

Anchorage, AK

$23 - $30.50/hr

Agencies must obtain advance written approval from Granite's recruiting function to submit resumes, and then only in conjunction with a valid fully-executed contract for service and in response to a ...

Granite

Excavator Operator Journeyman

Fairbanks, AK

$23 - $30.50/hr

Agencies must obtain advance written approval from Granite's recruiting function to submit resumes, and then only in conjunction with a valid fully-executed contract for service and in response to a ...

TIC

Equipment Operator Journeyman - Excavator

Forsyth, GA · On-site

$19.50 - $26/hr

... equipment to excavate, move and/or grade material. Experience Level Skilled Primary ... Inspect subordinate's work for compliance with the contract plans and specifications, point out ...

Bauer Underground

Equipment Operator

Norfolk, NE

$50K - $85K/yr

Excavator Operator. * Backhoe Operator. * Dump Truck Operator. * Tractor Operator. * Track Hoe ... every job we contract for. Bauer Underground is a state-wide Utility Installation General ...

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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 1, 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 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 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 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 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 2% Full Time, 96% Part Time, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $54,408 per year, or $26.2 per hour.
EXCAVATOR OPERATOR

EXCAVATOR OPERATOR

Granite Construction, Inc.

Mission, TX • On-site

$17.50 - $23/hr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Granite Construction rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 77 rated construction

Job description

Building a career at Granite may be the most valuable thing you could do...
Find your dream job today, and be part of something great. Our most powerful partnership is the one we have with our employees. Our people are our most valued asset and the foundation of Granite's century-old success. We're building more than infrastructure; we are building your future.
General Summary
Operates backhoe (hydraulic shovel attached to tractor or train) which digs holes and trenches and removes and transports earth, gravel and other such materials. This job participates in on-the-job training
Essential Job Accountabilities
  • Moves hand and foot levers to control hydraulic shovel.
  • Uses shovel to dig trenches and holes of specified length, depth and width, remove loosened material and put in piles or transport trucks.
  • Performs routine maintenance on equipment, such as lubricating, fueling, and cleaning

Education
  • High School Diploma, GED or equivalent years of experience

Certification
  • Proper certification required

Work Experience
  • Appropriate training and experience required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Workers should be able to:
  • Practice good safety habits
  • Work in dusty or dirty surroundings
  • Follow instructions and meet set standards
  • Judge distances and slopes accurately
  • Make decisions based on verifiable standards.

Physically, workers must be able to:
  • Stoop, bend, and crouch
  • Use hands, arms, and legs fully
  • See well (either naturally or with correction)
  • Lift up to 50 pounds, with frequent lifting and carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

About Granite Construction Incorporated
Granite Construction Incorporated is a member of the S&P 400 Index and is the parent company of Granite Construction Company, one of the nation's largest heavy civil contractors and construction materials producers. Granite is a Drug-Free Workplace and Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws.
For additional information on applicant/employee rights please click here.
Notice to Staffing Agencies
Granite Construction, Inc. and its subsidiaries ("Granite") will not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. Any unsolicited resumes sent to Granite, including unsolicited resumes sent to a Granite mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Granite employees, or to Granite's resume database will be considered Granite property. Granite will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. Granite will consider any candidate for whom an Agency has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Agency free of any charges or fees. Agencies must obtain advance written approval from Granite's recruiting function to submit resumes, and then only in conjunction with a valid fully-executed contract for service and in response to a specific job opening. Granite will not pay a fee to any Agency that does not have such agreement in place. Agency agreements will only be valid if in writing and signed by Granite's Human Resources Representative or his/ her designee. No other Granite employee is authorized to bind Granite to any agreement regarding the placement of candidates by Agencies.

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