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Contract Excavator Owner Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

STG Drayage is growing its intermodal and drayage network and looking to contract with experienced Owner-Operators in San Antonio, TX and surrounding port and rail markets. If you're looking for ...

STG Drayage is growing its intermodal and drayage network and looking to contract with experienced Owner-Operators in Cleveland, OH and surrounding port and rail markets. If you're looking for ...

STG Drayage is growing its intermodal and drayage network and looking to contract with experienced Owner-Operators in Detroit, MI and surrounding port and rail markets. If you're looking for ...

STG Drayage is growing its intermodal and drayage network and looking to contract with experienced Owner-Operators in Columbus, OH and surrounding port and rail markets. If you're looking for ...

STG Drayage is growing its intermodal and drayage network and looking to contract with experienced Owner-Operators in New Orleans, LA and surrounding port and rail markets. If you're looking for ...

STG Drayage is growing its intermodal and drayage network and looking to contract with experienced Owner-Operators in Louisville, KY and surrounding port and rail markets. If you're looking for ...

STG Drayage is growing its intermodal and drayage network and looking to contract with experienced Owner-Operators in Worcester, MA and surrounding port and rail markets. If you're looking for ...

STG Drayage is growing its intermodal and drayage network and looking to contract with experienced Owner-Operators in Jacksonville, FL and surrounding port and rail markets. If you're looking for ...

STG Drayage is growing its intermodal and drayage network and looking to contract with experienced Owner-Operators in Chambersburg, PA and surrounding port and rail markets. If you're looking for ...

STG Drayage is growing its intermodal and drayage network and looking to contract with experienced Owner-Operators in Columbus, OH and surrounding port and rail markets. If you're looking for ...

STG Drayage is growing its intermodal and drayage network and looking to contract with experienced Owner-Operators in Columbus, OH and surrounding port and rail markets. If you're looking for ...

STG Drayage is growing its intermodal and drayage network and looking to contract with experienced Owner-Operators in Nashville, TN and surrounding port and rail markets. If you're looking for ...

STG Drayage is growing its intermodal and drayage network and looking to contract with experienced Owner-Operators in Dallas, TX and surrounding port and rail markets. If you're looking for ...

STG Drayage is growing its intermodal and drayage network and looking to contract with experienced Owner-Operators in Chambersburg, PA and surrounding port and rail markets. If you're looking for ...

STG Drayage is growing its intermodal and drayage network and looking to contract with experienced Owner-Operators in Louisville, KY and surrounding port and rail markets. If you're looking for ...

STG Drayage is growing its intermodal and drayage network and looking to contract with experienced Owner-Operators in Atlanta, GA and surrounding port and rail markets. If you're looking for ...

STG Drayage is growing its intermodal and drayage network and looking to contract with experienced Owner-Operators in Charlotte, NC and surrounding port and rail markets. If you're looking for ...

STG Drayage is growing its intermodal and drayage network and looking to contract with experienced Owner-Operators in Chicago, IL and surrounding port and rail markets. If you're looking for ...

STG Drayage is growing its intermodal and drayage network and looking to contract with experienced Owner-Operators in Chambersburg, PA and surrounding port and rail markets. If you're looking for ...

STG Drayage is growing its intermodal and drayage network and looking to contract with experienced Owner-Operators in Charleston, SC and surrounding port and rail markets. If you're looking for ...

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Contract Excavator Owner Operator information

See salary details

$13

$26

$41

How much do contract excavator owner operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract excavator owner 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.

Is owning an excavator profitable?

Owning a contract excavator as an owner-operator can be profitable if there is consistent demand for excavation services, and the operator manages costs such as maintenance, fuel, insurance, and equipment financing effectively. Profitability depends on factors like project volume, pricing, and operational efficiency, making it essential to have strong business skills and industry knowledge. Properly maintaining the excavator and building a reliable client base are also key to sustained profitability.

What is the highest salary for an excavator operator?

The highest salaries for contract excavator owner operators can exceed $100,000 annually, especially for those with extensive experience, specialized skills, and the ability to operate advanced machinery. Factors such as location, project complexity, and certifications can influence earning potential in this role.

How much should I charge an hour for an excavator?

Contract excavator owner operators typically charge between $50 and $150 per hour, depending on factors such as equipment size, project complexity, location, and experience. Rates may also vary based on whether the work is performed under a contract or on a day rate basis, and including considerations for fuel, maintenance, and insurance costs. Setting a competitive yet profitable rate requires assessing local market rates and your operational expenses.

What is the difference between Contract Excavator Owner Operator vs Contract Excavator Employee?

AspectContract Excavator Owner OperatorContract Excavator Employee
CredentialsRelevant excavator certifications, CDL (if applicable)Same certifications, often provided or required by employer
Work EnvironmentSelf-managed, operates own equipment on various sitesWorks on employer’s equipment, follows company policies
Employer RelationshipIndependent contractor, responsible for taxes and equipment maintenanceEmployee, receives benefits and payroll deductions

The main difference between a Contract Excavator Owner Operator and a Contract Excavator Employee lies in their employment status and equipment ownership. Owner operators work independently, own their equipment, and manage their own business, while employees operate equipment provided by the employer and follow company policies. Both roles require similar certifications but differ in work setup and legal responsibilities.

Is there a demand for excavator operators?

There is consistent demand for excavator operators in the construction, infrastructure, and mining industries, especially for those with experience operating heavy machinery and relevant certifications. The job market often favors candidates with skills in equipment maintenance and safety protocols, and opportunities are available in both temporary and long-term projects.
More about Contract Excavator Owner Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Excavator Owner Operator jobs? Cities with the most Contract Excavator Owner Operator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Excavator Owner Operator jobs? The most popular types of Excavator Owner Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Excavator Owner Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Excavator Owner Operator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Contract Excavator Owner Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Full Time, and 51% Part Time. 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.
Owner Operator

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

San Antonio Owner-Operators Needed for Intermodal & Drayage Freight


Text APPLY to (860) 300-2110 to get your quick app started!

STG Drayage is growing its intermodal and drayage network and looking to contract with experienced Owner-Operators in San Antonio, TX and surrounding port and rail markets.

If you’re looking for consistent container freight, competitive rates, and a local team that understands port and rail operations, STG Drayage has opportunities ready now.

Why Owner-Operators Choose STG Drayage

  • Home Nightly 
  • Consistent Port & Rail Freight
  • Competitive Weekly Settlements
  • Local & Regional Drayage Runs
  • Drop & Hook Opportunities
  • Industry-Leading Fuel Discounts
  • Expanding Freight Network Across Major Ports & Rail Ramps
  • Supportive Local Team

Built for Intermodal Drivers

STG Drayage is one of North America’s fastest-growing intermodal carriers because it understands what matters most to owner-operators: steady freight, efficient turns, strong communication, and maximizing your time on the road.

Whether you’re running port containers daily or looking to grow your intermodal business, STG Drayage offers long-term opportunity with consistent freight volumes.

Owner-Operator Requirements

  • Minimum 21 Years Old
  • 12+ Months of Verifiable Tractor-Trailer Experience Within the Last 5 Years
  • Military driving experience may qualify toward road experience requirements (call for details)

If you’re a safety-focused owner-operator looking for consistent drayage or intermodal freight, partner with STG Drayage today.

Call now to get started!