CA · On-site
Heavy Equipment Operator/Mainline Digger - Underground Division General Summary : Western Engineering Contractors Inc. is seeking a qualified Heavy Equipment Operator for our Grading, Underground ...
Quick apply
CA · On-site
Heavy Equipment Operator/Mainline Digger - Underground Division General Summary : Western Engineering Contractors Inc. is seeking a qualified Heavy Equipment Operator for our Grading, Underground ...
Heavy Equipment Operator/Mainline Digger - Underground Division
Sacramento, CA · On-site
$40 - $45/hr
Heavy Equipment Operator/Mainline Digger - Underground Division General Summary : Western Engineering Contractors Inc. is seeking a qualified Heavy Equipment Operator for our Grading, Underground ...
Heavy Equipment Operator/Mainline Digger - Underground Division
Sacramento, CA · On-site
$40 - $45/hr
Heavy Equipment Operator/Mainline Digger - Underground Division General Summary : Western Engineering Contractors Inc. is seeking a qualified Heavy Equipment Operator for our Grading, Underground ...
Mechanic
Salinas, CA · On-site
$27 - $51/hr
This includes aerial devices (bucket trucks), digger derricks, and other specialized equipment used in electrical line work. The ideal candidate has experience with hydraulic and electrical systems ...
Mechanic
Salinas, CA · On-site
$27 - $51/hr
This includes aerial devices (bucket trucks), digger derricks, and other specialized equipment used in electrical line work. The ideal candidate has experience with hydraulic and electrical systems ...
Operate specialized equipment, including lashing machines, ventilation machines, digger derricks, bucket trucks, and personnel lifts. * Perform safety inspections, pump excess water from manholes ...
Operate specialized equipment, including lashing machines, ventilation machines, digger derricks, bucket trucks, and personnel lifts. * Perform safety inspections, pump excess water from manholes ...
Mechanic
$27 - $51/hr
This includes aerial devices (bucket trucks), digger derricks, and other specialized equipment used in electrical line work. The ideal candidate has experience with hydraulic and electrical systems ...
Mechanic
$27 - $51/hr
This includes aerial devices (bucket trucks), digger derricks, and other specialized equipment used in electrical line work. The ideal candidate has experience with hydraulic and electrical systems ...
Mechanic
Redwood City, CA · On-site
$27 - $51/hr
This includes aerial devices (bucket trucks), digger derricks, and other specialized equipment used in electrical line work. The ideal candidate has experience with hydraulic and electrical systems ...
Mechanic
Redwood City, CA · On-site
$27 - $51/hr
This includes aerial devices (bucket trucks), digger derricks, and other specialized equipment used in electrical line work. The ideal candidate has experience with hydraulic and electrical systems ...
Mechanic
Salinas, CA · On-site
$27 - $51/hr
This includes aerial devices (bucket trucks), digger derricks, and other specialized equipment used in electrical line work. The ideal candidate has experience with hydraulic and electrical systems ...
Mechanic
Salinas, CA · On-site
$27 - $51/hr
This includes aerial devices (bucket trucks), digger derricks, and other specialized equipment used in electrical line work. The ideal candidate has experience with hydraulic and electrical systems ...
Mechanic
Redwood City, CA · On-site
$27 - $51/hr
This includes aerial devices (bucket trucks), digger derricks, and other specialized equipment used in electrical line work. The ideal candidate has experience with hydraulic and electrical systems ...
Mechanic
Redwood City, CA · On-site
$27 - $51/hr
This includes aerial devices (bucket trucks), digger derricks, and other specialized equipment used in electrical line work. The ideal candidate has experience with hydraulic and electrical systems ...
Mechanic
Watsonville, CA · On-site
$27 - $51/hr
This includes aerial devices (bucket trucks), digger derricks, and other specialized equipment used in electrical line work. The ideal candidate has experience with hydraulic and electrical systems ...
Mechanic
Watsonville, CA · On-site
$27 - $51/hr
This includes aerial devices (bucket trucks), digger derricks, and other specialized equipment used in electrical line work. The ideal candidate has experience with hydraulic and electrical systems ...
Operate specialized equipment, including lashing machines, ventilation machines, digger derricks, bucket trucks, and personnel lifts. * Perform safety inspections, pump excess water from manholes ...
Operate specialized equipment, including lashing machines, ventilation machines, digger derricks, bucket trucks, and personnel lifts. * Perform safety inspections, pump excess water from manholes ...
Mechanic
$27 - $51/hr
This includes aerial devices (bucket trucks), digger derricks, and other specialized equipment used in electrical line work. The ideal candidate has experience with hydraulic and electrical systems ...
Mechanic
$27 - $51/hr
This includes aerial devices (bucket trucks), digger derricks, and other specialized equipment used in electrical line work. The ideal candidate has experience with hydraulic and electrical systems ...
Mechanic
Watsonville, CA · On-site
$27 - $51/hr
This includes aerial devices (bucket trucks), digger derricks, and other specialized equipment used in electrical line work. The ideal candidate has experience with hydraulic and electrical systems ...
Mechanic
Watsonville, CA · On-site
$27 - $51/hr
This includes aerial devices (bucket trucks), digger derricks, and other specialized equipment used in electrical line work. The ideal candidate has experience with hydraulic and electrical systems ...
Mechanic
$27 - $51/hr
This includes aerial devices (bucket trucks), digger derricks, and other specialized equipment used in electrical line work. The ideal candidate has experience with hydraulic and electrical systems ...
Mechanic
$27 - $51/hr
This includes aerial devices (bucket trucks), digger derricks, and other specialized equipment used in electrical line work. The ideal candidate has experience with hydraulic and electrical systems ...
Mechanic
Redwood City, CA · On-site
$27 - $51/hr
This includes aerial devices (bucket trucks), digger derricks, and other specialized equipment used in electrical line work. The ideal candidate has experience with hydraulic and electrical systems ...
Mechanic
Redwood City, CA · On-site
$27 - $51/hr
This includes aerial devices (bucket trucks), digger derricks, and other specialized equipment used in electrical line work. The ideal candidate has experience with hydraulic and electrical systems ...
Mechanic
Salinas, CA · On-site
$27 - $51/hr
This includes aerial devices (bucket trucks), digger derricks, and other specialized equipment used in electrical line work. The ideal candidate has experience with hydraulic and electrical systems ...
Mechanic
Salinas, CA · On-site
$27 - $51/hr
This includes aerial devices (bucket trucks), digger derricks, and other specialized equipment used in electrical line work. The ideal candidate has experience with hydraulic and electrical systems ...
Mechanic
$27 - $51/hr
This includes aerial devices (bucket trucks), digger derricks, and other specialized equipment used in electrical line work. The ideal candidate has experience with hydraulic and electrical systems ...
Mechanic
$27 - $51/hr
This includes aerial devices (bucket trucks), digger derricks, and other specialized equipment used in electrical line work. The ideal candidate has experience with hydraulic and electrical systems ...
Mechanic
West Sacramento, CA · On-site
$27 - $51/hr
This includes aerial devices (bucket trucks), digger derricks, and other specialized equipment used in electrical line work. The ideal candidate has experience with hydraulic and electrical systems ...
Mechanic
West Sacramento, CA · On-site
$27 - $51/hr
This includes aerial devices (bucket trucks), digger derricks, and other specialized equipment used in electrical line work. The ideal candidate has experience with hydraulic and electrical systems ...
Mechanic
Watsonville, CA · On-site
$27 - $51/hr
This includes aerial devices (bucket trucks), digger derricks, and other specialized equipment used in electrical line work. The ideal candidate has experience with hydraulic and electrical systems ...
Mechanic
Watsonville, CA · On-site
$27 - $51/hr
This includes aerial devices (bucket trucks), digger derricks, and other specialized equipment used in electrical line work. The ideal candidate has experience with hydraulic and electrical systems ...
Mechanic
Redwood City, CA · On-site
$27 - $51/hr
This includes aerial devices (bucket trucks), digger derricks, and other specialized equipment used in electrical line work. The ideal candidate has experience with hydraulic and electrical systems ...
Mechanic
Redwood City, CA · On-site
$27 - $51/hr
This includes aerial devices (bucket trucks), digger derricks, and other specialized equipment used in electrical line work. The ideal candidate has experience with hydraulic and electrical systems ...
Mechanic
Redwood City, CA · On-site
$27 - $51/hr
This includes aerial devices (bucket trucks), digger derricks, and other specialized equipment used in electrical line work. The ideal candidate has experience with hydraulic and electrical systems ...
Mechanic
Redwood City, CA · On-site
$27 - $51/hr
This includes aerial devices (bucket trucks), digger derricks, and other specialized equipment used in electrical line work. The ideal candidate has experience with hydraulic and electrical systems ...
Digger information
See California salary details
$14.95 - $16.63
3% of jobs
$16.63 - $18.31
9% of jobs
$18.31 - $19.99
11% of jobs
$20.18 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$19.99 - $21.68
9% of jobs
$21.68 - $23.36
14% of jobs
The median wage is $23.64 / hr.
$23.36 - $25.04
19% of jobs
$26.72 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$25.04 - $26.72
9% of jobs
$26.72 - $28.40
16% of jobs
$28.40 - $30.09
7% of jobs
$30.09 - $31.77
1% of jobs
$31.77 - $33.45
1% of jobs
$14
$26
$33
How much do digger jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for digger in California is $26.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.14 and $27.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What is a digger?
Diggers are workers or machines that excavate soil, rocks, or other materials from the ground, typically for construction, mining, or landscaping projects. The term often refers to both manual laborers who use tools like shovels and pickaxes, as well as to heavy equipment operators who control machinery such as excavators and backhoes. Diggers play a crucial role in preparing sites for building foundations, installing utilities, or extracting resources. Their work requires physical strength, attention to safety, and sometimes specialized training for operating equipment.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a digger, and why are they important?
To thrive as a Digger, you need physical strength, stamina, a basic understanding of construction or excavation processes, and sometimes relevant on-the-job training or certifications. Familiarity with hand and power tools, as well as operating small machinery like mini-excavators, is often required. Reliability, attention to detail, and the ability to follow instructions are valuable soft skills for this role. These skills ensure efficient, safe, and accurate site work, which is crucial for meeting project deadlines and maintaining safety standards.
What are some common challenges faced by diggers on construction sites, and how can they be managed?
Diggers often encounter challenges such as working in varying soil conditions, operating heavy machinery safely, and coordinating with other site workers. These challenges can be managed by adhering to safety protocols, conducting regular equipment maintenance, and maintaining clear communication with supervisors and team members. Staying adaptable and attentive to site-specific hazards helps ensure both efficiency and safety on the job.
What is the difference between Digger vs Excavator Operator?
| Aspect | Digger | Excavator Operator |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Typically requires a basic operating license or certification | Requires a valid excavator operator certification or license |
| Work Environment | Construction sites, landscaping, mining | Construction sites, demolition, mining, infrastructure projects |
| Industry Usage | Commonly used term in casual or general contexts | Formal job title used in industry and official listings |
| Job Scope | Refers to the machine or the operator | Specifically the skilled operator of excavator machinery |
While both terms relate to heavy machinery used in construction, a Digger generally refers to the machine itself or a casual term for the operator, whereas an Excavator Operator is a formal job title for a professional trained to operate excavator equipment in various construction and mining projects.
What are popular job titles related to Digger jobs in California?
For Digger jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Digger jobs in California look for?
The top searched job categories for Digger jobs in California are:
Heavy Equipment Operator/Mainline Digger - Underground Division
CA • On-site
Western Engineering Contractors, Inc. •
51 - 200 employees51 - 200 employees
Full-time
Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO
Re-posted 7 days ago
Job description
Heavy Equipment Operator/Mainline Digger – Underground Division
General Summary: Western Engineering Contractors Inc. is seeking a qualified Heavy Equipment Operator for our Grading, Underground, and Paving Divisions for full-time employment. Western Engineering is a local contractor that is based in Loomis and performs work in the greater Sacramento area and surrounding foothills. Western Engineering is a reputable company that has been rooted in the industry for over 40 years.
Essential Functions:
Operates several types of power construction equipment, such as motor graders, excavators, asphalt paving machines, backhoes, tractors, and scrapers, to excavate, move, spread, compact and grade earth, rock, and asphalt paving materials.
Education Requirements: High school diploma preferable.
Experience Requirements: 5 or more years of Heavy Equipment Operator experience.
Bonus: Heavy Equipment Operator Apprenticeship Program Completed (Certificate in hand) CAC Criteria.
Desired Knowledge and/or Skills:
• Knowledge of construction machinery, capacities, and safe operating procedures.
• Capable of performing close tolerance work safely and productively.
• Knowledge of material handling methods and procedures.
• Knowledge of local site conditions.
• Capability to operate mid to large class excavators in order to dig mainline sewer, storm and water trenches at or above an established production rate.
• Knowledge of GPS machine control systems such as Trimble and Topcon a plus.
• Ability to read plans and stakes a plus.
• Familiar with OSHA regulations.
Benefits
• Health, vision, Life insurance, and dental insurance plans offered.
• Matching 401K contributions.
• Paid time off.
• Pay is $40-45 per hour based on experience.
About the Company
Western Engineering Contractors provide initial mass grading, utility installation, finish paving, and complete pre-construction services. Nearly every aspect of these services is completed in-house, utilizing Western employees and equipment. This full-service full-commitment approach, and over 40 years of experience, is what has established Western as the Sitework Specialist in the greater Sacramento area.
We often have Section 3 work. Preference will be given to Section 3 residents for hiring.
Please no phone calls.
No recruiters, please.
Western Engineering Contractors, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Revised 4.24.26
General Summary: Western Engineering Contractors Inc. is seeking a qualified Heavy Equipment Operator for our Grading, Underground, and Paving Divisions for full-time employment. Western Engineering is a local contractor that is based in Loomis and performs work in the greater Sacramento area and surrounding foothills. Western Engineering is a reputable company that has been rooted in the industry for over 40 years.
Essential Functions:
Operates several types of power construction equipment, such as motor graders, excavators, asphalt paving machines, backhoes, tractors, and scrapers, to excavate, move, spread, compact and grade earth, rock, and asphalt paving materials.
Education Requirements: High school diploma preferable.
Experience Requirements: 5 or more years of Heavy Equipment Operator experience.
Bonus: Heavy Equipment Operator Apprenticeship Program Completed (Certificate in hand) CAC Criteria.
Desired Knowledge and/or Skills:
• Knowledge of construction machinery, capacities, and safe operating procedures.
• Capable of performing close tolerance work safely and productively.
• Knowledge of material handling methods and procedures.
• Knowledge of local site conditions.
• Capability to operate mid to large class excavators in order to dig mainline sewer, storm and water trenches at or above an established production rate.
• Knowledge of GPS machine control systems such as Trimble and Topcon a plus.
• Ability to read plans and stakes a plus.
• Familiar with OSHA regulations.
Benefits
• Health, vision, Life insurance, and dental insurance plans offered.
• Matching 401K contributions.
• Paid time off.
• Pay is $40-45 per hour based on experience.
About the Company
Western Engineering Contractors provide initial mass grading, utility installation, finish paving, and complete pre-construction services. Nearly every aspect of these services is completed in-house, utilizing Western employees and equipment. This full-service full-commitment approach, and over 40 years of experience, is what has established Western as the Sitework Specialist in the greater Sacramento area.
We often have Section 3 work. Preference will be given to Section 3 residents for hiring.
Please no phone calls.
No recruiters, please.
Western Engineering Contractors, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Revised 4.24.26
Powered by JazzHR
m9mXQrvtVk
About Western Engineering
Sourced by ZipRecruiter