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Digging Equipment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Davis H Elliot Company, Inc.

Equipment Operator

Edmond, OK · On-site

$14.25 - $19.50/hr

This includes trenching with trenchers, as well as hand digging due to congestion or working in areas where equipment cannot access. The Equipment Operator will also learn to work around, and in ...

Davis H Elliot Company, Inc.

Equipment Operator

Ardmore, OK · On-site

$16 - $22/hr

This includes trenching with trenchers, as well as hand digging due to congestion or working in areas where equipment cannot access. The Equipment Operator will also learn to work around, and in ...

Davis H Elliot Company, Inc.

Equipment Operator

Lawton, OK

$14.75 - $20.25/hr

This includes trenching with trenchers, as well as hand digging due to congestion or working in areas where equipment cannot access. The Equipment Operator will also learn to work around, and in ...

Centric Infrastructure Group

Equipment Operator

Magnolia, TX · On-site

$16.25 - $22.25/hr

Equipment Operator/ Splicer Centric Fiber is a start-up telecommunications Company that is looking ... Become familiar with digging plans, machine capabilities and limitations, and with efficient and ...

Quanta Services

Equipment Operator

Fayetteville, NC

$17.50 - $24/hr

Our Equipment Operators work all aspects of job, you may be hand digging trenches if machinery isn't able to reach a specific area needing to be trenched/dug. Experience: * Possess a valid CDL class ...

Centric Infrastructure Group

Equipment Operator

Magnolia, TX · On-site

$16.25 - $22.25/hr

Equipment Operator/ Splicer Centric Fiber is a start-up telecommunications company that is looking ... Become familiar with digging plans, machine capabilities and limitations, and with efficient and ...

Davis H Elliot Company, Inc.

Equipment Operator

Lawton, OK · On-site

$14.75 - $20.25/hr

This includes trenching with trenchers, as well as hand digging due to congestion or working in areas where equipment cannot access. The Equipment Operator will also learn to work around, and in ...

Davis H Elliot Company, Inc.

Equipment Operator

Edmond, OK · On-site

$14.25 - $19.50/hr

This includes trenching with trenchers, as well as hand digging due to congestion or working in areas where equipment cannot access. The Equipment Operator will also learn to work around, and in ...

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All JobsDigging Equipment Operator Jobs

Digging Equipment Operator information

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$14

$24

$34

How much do digging equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for digging equipment operator in the United States is $24.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.39 and $27.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Digging Equipment Operators on construction sites?

Digging Equipment Operators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, navigating tight or uneven job sites, and maintaining equipment performance under demanding circumstances. Effective communication with site supervisors and other team members is crucial to ensure safety and project efficiency. Operators must also stay vigilant about underground utilities and adapt quickly to changes in site plans, making flexibility and attention to detail essential for success in this role.

What is the highest paid equipment operator?

The highest paid equipment operators are often those who operate specialized machinery such as crane or heavy excavator operators, especially with extensive experience, certifications, and working in high-demand industries like oil and gas or large-scale construction. These roles can earn six-figure salaries, particularly in regions with a high cost of living or complex projects.

What's the highest paid heavy equipment operator?

Heavy equipment operators, including digging equipment operators, can earn high wages depending on experience, specialization, and location. The highest-paid operators typically work in specialized roles such as crane or excavator operators in industries like oil and gas or construction, with annual salaries reaching over $70,000 to $100,000 or more. Advanced certifications and operating complex machinery can increase earning potential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Digging Equipment Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Digging Equipment Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, understanding of safety protocols, and experience operating heavy machinery, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with equipment such as backhoes, excavators, and trenchers, as well as certifications like OSHA safety training, are commonly required. Attention to detail, good hand-eye coordination, and effective communication enhance performance and safety on the job site. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure efficient, safe, and accurate excavation work, minimizing risks and project delays.

What jobs pay 700 a day?

For a Digging Equipment Operator, high daily pay of around $700 is typically associated with experienced professionals working in construction, excavation, or heavy civil projects, often requiring specialized skills, certifications, and working in demanding environments. Such pay rates are common for unionized or highly skilled operators with extensive experience and often involve overtime or long shifts.

What is the top pay for an Excavator Operator?

The top pay for an excavator operator can reach up to $30 to $40 per hour or more, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Skilled operators with specialized equipment knowledge and safety training tend to earn higher wages, especially in high-demand construction or industrial environments.

What is the difference between Digging Equipment Operator vs Excavator Operator?

AspectDigging Equipment OperatorExcavator Operator
CredentialsCommercial driver's license (CDL) often required, OSHA safety trainingOSHA safety training, sometimes specific excavator certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, mining, infrastructure projectsConstruction sites, demolition, landscaping
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction companies, mining firms, utility contractorsConstruction firms, excavation services, landscaping companies

Both roles involve operating heavy machinery for digging tasks, often requiring similar certifications and working in construction or excavation environments. The term "Excavator Operator" specifically refers to operating excavators, while "Digging Equipment Operator" can encompass a broader range of machinery. However, in many cases, these titles are used interchangeably, with the primary focus on excavation work.

What are digging equipment operators?

Digging equipment operators are skilled professionals who operate heavy machinery such as excavators, backhoes, trenchers, and other equipment used for digging and earthmoving tasks. They work on construction sites, road projects, utility installations, and other infrastructure projects, ensuring that trenches, foundations, and holes are dug safely and accurately according to project specifications. These operators are trained to handle complex machinery, perform routine maintenance, and follow safety protocols to prevent accidents and equipment damage.
More about Digging Equipment Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Digging Equipment Operator jobs? Cities with the most Digging Equipment Operator job openings:
What states have the most Digging Equipment Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Digging Equipment Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Digging Equipment Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Digging Equipment Operator jobs are:
Digging Equipment Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Digging Equipment Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% Locum Tenens, 86% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,524 per year, or $24.8 per hour.
Equipment Operator 4

Equipment Operator 4

City of St Joseph, Missouri

Saint Joseph, MO • On-site

$20.85/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

POSITION TITLE: Equipment Operator IV
DEPARTMENT: Public Works & Transportation
DIVISION: Sewer Maintenance
SALARY: $43,359.00 Yr. / $20.84567 Hr.
CLOSING: Until Filled
Job Summary/Scope
Operates equipment used in the maintenance and repair of the City's sanitary & combined sewer system. This equipment includes but is not limited to dump trucks, high loaders, excavators, skid steer loaders, backhoes, jet vacuum trucks, bucket trucks and snow removal equipment. Assists in training and supervising other equipment operators. Limited supervisory responsibilities. No budgetary responsibilities.
Supervisory Responsibility
Integral to the position of Equipment Operator IV is the responsibility for developing subordinates to their fullest potential by exercising appropriate degrees of coaching, training, guiding, evaluating, correcting and, if necessary, disciplining.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Operates dump trucks, jet vacuum trucks, bucket trucks, high loaders, excavators, and backhoes
  • Operates digging equipment in excavations exceeding 5' in depth
  • Trains new employees on excavation techniques and operations
  • Acts as competent person on all confined space entries and trenching and shoring operations
  • Acts as Safety Officer, including organizing and overseeing monthly SMTN safety meetings and acts as division representative to SIMR safety committee.
  • Operates snow removal equipment, including back up operator on motor grader
  • Transports and shovels gravel, dirt and debris.
  • Transports equipment and workers and hauls materials to and from job sites.
  • Responds to various types of emergencies after working hours.
  • Required to be on-call and/or carry a pager and respond to emergencies as needed.
  • Performs utility locates as needed.

Other Duties and Responsibilities
Performs all other related duties as assigned.
Required (Essential) Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Skills in safely operating heavy equipment, including safe procedures when excavating deeper than 5'.
  • Must be trained and certified as a Competent Person for confined space entries.
  • Must be trained and certified as a Competent Person for trenching and shoring operations.
  • Knowledge of general sewer maintenance and repair procedures.
  • Knowledge of safe work practices and safety procedures for all tasks associated with sewer maintenance and repair, including shoring and confined space entry techniques and requirements.
  • Ability to follow instructions and perform tasks with minimum supervision.
  • Valid Class A CDL with Tanker endorsement required.
  • Required to be on-call and/or carry a pager and respond to emergencies as needed.

Employee Behavior and Conduct
City employees shall conduct themselves in a professional manner and shall exhibit and extend such professional conduct appropriate for the circumstances to those with whom they come into contact both internally and externally during the performance of their duties. Examples of professional conduct include but are not limited to, being communicative, informative, fair, honest, and respectful.
Materials and Equipment Directly Used
Operates a variety of equipment including but not limited to dump trucks, jack hammers, backhoes, excavators, jet trucks, combination sewer cleaners, and other tools directly related to the maintenance of sewers. Additionally, will operate a safety retrieval system, harness, gas detector, and shoring equipment including shoring panels, hydraulic braces, and emergency sewer plugs. During snow removal, may operate a salt spreader, snowplow, and/or motor grader. May use hand tools associated with operator maintenance. There may be times when use of personal vehicle may be required.
Working Environment/Physical Requirements
Work is performed under a variety of conditions ranging from office with controlled environment, to outside tasks performed under a range of extreme weather conditions of cold, heat, windy, wet and occasionally live traffic. Must be able to stand for long periods of time, operate equipment with dexterity. Work involves bending, stooping, climbing and reaching. Must have ability to routinely lift objects weighing up to 30 pounds. Occasionally lift objects weighing as much as 90 pounds or assist in lifting objects in excess of 100 pounds. Some overnight or day travel may be required for business purposes. Vacation and other leave scheduling shall be requested of and approved by the appropriate supervisor.
Education
High school diploma or equivalent is required. Three to five years of experience in related field required.
All applicants must pass a drug screening and criminal background check prior to employment.
Any job offer made by the City is contingent upon the applicant passing the drug screening and background check.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The City is a governmental entity subject to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973,
which requires that otherwise qualified handicapped individuals be protected from discrimination.

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