Pipe Layer
Sterling, VA · On-site
$18.75 - $24.75/hr
Performs physical construction including, but not limited to, digging ditches or trenches ... a ditch and trench box while following safety protocols Team oriented and works well with others ...
Pipe Layer
Sterling, VA · On-site
$18.75 - $24.75/hr
Performs physical construction including, but not limited to, digging ditches or trenches ... a ditch and trench box while following safety protocols Team oriented and works well with others ...
Horizontal Directional Drill Locator
$24.25 - $30/hr
Ensure safe digging practices around active utilities and sensitive infrastructure. * Assist with ... Experience with Ditch Witch, Subsite, DigiTrak, or Vermeer locating systems preferred. * OSP ...
Quick apply
Horizontal Directional Drill Locator
$24.25 - $30/hr
Ensure safe digging practices around active utilities and sensitive infrastructure. * Assist with ... Experience with Ditch Witch, Subsite, DigiTrak, or Vermeer locating systems preferred. * OSP ...
Equipment Operator IV
Norfolk, VA · On-site
$48K/yr
... repair and ditch maintenance crews. Norfolk's department of Parks and Recreation is proud to ... digging ditches, repairing caves and structures, transporting materials to and from job sites and ...
Equipment Operator IV
Norfolk, VA · On-site
$48K/yr
... repair and ditch maintenance crews. Norfolk's department of Parks and Recreation is proud to ... digging ditches, repairing caves and structures, transporting materials to and from job sites and ...
Equipment Operator IV
Norfolk, VA · On-site
$48K/yr
... repair and ditch maintenance crews. Norfolk's department of Parks and Recreation is proud to ... digging ditches, repairing caves and structures, transporting materials to and from job sites and ...
Equipment Operator IV
Norfolk, VA · On-site
$48K/yr
... repair and ditch maintenance crews. Norfolk's department of Parks and Recreation is proud to ... digging ditches, repairing caves and structures, transporting materials to and from job sites and ...
Ditch Digging information
See Virginia salary details
$10.96 - $12.13
2% of jobs
$12.13 - $13.30
4% of jobs
$13.30 - $14.47
11% of jobs
$15.08 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$14.47 - $15.64
16% of jobs
The median wage is $16.66 / hr.
$15.64 - $16.81
20% of jobs
$16.81 - $17.98
14% of jobs
$18.79 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$17.98 - $19.15
13% of jobs
$19.15 - $20.32
8% of jobs
$20.32 - $21.49
5% of jobs
$21.49 - $22.66
4% of jobs
$22.66 - $23.83
3% of jobs
$10
$17
$23
How much do ditch digging jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for ditch digging in Virginia is $17.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $19.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What is ditch digging?
A ditch digging job involves manually or mechanically excavating trenches for various purposes, such as drainage, utility installation, or construction projects. Workers use tools like shovels, pickaxes, or machinery to dig, shape, and clear ditches according to project specifications. The job requires physical stamina, as it often involves heavy labor in outdoor conditions. Safety measures, such as wearing protective gear and following guidelines, are essential to prevent injuries. Experienced ditch diggers may also assist in grading or reinforcing trenches to ensure stability and proper functionality.
What skills and qualifications are needed for ditch digging?
To thrive in ditch digging, you need physical stamina, strength, familiarity with manual labor, and experience with basic hand tools like shovels and pickaxes. Knowledge of safety protocols, and sometimes operation of small machinery such as trenchers or backhoes, may also be required. Attention to detail, reliability, teamwork, and a strong work ethic are valuable soft skills in this physically demanding environment. These competencies help ensure tasks are completed safely, efficiently, and to the required specifications, minimizing risks and meeting project deadlines.
What challenges do ditch diggers face on the job?
Ditch digging often involves working outdoors in varying weather conditions and on different types of terrain, which can be physically demanding and requires constant awareness of safety hazards. You may encounter unexpected obstacles underground such as rocks, roots, or utility lines, requiring adaptability and problem-solving. Teamwork is essential, as you will often coordinate with other laborers, supervisors, and equipment operators to maintain steady progress and ensure job site safety. Maintaining a consistent pace while managing fatigue is important for both personal wellbeing and project efficiency.
How much does a ditch digger get paid?
Ditch diggers typically earn between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and union membership. The average annual salary ranges from approximately $25,000 to $40,000. Skills in operating excavation tools and physical endurance are important for this role.
What are popular job titles related to Ditch Digging jobs in Virginia?
For Ditch Digging jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Ditch Digging jobs in Virginia look for?
The top searched job categories for Ditch Digging jobs in Virginia are:
Job description
Job Description:
Performs physical construction including, but not limited to, digging ditches or trenches, backfilling excavations, shoveling/raking asphalt and compacting and leveling earth to grade specifications using picks, shovels, pneumatic tampers and rakes
Communicate with supervisors/foreman. This will include verbal, written or following provided construction plan sets.
Signals equipment operators to facilitate alignment, movement and adjustment of machinery, equipment and materials.
Sets final trench grades by hand digging or using trenching tools.
Loads, unloads, identifies and distributes utility materials to the appropriate location, according to project plans and specifications.
Pipelayer must know how to read Cut Sheets.
Positions, aligns and lays out differing pipe routes by communicating with supervisors/foreman. This will include verbal, written or following provided construction plan sets.
Signals equipment operators to facilitate alignment, movement and adjustment of machinery, equipment and materials.
Connects water and sewer pipe fittings, to include PVC push on fittings, ductile iron mechanical joint fittings and the required proper restraint mechanisms.
Installs proper bell joint restraint to include the use and understanding of bell harnesses and a joint restraint table.
Sets final trench grades by hand digging or using trenching tools.
Sets trench boxes and performs pipe installations. This could involve the use of mechanical tampering equipment or hand tools.
Loads, unloads, identifies and distributes utility materials to the appropriate location, according to project plans and specifications.
Applicants must have reliable transportation to the work sites and must be willing to work full days
Must be able to travel to different site locations
Must be able to work in extreme weather conditions hot/cold
Must be a safety conscious individual
Frequently lift and carry tools, materials, and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds
Stoop, kneel, and crouch
Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds
Work in a ditch and trench box while following safety protocols
Team oriented and works well with others
See and hear well (either naturally or with correction)
DXI Construction Company provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, DXI Construction Company complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.
Performs physical construction including, but not limited to, digging ditches or trenches, backfilling excavations, shoveling/raking asphalt and compacting and leveling earth to grade specifications using picks, shovels, pneumatic tampers and rakes
Communicate with supervisors/foreman. This will include verbal, written or following provided construction plan sets.
Signals equipment operators to facilitate alignment, movement and adjustment of machinery, equipment and materials.
Sets final trench grades by hand digging or using trenching tools.
Loads, unloads, identifies and distributes utility materials to the appropriate location, according to project plans and specifications.
Pipelayer must know how to read Cut Sheets.
Positions, aligns and lays out differing pipe routes by communicating with supervisors/foreman. This will include verbal, written or following provided construction plan sets.
Signals equipment operators to facilitate alignment, movement and adjustment of machinery, equipment and materials.
Connects water and sewer pipe fittings, to include PVC push on fittings, ductile iron mechanical joint fittings and the required proper restraint mechanisms.
Installs proper bell joint restraint to include the use and understanding of bell harnesses and a joint restraint table.
Sets final trench grades by hand digging or using trenching tools.
Sets trench boxes and performs pipe installations. This could involve the use of mechanical tampering equipment or hand tools.
Loads, unloads, identifies and distributes utility materials to the appropriate location, according to project plans and specifications.
Applicants must have reliable transportation to the work sites and must be willing to work full days
Must be able to travel to different site locations
Must be able to work in extreme weather conditions hot/cold
Must be a safety conscious individual
Frequently lift and carry tools, materials, and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds
Stoop, kneel, and crouch
Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds
Work in a ditch and trench box while following safety protocols
Team oriented and works well with others
See and hear well (either naturally or with correction)
DXI Construction Company provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, DXI Construction Company complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.
About DXI Construction
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Construction
Company size
51 - 200 Employees
Headquarters location
Churchville, MD, US
Year founded
1966