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Entry Level Backhoe Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Riley Brothers

Backhoe Operator

Stoughton, MA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Operator - Backhoe Our Core Values: Guided by Safety. Focused on Communities. Powered by Care ... entry level equipment operations, placing fiber, loading materials, etc. on various safety ...

Peak Utility Services Group

Backhoe Operator

Stoughton, MA · On-site

$49K - $65K/yr

Operator - Backhoe Peak Utility Infrastructure is an integrated engineering and construction ... entry level equipment operations, placing fiber, loading materials, etc. on various safety ...

Riley Brothers

Backhoe Operator

Stoughton, MA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Operator - Backhoe Our Core Values: Guided by Safety. Focused on Communities. Powered by Care ... entry level equipment operations, placing fiber, loading materials, etc. on various safety ...

Riley Brothers, Inc.

Backhoe Operator

Stoughton, MA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Operator - Backhoe Our Core Values: Guided by Safety. Focused on Communities. Powered by Care ... entry level equipment operations, placing fiber, loading materials, etc. on various safety ...

Veit

Backhoe Operator (Utilities)

Duluth, MN · On-site

The Heavy Equipment Operator will operate one or more types of power construction equipment, such ... Assists in training entry-level employees to perform maintenance and repair duties as required or ...

Veit CO

Backhoe Operator (Earthwork)

Rochester, MN · On-site

The Heavy Equipment Operator will operate one or more types of power construction equipment, such ... Assists in training entry-level employees to perform maintenance and repair duties as required or ...

Veitusa

Backhoe Operator (Utilities)

Duluth, MN

The Heavy Equipment Operator will operate one or more types of power construction equipment, such ... Assists in training entry-level employees to perform maintenance and repair duties as required or ...

Veitusa

Backhoe Operator (Utilities)

New Berlin, WI · On-site

The Heavy Equipment Operator will operate one or several types of power construction equipment ... Assists in training entry level employees to perform maintenance and repair duties as required or ...

Veit

Backhoe Operator (Utilities)

New Berlin, WI · On-site

The Heavy Equipment Operator will operate one or several types of power construction equipment ... Assists in training entry level employees to perform maintenance and repair duties as required or ...

Veitusa

Backhoe Operator (Earthwork)

Rogers, MN

The Heavy Equipment Operator will operate one or more types of power construction equipment, such ... Assists in training entry-level employees to perform maintenance and repair duties as required or ...

Veit CO

Backhoe Operator (Utilities)

Duluth, MN · On-site

The Heavy Equipment Operator will operate one or more types of power construction equipment, such ... Assists in training entry-level employees to perform maintenance and repair duties as required or ...

Veitusa

Backhoe Operator (Utilities)

Rogers, MN

The Heavy Equipment Operator will operate one or more types of power construction equipment, such ... Assists in training entry-level employees to perform maintenance and repair duties as required or ...

Veit

Backhoe Operator (Earthwork)

Rogers, MN · On-site

The Heavy Equipment Operator will operate one or more types of power construction equipment, such ... Assists in training entry-level employees to perform maintenance and repair duties as required or ...

Veit CO

Backhoe Operator (Utilities)

New Berlin, WI · On-site

The Heavy Equipment Operator will operate one or several types of power construction equipment ... Assists in training entry level employees to perform maintenance and repair duties as required or ...

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Entry Level Backhoe Operator information

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$88K

How much do entry level backhoe operator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level backhoe operator in the United States is $56,952.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,500.00 and $61,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Backhoe Operator vs Excavator Operator?

AspectEntry Level Backhoe OperatorExcavator Operator
CertificationsOSHA safety training, basic equipment operationOSHA safety training, equipment operation certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, utility work, landscapingConstruction sites, excavation projects, infrastructure work
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction, landscaping, utility companiesConstruction, demolition, mining, infrastructure

Both roles involve operating heavy machinery in construction and excavation settings. An Entry Level Backhoe Operator typically handles backhoe loaders for tasks like digging, trenching, and loading, often requiring basic safety and operation certifications. An Excavator Operator specializes in operating excavators, which are used for larger-scale digging and demolition. While their work environments overlap, the excavator operator often works on more complex projects. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right role based on their skills and career goals.

What do you need to be an entry level backhoe operator?

To become an entry-level backhoe operator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic knowledge of construction equipment, and the ability to operate a backhoe safely. Some employers may require completion of a training program or certification, such as OSHA safety training, and a valid driver's license. On-the-job training is common for beginners in this role.
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What cities are hiring for Entry Level Backhoe Operator jobs?

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The most popular types of Backhoe Operator jobs are:

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Entry Level Backhoe Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Backhoe Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 39% Full Time, 59% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,952 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

Backhoe Operator

Stoughton, MA • On-site

Riley Brothers
Construction • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Riley Brothersexternal

$30 - $35/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 hours ago

Job description

Peak Utility Infrastructure is an integrated engineering and construction company that serves the Electric, Natural Gas, and Telecommunications industries. We provide a full suite of engineering, construction, operations, and maintenance services, including repair, replacement, maintenance, and installation of natural gas, telecommunications, and electric infrastructure through our operating subsidiaries: SiteWise, Kelly Cable, Riley Brothers, 5 Star Electric, Superior Hydrovac and Superior Pipeline Services.
Position Title: Operator - Backhoe
Our Core Values: Guided by Safety. Focused on Communities. Powered by Care.
Classification: Non-Exempt
Pay Rate: $30.00 - $35.00 per hour
Essential Functions:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Roles and Responsibilities:
  • Operates, maneuvers, and navigates heavy equipment (backhoes)
  • Uses either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes
  • Inspects equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects
  • Uses relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards and communicates abnormal working conditions to appropriate parties
  • Provides mid-level laborer functions including hand digging with a shovel, setting up traffic control, entry level equipment operations, placing fiber, loading materials, etc. on various safety sensitive utility construction sites
  • Proficient with utility print and map reading
  • Has performed at least 6 months of independent operating of various equipment (directional drill, mini); knows all safety regulations with basic operating skills
  • Meets company and customer specifications for all trench or backhoe jobs
  • Exposes underground utilities manually
  • Conducts post-job quality checks
  • Cleans, checks fluid levels and conducts a visual inspection of equipment to assure your equipment is performing at optimum safety and the required paperwork
  • Communicates with supervisor daily to turn in required paperwork
  • Perform other tasks as required

Success Factors:
  • Ability to perform heavy manual labor for extended periods, often under adverse climatic conditions.
  • Ability to lift up to 80 lbs multiple times during a work shift
  • Ability to climb, dig, work in tight spaces, on uneven surfaces, walking, stooping, and kneeling
  • Ability to understand and follow specific oral and written instructions
  • Ability to work well independently and as a part of a team with co-workers
  • Ability to pass motor vehicle, criminal background check, and comply with drug-free workplace policy
  • English usage sufficient to keep records, place orders, and prepare simple narrative reports
  • Willingness and ability to learn additional skills

Experience and Education:
  • One (1+) plus years of experience in backhoe/mini excavator operation is required
  • One (1+) plus years of experience digging and working around underground utilities is required
  • Two (2+) plus years of demonstrated experience in dry utilities preferred
  • Experience reading basic prints and Underground Facility Location Sketch is preferred
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted on a year-to-year basis

Additional Requirements/Licenses/Certifications:
  • Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid State of Residence Driver's License is required within two weeks of employment.
  • Candidates must pass criminal and Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) background checks and pass a pre-employment drug screen.

Notes:
The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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