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Entry Level Backhoe Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Entry Level Backhoe Operator information

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$57K

$88K

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

As of Jun 26, 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.

How much do entry level excavators make?

Entry-level backhoe operators typically earn between $15 and $20 per hour, depending on location, company, and experience. Starting salaries may increase with additional certifications or skills in operating different machinery or working in specialized environments.

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.

Is there demand for backhoe operators?

Backhoe operators are in steady demand due to ongoing construction, infrastructure projects, and maintenance work. Employers often seek entry-level operators with basic skills and certifications, and job opportunities are available in both urban and rural areas. The role typically requires familiarity with operating heavy machinery and safety protocols.

Can you get a heavy equipment operator job with no experience?

Entry level backhoe operator jobs often do not require prior experience, but candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may need to complete a training program or obtain a certification such as OSHA or NCCER. Employers may provide on-the-job training to develop skills in operating heavy equipment safely and efficiently.

How long does it take to become a backhoe operator?

Becoming an entry-level backhoe operator typically requires completing a training program or apprenticeship that lasts from a few weeks to several months. Gaining hands-on experience and obtaining a certification, such as a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or specific equipment operator certification, can improve job prospects and may be required by employers.
More about Entry Level Backhoe Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Backhoe Operator jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Backhoe Operator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Backhoe Operator jobs? The most popular types of Backhoe Operator jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Backhoe Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Backhoe Operator jobs are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Backhoe Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 40% Full Time, 57% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,952 per year, or $27.4 per hour.
Backhoe Operator - Concrete/Restoration

Backhoe Operator - Concrete/Restoration

Peak Utility Services Group

Wrentham, MA โ€ข On-site

$51K - $67K/yr

Other

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Backhoe Operator - Concrete/Restoration

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

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 restoration and 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.