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Entry Level Backhoe Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Heavy Equipment Operator The Heavy Equipment Operator will operate one or more types of power ... 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 ...

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 ...

This is an entry-level position that requires at least one year of experience and/or equivalent ... Signal equipment operators to facilitate alignment, movement, and adjustment of machinery ...

O&M Technician I

Huber Heights, OH ยท On-site

$20 - $27.25/hr

O&M Tech I - This is an entry-level position in the water distribution and wastewater collection ... Trackhoe/Backhoe operator a plus. * Basic Mathematics. * Basic computer software related to work.

O&M Technician I

Dayton, OH

$20 - $27.25/hr

O&M Tech I - This is an entry-level position in the water distribution and wastewater collection ... Trackhoe/Backhoe operator a plus. * Basic Mathematics. * Basic computer software related to work.

O&M Technician I

Huber Heights, OH ยท On-site

$20 - $27.25/hr

O&M Tech I - This is an entry-level position in the water distribution and wastewater collection ... Trackhoe/Backhoe operator a plus. * Basic Mathematics. * Basic computer software related to work.

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Entry Level Backhoe Operator information

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$33K

$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 (Utilities)

Backhoe Operator (Utilities)

Veit CO

Rogers, MN โ€ข On-site

Other

Retirement

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Heavy Equipment Operator

The Heavy Equipment Operator will operate one or more types of power construction equipment, such as motor graders, bulldozers, scrapers, compressors, pumps, derricks, shovels, tractors, or front-end loaders, to excavate, move, and grade earth, erect structures, or pour concrete or other hard-surface pavement. May repair and maintain equipment in addition to other duties.

A Day in the Life
  • Operates heavy equipment of various sizes and weights used in site or highway construction.
  • Properly follows company and OSHA safety procedures. Brings problems to the attention of the project Foreman, Superintendent, General Superintendent or Safety Director.
  • Follows daily procedures and protocols as outlined in job orientations and training.
  • Performs routine inspection and preventative maintenance on assigned equipment and refers defects or needed repairs to the project Foreman, Superintendent, General Superintendent, or Safety Director.
  • Assists in training entry-level employees to perform maintenance and repair duties as required or assigned.
  • Helps identify any underground and overhead utilities that have been located/exposed before excavating.
  • Review trenching requirements with the Superintendent and ensure any required protection is available.
  • Keep the project foreman, superintendent, or general superintendent informed of all known actions, whether written or verbal, that may affect the ability to successfully perform tasks at construction project sites or adversely impact Company operations.
  • Other projects or duties as assigned by management.
What You'll Need
  • High school diploma or equivalent, six to twelve months of operating construction equipment experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Considerable knowledge of heavy equipment operating principles. Ability to operate heavy equipment under varying working conditions.
  • Working knowledge of hazards and safety precautions standard to heavy equipment operations.
  • OSHA 10, First Aid/CPR, and the ability to follow applicable safety precautions, as well as view and understand Veit's safety training video, are required. Working knowledge of hazards and safety precautions standard to heavy equipment operations is also required.
  • Ability to read and comprehend grade stakes and/or site plans.
  • Good communication skills, both oral and written, when working with all levels of management and employees, external vendors, and other business associates. Ability to understand, follow, and transmit written and oral instructions.
  • Ability to work with and apply mathematical concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
  • Ability to meet attendance schedule with dependability and consistency as required by management and/or project requirements.
Other
  • Must be willing to travel as needed.
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Union affiliation or willingness to join the union is required.
  • Must be able to work 8 to 12-hour workdays, Monday through Friday, with occasional weekends. Must be flexible regarding work hours, including evenings and weekends.
Physical Demands

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Ability to perform manual work requiring periods of extensive physical exertion and potential exposure to adverse weather conditions. Required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Often required to sit, stand, walk, bend knees, stretch arms, stoop, kneel, talk and hear.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those employees encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. Employee is exposed to environmental conditions, working near machines and loud noises associated with construction sites. Exposed to variable weather conditions including rain, snow, wind, cold and heat. Also exposed to variable terrain.

Additional Job Description:

This is a Union Based Role.

The hourly rate may vary depending on geographic location, applicant skills, and prior relevant experience.

Benefits offered to Union craft workers include:

  • 401k, Employee Assistance Program

For Union and Prevailing Wage roles, hourly rate and benefits may vary due to Collective Bargaining Agreements and/or local governing authority.

Who Are We? Veit is one of the country's leading specialty contractors, with nearly a century of experience and the best people in the industry. We specialize in foundations, earthwork, utilities, marine services, industrial cleaning, cured-in-place pipelining, and waste disposal. We pride ourselves on our relentless pursuit to push the construction industry forward and deliver for our customers. Our modern fleet of iron, diverse expertise, and unmatched determination allow us to successfully tackle some of the largest and most complex projects across every sector while also living out our values every day. Our company culture is one where everyone pitches in to get the job done, regardless of job title or seniority. We do everything we can to maintain an atmosphere where family comes first. We want every one of our employees to look forward to each day at work and make it home safe and happy at the end of the day.

Never Settle, Dig Deeper

Our Core Values

  • Deliberately Safe We believe all safety incidents are avoidable when everyone operates with a deliberate mindset. We are deliberately proactive and thorough in training and job planning. We are deliberately safe in our everyday operations and decision-making.
  • Build with Intention We build with intention. Whether in the office or the field, we work with grit and determination toward a better future for everyone involved. We leave things better than we found them, and never leave a job until we're proud to put the Veit name on it.
  • Leaders Dig First Egos have no place at Veit. We expect everyone on our team to dig in with a leadership mentality. That means being willing to jump in, take ownership, and get mud on our boots โ€” especially when times get challenging.
  • Real Relationships Like our work, we approach relationships authentically, with a long-term mindset. Whether you're a client partner, vendor, or team member, we make an effort to build a more meaningful connection with you by communicating with respect and honesty.
  • Integrity in Everything As part of the Veit family, everything we do and say reflects on this entire company. We act with integrity, which means treating others just as we want to be treated, doing the right thing, and holding ourselves accountable.

VEIT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER, INCLUDING VET/DISABILITY