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Entry Level Excavator Operator Jobs in Minnesota

Assists in training entry-level employees to perform maintenance and repair duties as required or ... excavating. * Review trenching requirements with the Superintendent and ensure any required ...

Assists in training entry-level employees to perform maintenance and repair duties as required or ... excavating. * Review trenching requirements with the Superintendent and ensure any required ...

Assists in training entry-level employees to perform maintenance and repair duties as required or ... excavating. * Review trenching requirements with the Superintendent and ensure any required ...

Assists in training entry-level employees to perform maintenance and repair duties as required or ... excavating. * Review trenching requirements with the Superintendent and ensure any required ...

Assists in training entry-level employees to perform maintenance and repair duties as required or ... excavating. * Review trenching requirements with the Superintendent and ensure any required ...

Showing results 21-33

Entry Level Excavator Operator information

See Minnesota salary details

$13

$25

$40

How much do entry level excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level excavator operator in Minnesota is $25.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.20 and $28.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Excavator Operator vs Construction Laborer?

AspectEntry Level Excavator OperatorConstruction Laborer
Required CertificationsOSHA safety training, possibly a commercial driver's license (CDL)OSHA safety training, no specific certifications required
Work EnvironmentOperate heavy machinery on construction sitesAssist with various manual tasks on construction sites
Industry UsageCommonly used in excavation, grading, and site prepGeneral labor across multiple construction tasks

While both roles work on construction sites, the Entry Level Excavator Operator specializes in operating heavy machinery like excavators, requiring specific safety certifications. In contrast, Construction Laborers perform manual tasks and assist with various site activities without specialized machinery operation skills. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find roles aligned with their skills and certifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level excavator operator?

To thrive as an Entry Level Excavator Operator, you need basic mechanical aptitude, spatial awareness, and a high school diploma or equivalent, along with any required safety certifications. Familiarity with heavy equipment controls, routine maintenance procedures, and often OSHA safety standards or site-specific certifications is expected. Attention to detail, reliability, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for working safely and efficiently on job sites. These competencies ensure safe operation, minimize equipment damage, and contribute to the smooth progress of construction projects.

How much do they pay an entry level excavator operator?

Entry-level excavator operators typically earn between $15 and $20 per hour, depending on location, experience, and the complexity of the equipment. Starting salaries may be higher with certifications or specialized training, and some positions offer additional benefits or overtime pay.

What is an entry level excavator operator?

Entry level excavator operators are individuals who operate excavators and similar heavy equipment, typically at the beginning of their careers. Their main responsibilities include digging, moving earth, and assisting with construction or landscaping projects. They usually work under the supervision of experienced operators and are expected to follow safety guidelines and site instructions. Training is often provided on the job, and formal certifications may be required depending on the employer and location.

How to get started as an entry level excavator operator?

To start as an entry-level excavator operator, obtain a high school diploma or equivalent, complete a training program or apprenticeship to learn equipment operation, and earn a commercial driver's license if required. Gaining hands-on experience and obtaining certifications such as OSHA safety training can improve job prospects.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level excavator operators during their first few months on the job?

Entry-level excavator operators often encounter challenges such as mastering precise equipment control, understanding job site safety protocols, and adapting to varying soil and weather conditions. Working in a team environment, they may also need to quickly learn communication practices with supervisors, spotters, and other heavy machinery operators. Overcoming these challenges typically involves hands-on training, asking questions, and closely following experienced colleagues to build confidence and competence.
What are the most commonly searched types of Excavator Operator jobs in Minnesota? The most popular types of Excavator Operator jobs in Minnesota are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Excavator Operator jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Excavator Operator jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Entry Level Excavator Operator jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Entry Level Excavator Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Excavator Operator job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,288 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Backhoe Operator (Utilities)

Veit & Company Inc

Rogers, MN โ€ข On-site

Other

Retirement

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Job Description:

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, curedinplace 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 - 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