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Entry Level Excavator Operator Jobs in Raleigh, NC

GS Materials Inc

Equipment Operator

Princeton, NC · On-site

$16 - $22/hr

And/Or Excavator Operator: Must have experience in loading articulated haul trucks with materials ... This position typically is not an entry-level job, as it requires demonstrable previous experience ...

Pike Corporation

CDL Driver (DUKE)

Raleigh, NC

$1.18K - $1.57K/wk

Operating vehicles and equipment in a professional manner * Continuing training to improve ... Understands excavation and shoring requirements * Capable of checking voltage on transformers

Burford's Construction

CDL Driver (DUKE)

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$1.18K - $1.57K/wk

Operating vehicles and equipment in a professional manner * Continuing training to improve ... Understands excavation and shoring requirements * Capable of checking voltage on transformers

Pike Corporation

CDL Driver (DUKE)

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$1.18K - $1.57K/wk

Operating vehicles and equipment in a professional manner * Continuing training to improve ... Understands excavation and shoring requirements * Capable of checking voltage on transformers

Burford's Construction

CDL Driver (DUKE)

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$1.18K - $1.57K/wk

Operating vehicles and equipment in a professional manner * Continuing training to improve ... Understands excavation and shoring requirements * Capable of checking voltage on transformers

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All JobsEntry Level Excavator Operator JobsEntry Level Excavator Operator Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Entry Level Excavator Operator information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$13

$25

$40

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

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level excavator operator in Raleigh, NC is $25.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.01 and $27.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Excavator Operator, and why are they important?

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.

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 entry level excavator operators?

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.

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 most commonly searched types of Excavator Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Excavator Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Excavator Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Entry Level Excavator Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Excavator Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Excavator Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Entry Level Excavator Operator jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Entry Level Excavator Operator job openings:
Entry Level Excavator Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Excavator Operator job openings in Raleigh, NC as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Locum Tenens, 2% As Needed, 16% Full Time, 75% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 76% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,886 per year, or $25.4 per hour.

Equipment Operator

GS Materials Inc

Princeton, NC • On-site

$16 - $22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 hours ago

Job description


Job description for positions

Dozer Operator:

Must be able to clear, grade, build haul roads. Maintain stable ground control. Other duties as required.

And/Or

Excavator Operator:

Must have experience in loading articulated haul trucks with materials and maintaining stable ground control. Must be able to maintain grade. Other duties as required.

And/Or

Front End Loader Operator:

Must have experience communicating with commercial drivers to understand product and weight requirements, using the onboard scales, to accurately load their trucks from the relevant aggregate stockpile. Must have experience in feeding plant hoppers and blending materials for quality production. Other duties as required.

And/Or

Haul Truck Driver:

Must have experience operating articulated dump truck and hauling materials. Must be able to following directions to haul and dump loads at the correct dump site.

And/Or

Plant Production Operator: Consistently observe plant operation for issues. Monitor Quality Control and production. Perform general maintenance works to avoid possible failures and malfunctions. Analyze repairs requests and troubleshoot them. Perform preventative maintenance, installations, assembling, fittings, repairs, and replacements as needed. Handle emergency maintenance and repair works. Assist in developing preventive and corrective maintenance programs. Stock adequate maintenance materials and equipment to avoid shortages and excesses. Complete daily work assignments in a timely and accurate manner.

Maintain complete records of daily maintenance activities. Maintain work area clean, safe and organize


Key Duties

  • Inspects equipment/machinery/workplace for safe day-to-day operation and for general maintenance needs. Perform pre/post shift written inspections, written workplace exams, grease & fuel own equipment.
  • Operates various heavy equipment, such as dozers, off road trucks, front end loaders, excavators, tractors, and back hoes, to excavate, move and process materials.
  • Interacts with other employees for the safe production of product. Work individually and as part of a team.
  • Must perform safe work practices while observing MSHA and environmental compliance.
  • Adjusts control wheels, handles and depresses pedals to drive machinery and control attachments, such as blades, buckets, bed and swing booms.

Qualification Requirements

  • General. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each Key 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.
  • Education and Experience. This position typically is not an entry-level job, as it requires demonstrable previous experience as a Heavy Equipment Operator. A high school diploma or general education degree (GED) is preferred. Must be able to understand work directions and communicate effectively with job site supervisors and fellow employees. Must be able to fill out basic daily equipment reports and relevant safety documents. Must be able to understand and comply with company policies, state and federal regulations. Must understand the different signals used to signal operators of construction machinery. Two (2) years or more of industry related experience is preferred for this position, with an emphasis on mining.
  • Physical Demands. The following physical demands are representative of those that must be met by a Heavy Equipment Operator to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
    • Pushing/Pulling: Constant pushing/pulling is required when the employee operates hand controls. Initial force to pull open the cab door is influenced by the weather. Moderate wind yielded force pound recording of up to 50 lbs. of force to pull the cab door open/close.
    • Lifting/Carrying: Minimal sedentary to light level of lifting is required occasionally, such as hand-held radios and other personal belongings into the equipment cab. Physically able to lift 50 lbs.
    • Sitting: Sitting occurs on a constant basis as the operators perform their duties. Seated positions in the cab can vary depending on the type of machinery they operate. Twisting of the upper back/thoracic area to view surrounding areas and other moving vehicles/equipment occurs on a constant basis.
    • Standing/Walking: Alternate standing and walking is performed at an occasional basis to access the machinery/equipment. Safe negotiation of uneven terrain in various weather conditions is required.
    • Climbing: Ladder climbing is performed to enter/exit the equipment or machinery. Three points of contact is required.
    • Crawling: Occasionally crawls to check equipment/machinery for safe day-to-day operation and for general maintenance needs.
    • Bending/Stooping/Crouching: Forward torso bending is required to reach the hand controls of machinery or during inspection of the equipment.
    • Squatting/Kneeling: May be occasionally required during general inspection of machinery/equipment.
  • Work Environment. The work environment characteristics described below are representative of those that a Heavy Equipment Operator encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
    • Work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions.
    • Work environment periodically exposes the employees to high levels of noise, grease, and dust that is typically associated with a mining environment.
    • Employee regularly works near other heavy equipment and moving machinery.
    • Work may involve a variety of substances commonly found in mining environments such as oils, grease, flocculants, gasoline, diesel fuel and other necessary chemicals.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Health/welfare Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision programs, prescription drug coverage, and other voluntary benefits are available. PTO and paid holidays.
Preparing our employees for the Future: 401(k) with company match and contribution.



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