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Entry Level Excavator Operator Jobs in Raleigh, NC

CDL Driver (Duke)

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$1.1K - $1.5K/wk

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

CDL Driver (Duke)

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$1.1K - $1.5K/wk

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

CDL Driver (Duke)

Raleigh, NC

$1.1K - $1.5K/wk

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

CDL Driver (Duke)

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$1.1K - $1.5K/wk

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

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 Aug 25, 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 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.

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.

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 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.

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 in this field.

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:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Excavator Operator job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Full Time, 49% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,889 per year, or $25.4 per hour.

CDL Driver (Duke)

Pike Corporation

Raleigh, NC • On-site

$1.1K - $1.5K/wk

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Position Summary: The CDL Driver position is an entry-level step to a rewarding career in the construction and maintenance of our nation's Power Grid. This position works at various location and may also require to travel to another state depending on customer demands. 

Job Duties:

As a Truck Driver, you will support your team by:

  • Securing the safety of yourself and others
  • Assisting fellow line-workers in meeting project objectives
  • Readily joining storm restoration efforts in times of need
  • Operating vehicles and equipment in a professional manner
  • Continuing training to improve technical and leadership skills

Competencies:

  • Team-Oriented
  • Self-Motivated
  • Customer Service Focused
  • Ethical and Honest
  • Dutifully follows established Safety Rules and Company Policy

Physical Aspects:

The physical demands described here are typical of those that must be met by a team-member to successfully perform the essential functions of their job in powerline construction.

While performing the duties of this job, team-members are regularly required to talk or hear. The team-member is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, and feel; and reach with hands and arms.

The team-member is frequently required to perform rigorous physical labor; sit; climb different types of structures (wood, steel, etc.); or balance; and stoop, kneel crouch or crawl. Team-members frequently lift or move up to or in-excess of 50 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

 Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, team-members may frequently be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and vibration. Team-members are occasionally exposed to a variety of extreme conditions at construction job sites. The noise level in the work environment can be loud. Powerline construction work is performed outside and is subject to diverse weather conditions.

General Expectations:

  • Possess a Commercial Driver's License - Class A Preferred.
  • Able to read/write and communicate effectively.
  • Able to travel long distances on short notice, when required.
  • Able to work for extended periods in various locations, when required.
  • Able to lift in-excess of 50 lbs.
  • Willing to work over-time when requested.
  • Willing to work outside of the normal work schedule including weekends, holidays, and overtime as required for the position.

Functions to be Expected in Overhead Powerline Construction:

  • Works safely while performing new construction, maintenance, or repair work of energized and de-energized overhead work
  • Properly inspects rubber goods and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Understands when to wear personal protective equipment
  • Strings overhead wire
  • Frequently works with energized high voltage systems requiring skill and care to protect the lives of themselves and others
  • Maintains company vehicles, equipment and tools in good working order
  • Able to perform rigorous physical labor
  • Understands proper use of company radio
  • Understand the proper use and maintenance of hand tools
  • Capable of receiving and following directions
  • Possess a basic knowledge of materials used in line work
  • Able to identify primary and secondary voltage on a circuit
  • Must be familiar with induced voltage
  • Capable of assisting with the installation and hook up of a single-phase transformer
  • Capable of performing basic bucket rescue/escape
  • Understands the basic concepts of equipment set up and grounding
  • Capable of working at heights and/or confined spaces
  • Understands minimum approach distance
  • Understands excavation and shoring requirements
  • Capable of checking voltage on transformers
  • Capable of installing and removing a service
  • Must be able to climb different types of structures (wood, steel, etc.) and possess the necessary tools to do so
  • Understands how and when to use Kellum grips
  • Able to identify different types of materials used in line work
  • Must be able to work outside, frequently in inclement weather
  • Does all other related work as required to complete the job

Equal Opportunity Employer - Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled

VA Approved Apprenticeship Program - GI Bill Benefits Available to Eligible Veterans

Burford's is a Non-union Company

NOTE:  This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Team-members may perform other related duties as requested to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Burford's Construction is a leading provider of services in the electric utility industry throughout the Southeastern, Midwestern, and Western United States. With a great team of qualified professionals, Burford's Construction can serve all project needs.

Those services include:

  • Vegetation Maintenance
  • New ROW Clearing
  • ROW Reclamation/Widening
  • Erosion Control
  • Access Matting
  • Civil/Site Grading AND Many More!

We offer these services as turnkey support to customers across our service territory in Transmission, Distribution, and Generation. It is our belief that our work entails a true partnership with our clients to consistently exceed expectations. Our company culture and core values of safety for all, environmental stewardship, diversity and inclusion, customer service, and productivity are integral in every partnership.


Burford's Construction is a leading provider of services in the electric utility industry throughout the Southeastern, Midwestern, and Western United States. With a great team of qualified professionals, Burford's Construction can serve all project needs.

Those services include:

  • Vegetation Maintenance
  • New ROW Clearing
  • ROW Reclamation/Widening
  • Erosion Control
  • Access Matting
  • Civil/Site Grading AND Many More!

We offer these services as turnkey support to customers across our service territory in Transmission, Distribution, and Generation. It is our belief that our work entails a true partnership with our clients to consistently exceed expectations. Our company culture and core values of safety for all, environmental stewardship, diversity and inclusion, customer service, and productivity are integral in every partnership.