ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Excavating Contractors Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sacred Ground Excavation LLC

Be Seen First

Excavation Foreman (Heavy Equipment Operator)

Silt, CO · On-site

$30 - $38/hr

About Us Sacred Ground Excavation, LLC is a respected excavation contractor based in New Castle, Colorado, proudly serving the region for over 20 years. Our reputation has been built on quality ...

Sacred Ground Excavation LLC

Be Seen First

Excavation Foreman (Heavy Equipment Operator)

Aspen, CO · On-site

$30 - $38/hr

About Us Sacred Ground Excavation, LLC is a respected excavation contractor based in New Castle, Colorado, proudly serving the region for over 20 years. Our reputation has been built on quality ...

Sacred Ground Excavation LLC

Be Seen First

Excavation Foreman (Heavy Equipment Operator)

Glenwood Springs, CO · On-site

$30 - $38/hr

About Us Sacred Ground Excavation, LLC is a respected excavation contractor based in New Castle, Colorado, proudly serving the region for over 20 years. Our reputation has been built on quality ...

Clark Companies

Be Seen First

Pipe Layer - Excavation & Utilities

Lansing, MI · On-site

$24 - $32/hr

Lansing, MI Pay: $24-$32/ HR Join One of Mid-Michigan's Leading Excavation Contractors Clark Companies is looking for an experienced Pipe Layer to work on commercial, municipal, and residential ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsExcavating Contractors Jobs

Excavating Contractors information

See salary details

$13

$21

$31

How much do excavating contractors jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavating contractors in the United States is $21.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Excavating Contractors face on job sites, and how can they be managed?

Excavating Contractors often encounter challenges such as unexpected underground utilities, varying soil conditions, and changing weather. Managing these issues typically involves thorough pre-site surveys, close coordination with utility companies, and flexibility in scheduling. Success in this role requires strong problem-solving skills, attention to safety protocols, and effective communication with project managers and other trades to keep projects on track and minimize delays.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

In the field of excavating contractors, high earnings of $500,000 or more annually are typically associated with owning a successful excavation business or holding executive-level positions in large construction firms. Such roles often require extensive experience, specialized skills, and significant business management responsibilities. Most excavating contractors earn less than this amount, with top earners often supplementing income through multiple projects or business ownership.

What jobs in the US pay $300,000 a year?

In the United States, high-paying roles related to excavating contractors typically include senior project managers, construction executives, or specialized heavy equipment operators with extensive experience and certifications. These positions often require advanced skills, leadership responsibilities, and long hours, and salaries can reach or exceed $300,000 annually in large-scale projects or companies. However, such compensation is uncommon for standard excavating contractor roles and usually involves managerial or executive positions in the construction industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Excavating Contractor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Excavating Contractor, you need expertise in site preparation, equipment operation, and an understanding of construction drawings, often supported by relevant licenses or certifications. Familiarity with heavy machinery such as excavators, bulldozers, and GPS-based grading systems is typically required. Strong problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills help manage site challenges and coordinate effectively with crews and clients. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and accurate completion of excavation projects in compliance with regulations and client expectations.

What are excavating contractors?

Excavating contractors are professionals or companies that specialize in moving earth and preparing land for construction projects. Their work includes digging, grading, trenching, and site clearing to create foundations for buildings, roads, and utilities. They operate heavy machinery such as excavators, bulldozers, and backhoes to complete these tasks safely and efficiently. Excavating contractors play a crucial role in both residential and commercial construction projects by ensuring the site is properly prepared before any building begins.

Does excavating make good money?

Excavating contractors can earn a competitive income, with wages often influenced by experience, certifications, and project complexity. Skilled operators with specialized equipment and safety training tend to have higher earning potential, especially in commercial or large-scale projects.

What is the difference between Excavating Contractors vs Excavation Laborers?

AspectExcavating ContractorsExcavation Laborers
CredentialsLicenses, certifications, experience in heavy equipmentBasic physical fitness, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, heavy machinery operationAssistants on construction sites, manual labor
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction companies, excavation specialistsGeneral contractors, subcontractors

Excavating Contractors oversee excavation projects, operate heavy machinery, and manage entire excavation operations. Excavation Laborers perform manual tasks, assist with equipment, and support the contractors. While both work on construction sites, contractors handle planning and management, whereas laborers focus on physical labor.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Excavating contractors typically do not earn $4,000 a week without specialized experience or certifications. High-paying construction or skilled trades jobs, such as heavy equipment operators or union trades, can reach that level with experience, but most require training or apprenticeships rather than formal degrees.
More about Excavating Contractors jobs
What cities are hiring for Excavating Contractors jobs? Cities with the most Excavating Contractors job openings:
What states have the most Excavating Contractors jobs? States with the most job openings for Excavating Contractors jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Excavating Contractors jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Excavating Contractors jobs are:
Excavating Contractors jobs near you
Infographic showing various Excavating Contractors job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,248 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

EQUIPMENT OPERATOR (Central Montana)

Shumaker Trucking & Excavating Contractors, Inc

Great Falls, MT

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR

Shumaker Trucking & Excavating Contractors, Inc

Great Falls, MT 59404

JOB SUMMARY: The Heavy Equipment Operator will be expected to be proficient with operations of all types of heavy construction equipment. The Heavy Equipment Operator will drive, maneuver, and control the heavy machinery used to construct roads, bridges, buildings, and other structures. The position will safely use machinery to move construction materials, earth, and other heavy materials at construction sites with minimal direct supervision. Commitment to workplace safety is a must.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Drive and maneuver all types of heavy construction equipment.
  • Operate heavy equipment in a safe and effective manner.
  • Cut and maintain slope or grade as called-out in project plans.
  • Follow project plans and instructions by the Forman and Superintendent.
  • Take actions to avoid potential hazards and obstructions, such as other equipment, other workers, and falling objects.
  • Load and haul all types of construction machinery, including tanks and skids.
  • Account and report daily activity and maintain accurate and complete work records.
  • Identify and resolve problems in a timely manner.
  • Communicate well over the phone and or radio.
  • Comply with all safety requirements and participate in safety meetings.
  • Stay focused and complete tasks, safely and efficiently with minimal supervision.
  • Perform routine inspection and preventative maintenance on assigned equipment and refer defects or repairs to the supervisor.
  • Ensure company equipment is stored in a safe manner.
  • Coordinate machine actions with crew members using hand or audio signals.
  • Work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner.
  • Travel to outlying areas may be required and positions may occasionally be required to stay overnight.
  • Perform other duties as directed.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:
  • All around knowledge of materials, terms, and practices in construction field.
  • Knowledge of machines and tools including their uses, repair and maintenance and practical applications.
  • Follow and comply with all site equipment signs and traffic regulations laid out by project management.
  • Experience with reading plans and understanding tasks at hand.
  • Ability to operate all construction heavy power equipment. Specifically, grader, dozer with ripper, excavator, and rubber tire loader.
  • Experience in all aspects of construction equipment and be experienced in civil and heavy civil construction specifically earthworks.
  • Works well in group problem solving situations.
  • Ability to participate in group meetings, take direction from supervisor(s) and other crew members, high degree of attention to details, follow work rules, and adhere to project schedule.
  • Ability to actively listen and follow instructions.
  • Ability to work productively under pressure and to pay attention to the details of a project or task.
  • Strong self-motivation and work ethic; ability to work with or without direct supervision.
  • Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly.
  • Ability to adapt to change in the workplace.
  • Ability to identify and correct conditions that affect employee safety.
  • Ability to operate a motor vehicle in a safe and efficient manner.
  • Ability to work in a team environment.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule sometimes including weekends and holidays.
  • Must be willing to travel in Montana and Work Out of Town.
QUALIFICATIONS:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent required.
  • Three years' experience as a Heavy Equipment Operator.
  • Current Class A CDL license and current medical card (preferred).
  • Experience multi skilled heavy equipment operator preferred.
  • Equipment certification preferred.
  • Valid state driver's license and qualified to operate a vehicle under the conditions of the Company's Driving Policy.
Physical & Work Demands:
  • Must be able to physically operate heavy equipment.
  • Able and willing to work extended hours and possible nights and weekends, as required.
  • Able to walk, lift, reach, stoop, stand, grasp, balance, climb, kneel, crouch, and lift up to 50 pounds frequently.
  • Able to work in outside environments being subjected to weather changes, noise, vibrations, and job hazards.
  • Good hand and eye coordination.
  • Able to perform work wearing personal protective equipment. Including, but not limited to, the following: hard hat, ear plugs, safety glasses, task applicable gloves, rain gear, and chemical protective clothing.
Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Retirement plan
  • Vision insurance
Instructions for Application:

Online Application: Please complete your application in one session. If you do not finish completely, and you close the application window, your information will not be saved, and you will need to start over.

If you wish to fill out an application form in person, please come to our office in Great Falls at 3501 Old Havre Highway and a request application.

Shumaker Trucking & Excavating Contractors, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer with Affirmative Action obligations.