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Excavating Contractors Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Muschlitz Excavating, LLC

Excavator Operator

Bath, PA · On-site

$20.75 - $27.25/hr

Job Overview Muschlitz Excavating, LLC., Eastern PA's premier sitework contractor, is seeking skilled Excavator Operators to join our sitework construction team. The ideal candidate will have ...

Clark Companies

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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 ...

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Excavating Contractors information

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How much do excavating contractors jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 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 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.

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.

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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

Laborer / Equipment Operator - Excavation (Growth Opportunity)

American Custom Excavation LLC

Denver, CO • On-site

$19 - $26/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

American Custom Excavation – Denver Metro / Front Range

About Us

American Custom Excavation is a growing excavation contractor specializing in civil, commercial, and residential work across Colorado. Our projects include site development, utilities (water/sewer/storm), and technical excavation.

We are building a strong, reliable crew and are looking for the right person to grow with us.

Position Overview

This is a hands-on Laborer / Operator role. You will be working alongside experienced operators and leadership, assisting with daily site work while developing into a higher-level operator over time.

If you’re looking for a long-term opportunity—not just a job—this is it.

What You’ll Do

  • Assist with excavation, grading, and site prep
  • Support underground utility installation (water, sewer, storm)
  • Trenching support, pipe prep, backfill, and compaction
  • Operate skid steer / mini excavator (based on experience)
  • Load/unload materials and maintain jobsite organization
  • Work safely around existing utilities
  • Follow direction and communicate clearly with crew

Requirements (Read Carefully)

  • Must show up on time, every day
  • Must be willing to perform physical labor outdoors
  • Must have reliable transportation
  • Must be able to lift 50+ lbs
  • Must have a strong work ethic and positive attitude

 Required

  • Construction or excavation experience
  • Skid steer or mini excavator experience
  • Utility work experience (water/sewer/storm)

Pay & Growth

  • $19–$26/hour starting, depending on experience
  • Raises based on performance—not time
  • Clear path to full equipment operator role
  • Opportunity to grow with a fast-scaling company

What We’re Looking For

We are not looking for someone who needs to be told what to do every minute.

We want someone who:

  • Works hard without being pushed
  • Takes pride in their work
  • Wants to learn and improve
  • Is reliable and consistent

Why Join Us

  • Steady, year-round work
  • Strong team environment
  • Real opportunity to move up
  • Work on a wide variety of projects (not stuck doing the same thing every day)

How to Apply

Reply to this posting with:

  1. Brief work history
  2. Equipment experience (if any)
  3. Availability

Applications without a short description of your experience will not be considered.

Company Description

We are a developing company in a growth phase, offering employees the opportunity to advance as our capabilities, project volume, and market presence continue to expand.