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Excavator Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Muschlitz Excavating

Excavator Operator

Bath, PA · On-site

$20.75 - $27.25/hr

Excavator Operator 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 ...

Solid Rock Excavation

Excavator Operator

Parker, CO

$25 - $28/hr

Solid Rock Excavation is looking for an Excavator Operator to join our talented team. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer in search of a strong and dedicated team member to support our growing team.

New Day Executive Search

Excavator Operator

East Kingston, NH · On-site

$23.25 - $30.75/hr

Excavator Operator We are seeking a skilled and safety-focused Excavator Operator to join our team. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience operating heavy equipment, including excavators ...

Johannigman Excavating, Inc.

$16.50 - $22/hr

Excavator Operator - Utility Crew Position Overview: We are seeking a skilled and experienced Excavator Operator to join our Utility Crew. In this role, you will operate heavy equipment to excavate ...

The Lemoine Company

Excavator Operator

Monroe, LA · On-site

$21.75 - $28.50/hr

The Excavator Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating excavators to perform earthmoving, trenching, and site preparation tasks on a large-scale civil construction project. This ...

Rapido Talent

Excavator Operator

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$45 - $55/hr

Excavator Operator (CDL Required) $45-$55/Hour | Southeast Wisconsin | Commercial Site Development & Asphalt Construction If you're an experienced Excavator Operator , you already know... Not every ...

Lumi People LLC

Excavator Operator

Statesboro, GA · On-site

$22 - $23/hr

As an Excavator Operator, you will be responsible for operating heavy equipment to perform various excavation and construction tasks. This is a full-time position with competitive pay and benefits.

Ultimate LLC

Excavator Operator

Murfreesboro, TN · On-site

$30 - $32/hr

Excavator Operator - Murfreesboro, TN Pay Range: $30.00 - $32.00 per hour We are looking for skilled craftsmen to add to our team of dedicated, safe, productive, and proven craftsmen. Ultimate LLC ...

Johannigman Excavating, Inc.

Excavator Operator

Greensburg, IN · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Excavator Operator - Utility Crew Position Overview: We are seeking a skilled and experienced Excavator Operator to join our Utility Crew. In this role, you will operate heavy equipment to excavate ...

Rapido Talent

Excavator Operator

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$45 - $55/hr

Excavator Operator (CDL Required) $45-$55/Hour | Southeast Wisconsin | Commercial Site Development & Asphalt Construction If you're an experienced Excavator Operator , you already know... Not every ...

Turner Staffing Group

Excavator Operator

Kershaw, SC · On-site

$20.25 - $27/hr

Excavator Operator Location: Kershaw, South Carolina About Us: Turner Staffing Group is a leading staffing agency dedicated to connecting skilled professionals with rewarding opportunities. We are ...

Martin Marietta

Excavator Operator

Homer, GA · On-site

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

Martin Marietta is seeking an Excavator Operator to join our team. The ideal individual will be safety conscious, dependable, and motivated. This individual will be responsible for safely and ...

Jurgensen Companies

Excavator Operator

Walton, KY · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Excavator Operator Eaton Asphalt is seeking a skilled Excavator Operator to support our pipe crew and concrete operations. This role involves precision excavation for underground utilities, trench ...

Rapido Talent

Excavator Operator

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$45 - $55/hr

Excavator Operator (CDL Required) $45-$55/Hour | Southeast Wisconsin | Commercial Site Development & Asphalt Construction If you're an experienced Excavator Operator , you already know... Not every ...

Martin Marietta Materials

Excavator Operator

Homer, GA

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

Martin Marietta is seeking an Excavator Operator to join our team. The ideal individual will be safety conscious, dependable, and motivated. This individual will be responsible for safely and ...

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Kershaw, SC · On-site

$20.25 - $27/hr

Excavator Operator Location: Kershaw, South Carolina About Us: Turner Staffing Group is a leading staffing agency dedicated to connecting skilled professionals with rewarding opportunities. We are ...

ABCI

Excavator Operator

Lubbock, TX · On-site

$19.50 - $25.75/hr

Excavator Operator ABCI, a local mid-sized heavy civil construction company has an immediate opening for a full-time, experienced Excavator Operator. An Excavator Operator is responsible for the safe ...

FALL CREEK FARM & NURSERY

Excavator Operator

Anna, TX · On-site

$21 - $28/hr

An Excavator Operator position is available at Garney. To be considered for this position, you must have previous construction experience. As an Excavator Operator , you will operate machinery to ...

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Excavator Operator information

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How much do excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator operator in the United States is $26.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.63 and $28.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an excavator operator do?

An Excavator Operator is responsible for operating heavy machinery called excavators to move earth, dig trenches, lift materials, and perform site preparation on construction projects. They control the excavator’s boom, bucket, and other attachments with precision to complete tasks safely and efficiently. Excavator Operators also perform routine equipment maintenance, follow safety protocols, and collaborate with site supervisors and other workers. Their work is crucial in building foundations, roads, pipelines, and other infrastructure.

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

To thrive as an Excavator Operator, you need a solid understanding of heavy equipment operation, safety protocols, and often a high school diploma or equivalent with relevant operator certifications. Familiarity with GPS guidance systems, maintenance software, and various models of excavators is typically required. Attention to detail, spatial awareness, and effective communication are important soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure safe, efficient, and accurate operation on construction sites, minimizing risks and maximizing productivity.

What are some common challenges faced by excavator operators on construction sites?

Excavator Operators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, navigating tight or uneven spaces, and coordinating with other heavy equipment to maintain safety and efficiency. Managing unexpected underground obstacles and ensuring accurate digging according to site plans also requires strong attention to detail. Effective communication with site supervisors and other crew members is essential to minimize delays and prevent accidents, making teamwork a critical aspect of the role.

What is the difference between Excavator Operator vs Backhoe Operator?

AspectExcavator OperatorBackhoe Operator
CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL) often preferred, OSHA safety trainingSimilar certifications, often OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, heavy machinery operationConstruction sites, utility work, landscaping
Job DutiesDigging, lifting, demolition with large excavatorsDigging trenches, loading, small-scale excavation
Industry UsageHeavy construction, mining, infrastructureConstruction, landscaping, utility companies

While both Excavator Operators and Backhoe Operators work in construction and use similar safety certifications, Excavator Operators typically handle larger machinery for heavy-duty tasks, whereas Backhoe Operators focus on smaller-scale digging and loading. The choice depends on project size and equipment used.

How much do they pay an excavator operator?

Excavator operators typically earn between $20 and $30 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $40,000 to $60,000 depending on experience, location, and certifications. Skilled operators with specialized equipment or in high-demand areas may earn higher wages.
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Excavator Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Excavator Operator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Full Time, 50% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,408 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Excavator Operator

Bath, PA • On-site

Muschlitz Excavating
Construction • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Muschlitz Excavatingexternal

$20.75 - $27.25/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Excavator Operator

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 extensive experience operating excavators and will be responsible for performing various tasks related to earthmoving and site preparation. This role requires a strong understanding of construction processes and the ability to load trucks, and maintain efficient operations in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Responsibilities:

  • Operate excavators to dig and load earth materials on construction sites.
  • Load trucks and manage material flow to support sitework operations.
  • Collaborate with site supervisors and others to ensure project specifications are met.
  • Conduct daily equipment inspections and routine maintenance checks.
  • Follow safety rules and regulations to maintain a safe working environment.
  • Collaborate with team members to meet production goals.
  • Report equipment issues or concerns to management promptly.

Experience:

  • 5+ years of experience in heavy equipment operations, specifically excavators.
  • Ability to operate excavators with precision for underground utilities is a plus.
  • Experience with GPS equipment a plus.
  • Familiarity with construction site operations and procedures is essential.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety practices on the job site.

Requirements:

  • Must pass a background check and drug test prior to hiring.
  • Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and perform physically demanding tasks.
  • Ability to work effectively in varying weather conditions and physical environments.

Benefits:

  • Paid vacation
  • Paid holidays
  • Major Medical including Health, Vision, and Dental
  • 401k with Company Match
  • Job Type: Full-time

Job Type:

  • Full-time
  • In-person
  • Standard Work Week: Four 10-hour days and one 8-hour day

Muschlitz Excavating, LLC. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

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