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Excavating Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Any Hour Group

Lead Excavation Installer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$22 - $29/hr

We are seeking an experienced Excavation Install Lead to join our team. In this role, you'll be responsible for overseeing and coordinating all aspects of excavation and underground installation ...

A-Jay Excavating

CDL A Driver

Atascadero, CA · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

A-Jay Excavating is a growing company with a large, modern fleet, dedicated to providing reliable and efficient transportation services. We are seeking dependable and safety-focused CDL A Drivers to ...

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Excavating information

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$13

$23

$33

How much do excavating jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavating in California is $23.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $26.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an excavating job?

Excavating jobs involve the removal of earth, rock, or other materials from a site to create space for construction, landscaping, or mining projects. Workers use heavy machinery such as excavators, bulldozers, and backhoes to dig foundations, trenches, or clear land. These jobs require knowledge of equipment operation, safety protocols, and the ability to read site plans. Excavating professionals often work on residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects, contributing to the initial phases of building and development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an excavator operator?

Excavator Operators need a solid understanding of heavy equipment operation, safety regulations, and often require a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant training or certification. Familiarity with GPS machine control systems, hydraulic machinery, and maintenance tools is typically necessary for efficient work. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills that help operators work safely and efficiently on job sites. These skills and qualifications ensure safe excavation, prevent site accidents, and contribute to timely and precise project completion.

What are some common challenges faced by excavating professionals on construction sites?

Excavating professionals often encounter challenges such as unexpected underground utilities, varying soil conditions, and adverse weather that can impact project timelines. Effective communication with project managers, utility companies, and other trades is essential to address these issues promptly and safely. Additionally, strict adherence to safety protocols and environmental regulations is crucial, as excavation work carries significant risk. Working collaboratively within a team helps mitigate these challenges and ensures projects proceed efficiently.

What is the difference between Excavating vs Demolition?

AspectExcavatingDemolition
Primary FocusDigging, earthmoving, site preparationBreaking down and removing structures
Skills & CertificationsOperating heavy machinery, safety trainingHeavy equipment operation, safety protocols
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, outdoorConstruction, industrial, sometimes indoor
Industry UsageConstruction, infrastructure projectsBuilding removal, renovation projects

Excavating involves earthmoving and site preparation, while demolition focuses on tearing down existing structures. Both roles require heavy machinery operation and safety certifications, but they serve different project needs within the construction industry.

Is excavation a good career?

Excavating is a physically demanding job that involves operating heavy machinery and working outdoors, often in challenging conditions. It offers steady employment opportunities, especially for those with relevant certifications and skills in equipment operation and safety protocols. The career can lead to advancement into supervisory roles or specialized construction positions.

Is there good money in excavation?

Excavating is generally a well-paying trade, with wages depending on experience, location, and certifications. Skilled excavators who operate heavy machinery and have safety training tend to earn higher wages, and the job often offers opportunities for overtime and advancement.

What are popular job titles related to Excavating jobs in California?

For Excavating jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Excavating jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Excavating jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Excavating jobs?

Cities in California with the most Excavating job openings:

Excavating jobs near you
Infographic showing various Excavating job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 98% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,684 per year, or $23.4 per hour.

Class A Driver & Laborer

Leo Tidwell Excavating Corporation

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Leo Tidwell Excavating Corporation has been a utilities contractor for the past 46+ years. This includes substructure: (Plowing, trenching, excavating, directional boring, rodding, pulling, paving, conduit and cable placing, fiber placing and pulling and manhole placement).

Our corporate office is in Paso Robles, and we have a secondary office operating in Selma. Our area of work includes the central part of California, the California coast to the Nevada border; from San Jose to Los Angeles, Bakersfield to Sacramento and the Lancaster to Bishop area.

Job Requirements
  • Class A License
  • Ability to operate a “Ten-Wheeler” and tow Equipment Trailer
  • Ability to load and unload equipment (backhoe, skid steer, steel plates, mini excavator, etc.).
  • Hard working with strong work ethic.
  • Able to meet attendance & punctuality requirements.
  • Display endurance, the ability to work in all weather conditions.
  • Comply with drug / alcohol free policy
  • Must be willing to follow all DOT requirements in addition to company requirements
  • Must be willing to travel (Leo Tidwell Excavating Corp. pays for hotels and per diem when out-of-town work is required).
Job Qualifications
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Roadside construction experience.
  • Experience in underground construction preferred
  • Experience with concrete and/or asphalt work.
Responsibilities for the Role
  • Complete Daily inspections, drivers log, reports, etc.
  • Must be flexible and willing to labor when required:
    • All phases of underground construction including, but are not limited to: loading, driving, delivery, digging, removal and placement of various types, sizes, weight of construction materials and equipment.
    • Restore and repair all disturbed property.
    • Willing to use the following tools: backhoe, jack hammer, jumping jack, hole hog, roto hammer, cut-off saw, portable water pump, saws – all, pedestals, cables, plastic conduit, shovel, rake, sledge hammer, pipe wrench, wire cutters, bolt cutters, cable cutters, drilling shafts, etc.
Physical Demands of the job
  • Push, pull, reach, and carry objects such as tools, materials and equipment weighing up to 90 lbs.
  • Load and unload tools and equipment on truck.
  • Ability to ascend and descend ladders.
  • All work is performed at remote locations; driving and sitting are required.
  • All work is outdoors, subject to inclement weather conditions.
  • Must be able to stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl while performing work.
  • Must be able to stand or walk for long periods of time.
  • Must be able to operate or work around heavy equipment and machinery.
  • Must be able to work in small/confined areas.
  • Must be able to maintain visual and audible contact with other crewman and all moving or stationary persons/vehicles/objects to ensure safe coordination of movement.
  • Must be able to work while wearing safety boots, safety glasses, hardhat, and any applicable safety gear.
Compensation and Benefits
  • Compensation will be hourly based on experience.
  • 4-10-hour work days (Mon-Thurs typically)
  • Full-time employment
  • Leo Tidwell Excavating Corporation does offer medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Leo Tidwell Excavating Corporation also offers a retirement benefit.

Leo Tidwell Excavating Corporation provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.