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Excavating Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Excavator Operator

Melbourne, FL ยท On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Gator Dredging Excavator Operator Position This is a great opportunity for an experienced Excavator Operator to join our growing team! Excellent benefits, vacation, sick and holiday paid time off.

Excavator Operator

Melbourne, FL ยท On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Gator Dredging Excavator Operator Position This is a great opportunity for an experienced Excavator Operator to join our growing team! Excellent benefits, vacation, sick and holiday paid time off.

Excavator Operator

Melbourne, FL ยท On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Gator Dredging Excavator Operator Position This is a great opportunity for an experienced Excavator Operator to join our growing team! Excellent benefits, vacation, sick and holiday paid time off.

Excavation Laborer

Doral, FL ยท On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Overview Excavation Technician/Laborer Founded in 1935, Roto-Rooter is North America's largest plumbing, drain cleaning, and water cleanup services provider. Roto-Rooter operates businesses in over ...

Excavation Laborer

Doral, FL ยท On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Overview Excavation Technician/Laborer Founded in 1935, Roto-Rooter is North America's largest plumbing, drain cleaning, and water cleanup services provider. Roto-Rooter operates businesses in over ...

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Showing results 1-20

Excavating information

See Florida salary details

$10

$17

$25

How much do excavating jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavating in Florida is $17.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.57 and $20.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is there a demand for excavator jobs?

Excavator operator jobs are in demand due to ongoing construction, infrastructure projects, and urban development. Skilled operators with certifications and experience are sought after in many regions, and employment opportunities are expected to grow as these industries expand.

How much money can you make with an excavator?

Excavator operators typically earn between $20 and $35 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $40,000 to $70,000 depending on experience, location, and certifications. Skilled operators with specialized equipment knowledge and safety training tend to earn higher wages.

What are excavating jobs?

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 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.

How much do excavation people make?

Excavation workers typically earn an average hourly wage of around $20 to $30, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $40,000 to $60,000 depending on experience, location, and certifications. Skilled operators and those with specialized training can earn higher wages, especially when working with heavy machinery or in demanding environments.

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

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

In the field of excavating, high-paying roles such as senior project managers or business owners can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially in large construction or infrastructure projects. These positions often require extensive experience, specialized skills, and sometimes ownership of equipment or companies. Most excavating jobs typically pay less, with top executives or entrepreneurs in the industry reaching higher income levels.
What cities in Florida are hiring for Excavating jobs? Cities in Florida with the most Excavating job openings:
Infographic showing various Excavating job openings in Florida as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,864 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

Excavator Operator

Gator Dredging

Melbourne, FL โ€ข On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Gator Dredging Excavator Operator Position
This is a great opportunity for an experienced Excavator Operator to join our growing team! Excellent benefits, vacation, sick and holiday paid time off. Must have at least 3 years of experience operating an excavator and a minimum of 1 year experience operating a Long Reach Excavator.
Gator Dredging (the leading dredging company in the state of Florida) is actively seeking qualified people to join our ever-growing team!
Job Responsibilities for The Excavator Operator:
  • Able to Operate an Excavator safely, so as not to injure anyone or cause damage to buildings, structures, or other equipment.
  • Must adhere to all health and safety policies and procedures.
  • Completion of Daily Equipment Maintenance Logs and submitting to the supervisor at the end of each shift.
  • Duties will include Daily inspections of the equipment, ability to make minor repairs, cleaning the equipment, checking fluids, and greasing all necessary areas.
  • Operating an excavator efficiently in dry, wet and marsh types of environments.
  • Assisting with Mobilization and Demobilization of our construction sites is required.
  • Position will include assisting with miscellaneous laborer or other duties as needed.
  • Follow instruction and direction from the site supervisors.
  • Must be able to work well with others to get the job done right.

Qualifications for The Excavator Operator:
  • Must have at least 5 years of experience operating an excavator.
  • Must have at least 1 year of experience operating a long reach excavator.
  • Must be able to travel out of town.
  • Enjoy working as part of a team.
  • MUST be motivated and able to work independently.
  • On/Off Barge operating experience a plus.
  • Long Reach excavator experience a plus.
  • Previous dredging experience a plus.
  • Dozer experience a plus.
  • A valid driver's license and it must be maintained throughout employment.
  • OSHA Certification a plus

Physical Demands/Work Environment for The Excavator Operator:
  • Physical/Sensory Functions: Regularly will use sit, use hands, talk/hear; Frequently will reach with hands; Occasionally will stand, walk, climb, or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, taste/smell.
  • Lift and/or Move Functions: Regularly will lift-up to 10 pounds; Frequently will lift up to 25 pounds; Occasionally will lift up to 50 pounds.

Employee Benefits. An excellent compensation and benefits package is offered. Benefit plans include:
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Life Insurance
  • Short Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Paid Time Off for Vacation, Sick and Holidays

Gator Dredging is a:
  • Drug-Free Workplace
  • Equal Opportunity Employer
  • Homeland Security- E-Verify Company. Gator Dredging will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States.

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