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Excavating Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

CDB Utility

Underground Crew Members

Algona, IA · On-site

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

Ability to operate power machinery, such as power shovels, horizontal directional drills, mini-excavators, hydro-vac or backhoes. Hand digging of potholes along a route. * Become familiar with ...

CDB Utility

Underground Crew Members

Davenport, IA · On-site

$14 - $18.25/hr

Ability to operate power machinery, such as power shovels, horizontal directional drills, mini-excavators, hydro-vac or backhoes. Hand digging of potholes along a route. * Become familiar with ...

ENSTRUCTURE LLC

Equipment Operator

Buffalo, IA · On-site

$20 - $27.25/hr

Pushing up product QUALIFICATIONS: 3+ years of heavy equipment experience such as front end loader, excavator, dozer, trackhoe. Not a forklift position. HS Diploma or equivalent. Valid driver ...

Abode Construction, Inc.

Be Seen First

Heavy Equipment Operator

Marion, IA · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Operates trucks and construction or power equipment, such as excavator w/ GPS, backhoe, dozer, skid-steer, forklift, man-lift, dump truck, snowplow, road grater, front-end loader, and hydraulic ...

City of Dubuque

Sewer Maintenance Worker

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$20.57 - $26.62/hr

Excavates and back fills trenches with hand tools; cleans and inspects sanitary and storm sewers; cleans ditches and drainage systems; loads and unloads trucks containing heavy materials; shovels ...

Robert Half

Cable Technician

Ames, IA · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

Identify and mark underground fiber routes before excavation, repair, or installation work begins. * Review utility maps, field diagrams, and available records to determine the correct path of buried ...

ForceSource

Pipe Layer

Carlisle, IA

$18.50 - $24.25/hr

Excavate trenches using hand tools or machinery to prepare for pipe installation. * Lay pipes in accordance with specifications, ensuring proper alignment and grade. * Connect pipes using various ...

Rayser Holdings

Monument Shop Assistant

Winterset, IA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Dig trench for foundation using mini-excavator and/or hand tools * Aid in the installation of monuments in local cemeteries * General cleaning and maintenance of shop and company vehicles * Maintain ...

ForceSource

Pipe Layer

Carlisle, IA · On-site

$17 - $25/hr

Excavate trenches using hand tools or machinery to prepare for pipe installation.Lay pipes in accordance with specifications, ensuring proper alignment and grade.Connect pipes using various methods ...

ForceSource

Pipe Layer

Carlisle, IA · On-site

$18.50 - $24.25/hr

Excavate trenches using hand tools or machinery to prepare for pipe installation. * Lay pipes in accordance with specifications, ensuring proper alignment and grade. * Connect pipes using various ...

ForceSource

Pipe Layer

Carlisle, IA · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

Excavate trenches using hand tools or machinery to prepare for pipe installation.Lay pipes in accordance with specifications, ensuring proper alignment and grade.Connect pipes using various methods ...

ForceSource

Dirt Laborer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

ResponsibilitiesAssist with excavation, grading, and site preparation tasks using heavy equipment such as dozers, loaders, backhoes, graders, and front loader trucksSupport the operation of dump ...

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All JobsExcavating JobsExcavating Jobs in Iowa

Excavating information

See Iowa salary details

$13

$22

$31

How much do excavating jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavating in Iowa is $22.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $25.29 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 Iowa?

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

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

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

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Excavating jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Excavating job openings:

Excavating jobs near you
Infographic showing various Excavating job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,334 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

Underground Crew Members

CDB Utility

Algona, IA • On-site

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

Other

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description



CDB is looking for experienced laborers and equipment operators to join our crews in the underground utility construction industry.   Work is 100% outside, exposed to all elements. This project is projected to last a year.


Some of the experience we are looking for includes:

  • Ability to operate power machinery, such as power shovels, horizontal directional drills, mini-excavators, hydro-vac or backhoes.  Hand digging of potholes along a route.
  • Become familiar with digging plans, machine capabilities and limitations, and with efficient and safe digging procedures in a given application.  
  • Observe hand signals, grade stakes, or other markings when operating machines to ensure work is performed to specifications. 
  • Operate machinery to perform activities such as backfilling excavations, vibrating or breaking rock or concrete, or directional drill boring. 
  • Receive written or oral instructions regarding material movement or excavation. 
  • Move materials over short distances, such as around a construction site, or to and from shop yard. 
  • Conduct daily maintenance inspections on vehicles and equipment. 
  • Other duties as assigned. 


Must have:

  • Valid driver's license.  Preference will be given to those with a Class A CDL.
  • 2+ years of experience operating equipment in a construction environment.