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Excavating Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Thornapple Excavating

Pipe Crew Excavator Operator

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Who is Thornapple Excavating? Over the last 40 years, Thornapple Excavating has expanded to become one of the most well-known names in commercial excavating in West Michigan. The organization strives ...

Thornapple Excavating

Pipe Crew Excavator Operator

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$21.50 - $28.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Who is Thornapple Excavating? Over the last 40 years, Thornapple Excavating has expanded to become one of the most well-known names in commercial excavating in West Michigan. The organization strives ...

Thornapple Excavating

Pipe Layer - Excavation

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$21 - $26/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Who is Thornapple Excavating? Over the last 40 years, Thornapple Excavating has expanded to become one of the most well-known names in commercial excavating in West Michigan. The organization strives ...

Thornapple Excavating

Pipe Layer - Excavation

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$21 - $26/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Who is Thornapple Excavating? Over the last 40 years, Thornapple Excavating has expanded to become one of the most well-known names in commercial excavating in West Michigan. The organization strives ...

Bricco Excavating

Be Seen First

Heavy Equipment Operator - Underground Utility Experience

Oak Park, MI · On-site

$30 - $38/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bricco Excavating Co, LLC is seeking to hire a Heavy Equipment Operator to join our excavating team in the Oak Park, MI region. About Bricco Excavating Co, LLC Who is Bricco Excavating Co, LLC.

Bricco Excavating

Be Seen First

Heavy Equipment Operator - Underground Utility Experience

Detroit, MI · On-site

$30 - $38/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bricco Excavating Co, LLC is seeking to hire a Heavy Equipment Operator to join our excavating team in the Oak Park, MI region. About Bricco Excavating Co, LLC Who is Bricco Excavating Co, LLC.

Thornapple Excavating

Truck Driver

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Who is Thornapple Excavating? Over the last 40 years, Thornapple Excavating has expanded to become one of the most well-known names in commercial excavating in West Michigan. The organization strives ...

Thornapple Excavating

Truck Driver

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Who is Thornapple Excavating? Over the last 40 years, Thornapple Excavating has expanded to become one of the most well-known names in commercial excavating in West Michigan. The organization strives ...

Bricco Excavating

Be Seen First

General Laborer - Underground Utility Experience

Oak Park, MI · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bricco Excavating Co, LLC is seeking to hire a General Laborer to join our excavating team in the Oak Park, MI region. About Bricco Excavating Co, LLC Who is Bricco Excavating Co, LLC.? Bricco ...

Phillips

Mini Excavator Operator

Detroit, MI · On-site

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

Mini Excavator Operator The Mini Excavator Operator is responsible for operating mini excavators and other related equipment to execute various construction and earthwork projects. This role requires ...

Phillips, Inc.

Mini Excavator Operator

Detroit, MI · On-site

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

The Mini Excavator Operator is responsible for operating mini excavators and other related equipment to execute various construction and earthwork projects. This role requires precision, adherence to ...

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All JobsExcavating JobsExcavating Jobs in Michigan

Excavating information

See Michigan salary details

$12

$20

$29

How much do excavating jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavating in Michigan is $20.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.97 and $23.46 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.

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

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

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

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

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Excavating jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Excavating job openings:

Excavating jobs near you
Infographic showing various Excavating job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,995 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Pipe Crew Excavator Operator

Thornapple Excavating

Grand Rapids, MI • On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Who is Thornapple Excavating?

Over the last 40 years, Thornapple Excavating has expanded to become one of the most well-known names in commercial excavating in West Michigan. The organization strives to be a leader in earthwork, utility installation, and other commercial excavating services. With a strong work ethic and attention to detail, customers can count on Thornapple Excavating, Inc. to deliver a high-quality product the first time, every time.

Job Responsibilities:

· Operate an excavator while digging for a pipe crew safely and efficiently.

· Read and understand blueprints to comprehend the utility and site plan.

· Communicate with site supervisor or foreman about the site-specific specifications and requirements or general plans.

· Communicate with the rest of the crew to help keep the site running safely and efficiently.

· Perform general maintenance on equipment including inspecting, fueling, greasing, and cleaning tracks daily.

· Clean and maintain equipment inside and out.

· Adjust to seasonal weather conditions and work for up to 12 hours per day.

· Willingness and ability to do what it takes to help get the job done, including operating a different piece of equipment or helping laborers when a situation demands it.

· Knowledge and understanding of commercial excavating and grades.

· Consistently show up on time and ready to work.

· Desire to keep safety in the front of your mind at all times.

Job Qualifications:

· 2+ years of experience working with a pipe crew.

· 2+ years of experience operating heavy equipment.

· Must have a firm understanding grades and commercial earthwork.
· Must be safety-minded and have a strong work ethic.

· Ability to perform your work with limited direction / supervision and have the knowledge of how to prepare, install, and maintain the work and equipment.

· Comfortable working in a high-stress environment and willing to take constructive criticism.

· Be willing and able to work with crew members and open to alternative ways of getting things done.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

  • 100% Employer Paid Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
  • 100% Employer Paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • 401K with Company Match
  • Company Outings
  • Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off
  • Referral program

Schedule:

  • Day shift
  • Monday to Friday

Supplemental pay types:

  • Bonus pay

Ability to commute/relocate:

  • Greater Grand Rapids, MI

Education:

  • High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

  • Commercial Pipe Crew: 2+ years (Preferred)
  • Heavy Equipment Operation: 2+ years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

  • Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: Multiple locations

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