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Excavating Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Dirt Crew Foreman

Detroit, MI · On-site

$48 - $55/hr

You can operate equipment when the team needs your help (dozer, excavator, grader, scraper, etc...) * You know your way around blueprints * You have experience with Trimble GPS * You lead with a ...

About Gillett Excavating In just ten years, we've grown from a small residential startup into a company trusted to build the infrastructure that millions of people rely on every day, most of it ...

Dirt Crew Foreman

Port Huron, MI · On-site

$48 - $55/hr

You can operate equipment when the team needs your help (dozer, excavator, grader, scraper, etc...) * You know your way around blueprints * You have experience with Trimble GPS * You lead with a ...

Be Seen First

Pipe Layer - Excavation & Utilities Location: Lansing, MI Pay: $24-$32/ HR Join One of Mid-Michigan's Leading Excavation Contractors Clark Companies is looking for an experienced Pipe Layer to work ...

Excavating for service reconnections * Setting and positioning pipe bursting equipment * Loading and unloading pipe and materials * Assisting with trench backfill and restoration Pipe Bursting ...

HYDRO EXCAVATION TRUCK OPERATOR

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$19.25 - $24.50/hr

Duke's is looking for a Hydro Excavation Truck Operator to join our Plymouth, MI-based crew! As the Hydro Excavation Truck Operator, you will support critical underground utility projects. Our ...

HYDRO EXCAVATION TRUCK OPERATOR

Plymouth, MI

$19.25 - $24.50/hr

Duke's is looking for a Hydro Excavation Truck Operator to join our Plymouth, MI-based crew! As the Hydro Excavation Truck Operator, you will support critical underground utility projects. Our ...

Showing results 41-60

Excavating information

See Michigan salary details

$12

$20

$29

How much do excavating jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 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.

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 cities in Michigan are hiring for Excavating jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Excavating job openings:

Infographic showing various Excavating job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,995 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Dirt Crew Foreman

Detroit, MI • On-site

$48 - $55/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Lead the dirt work, teach what you know, and take on a role with real earning potential.

How You’ll Contribute
I built this company with people who started with almost no experience, and now I’m looking for someone whose deep earthwork background can fill in our knowledge gaps. You'll help push the company forward with production, quality, and field leadership that keeps work moving and profitable.

What You'll Get To Do

  • Build $100K - $3M high-quality projects out of Earth's most basic material: dirt
  • Drive smooth, efficient production with advanced planning, coordinating crews, tools, materials, information, and a multi-million dollar fleet of heavy iron
  • Turn raw dirt into the subdivisions and commercial sites of customers' dreams, owning the highest standards of quality
  • Help train and bring out the best in a 2-8 person crew
  • Protect schedule and profitability by spotting weather, soil, groundwater, and field condition issues early and communicating change order opportunities fast
  • Keep your office support team informed with daily reports
  • Take ownership of production quality and efficiency by operating equipment as needed
  • Work with a team of high performers who are hungry to grow, proud of the work they put in, and care about doing things right, not just fast. 

What You Bring

  • 5 years of mass earthwork and grading experience, including 3 years leading a mass earthwork and grading crew as a Foreman
  • You can operate equipment when the team needs your help (dozer, excavator, grader, scraper, etc...)
  • You know your way around blueprints
  • You have experience with Trimble GPS
  • You lead with a service mentality. You guide the crew, share what you know, and jump in where you’re needed without making it about ego or title.

Even Better, But Not Required

  • You've got a CDL-A
  • You've used Blue Beam and/or Excel
  • You can do surveys

Typical Schedule: 
Strong annual earning potential for someone who wants the overtime that comes with peak season. 5 days a week, minimum 8 hours a day, with peak season schedules likely running 50 to 60 hours a week. The posted schedule has typically been 5-12s in peak season and 4-10s in the winter with occasional Saturdays. Dirt Foreman may require some after-hours work for preparations. Most jobs are in the counties north of Detroit and out west toward Wayne and Washtenaw Counties. Per diem for projects over 1.5 hours away from the office.


What’s In It For You
Position-Specific Perks

  • Bonus based on core values and performance, ranging from $2,500 to $10,000
  • 1.5 ton Ford F-550 service truck or Ford F-350 pickup, take home daily
  • Computer and tablet
  • Team training resources
  • Professional development and leadership training

Culture & Work Environment

  • Semi-flexible hours and days off with year-round work close to home
  • A culture built on accountability, consistency, and open feedback
  • The owner works alongside the team, leading from the field as much as the office
  • A company mindset focused on growth, constantly learning, improving, and evolving together

Tools, Tech, & Equipmemt

  • Late model heavy equipment, including multiple-sized excavators, dozers, off-road haul trucks, wheel tractor scrapers, compactors, loaders, and more
  • In-house survey capabilities
  • Trimble GPS
  • Large variety of crew support and safety equipment
  • Constant evolution of updated tech, old school methods, and machines to drive project success and efficiency
  • Modern estimating and project management tools, including Insite Elevation Pro, Bluebeam, PlanSwift, B2W, Dropbox, Microsoft Planner, and GanttPro
  • High-end computers and software to keep performance fast and reliable
  • A tech-forward team that’s always looking for smarter, more efficient ways to bid and build

Pay & Benefits

  • 401K with 4% company match
  • 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees, and 50% for family
  • Paid bonus program tied to company and individual performance
  • Two weeks of paid time off

About Gillett Excavating

In just ten years, we’ve grown from a small residential startup into a company trusted to build the infrastructure that millions of people rely on every day, most of it buried underground, unseen but essential. We started by building assets; now we’re focused on building people. We believe hard work should lead to real rewards, accountability should create opportunity, and every project is a chance to raise the standard for what this industry can be.

 


We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other protected status. We are committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within our workplace and creating an environment where all individuals feel valued, respected, and supported. We comply with all applicable laws governing EEO and affirmative action, and we ensure that all employment decisions are made solely based on job-related qualifications and merit.

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