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Excavating Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Excavation Laborer Job Summary: We are seeking a reliable and experienced Excavation Laborer to join our team. This role involves supporting excavation and site development projects, with a focus on ...

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Excavating information

See Ohio salary details

$13

$22

$31

How much do excavating jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavating in Ohio is $22.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $25.58 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 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 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 cities in Ohio are hiring for Excavating jobs? Cities in Ohio with the most Excavating job openings:
Infographic showing various Excavating job openings in Ohio as of July 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 $46,897 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

Project Engineer (Independence Excavating)

Independence Excavating

Columbus, OH • On-site

$66K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Independence Excavating rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Project Engineer
Independence Excavating is making a major footprint in the heavy civil construction space! Our growing team is looking to add a talented Project Engineer to take charge of streamlining the planning and coordination of project initiatives while maintaining budgets, compliance regulations and scheduling.
Who is IX?
From breaking ground to the finished project, our team has been laying the groundwork for excellence on heavy civil construction and demolition projects for over 65 years. We combine innovations of industry with decades of successfully completed projects, proving we are a value-added partner from the ground up! Over six decades, Independence Excavating has established a team of construction professionals that sets us apart from other contractors. To learn more, visit our website: https://www.indexc.com/
What do we believe in?
PEOPLE:
Provide a safe, family-oriented environment. Commitment to integrity. Protect our most valuable assets.
PERFORMANCE:
Always deliver the highest quality. Find solutions. Provide value to our partners.
COMMUNITY:
Positively impact the communities we serve. Give back. Leave the world a better place than we found it.
A typical day looks like:
  • Reading, understanding and interpreting drawings and specifications
  • Soliciting quotes from subcontractors and suppliers
  • Reviewing estimated productions with Superintendents to finalize the bid
  • Preparing a detailed schedule and maintain
  • Assembling job cost codes for projects and regularly update
  • Preparing the detail needed for the Project Manager to submit pay estimates to Owners
  • Monitoring production, resource utilization and overall job cost vs. estimated cost to maintain profit margin on projects
  • Monitoring and checking the progress of project close-out activities such as punch list coordination, furnishing as-built drawings, providing O & M manuals, and compiling final estimate/retainer billing
  • Other tasks as needed

Do you have what it takes?
  • High School Diploma or equivalent is required and Associates or Bachelor's degree in a related field is preferred
  • 3-4 years of previous related experience is required
  • Must have strong organizational skills in order to handle the variety of tasks assigned
  • Must be able to effectively communicate verbally with employees, external vendors, owners and general contractors
  • Demonstrated ability to manage budget, schedule, people, and quality of work at multiple construction sites
  • Must be competent to perform complete and accurate project take-offs and estimates

Why IX?
  • Weekly Competitive Pay!
  • Excellent Benefits:
    • Medical
    • Dental
    • Vision
    • FSA & HSA
    • Life Insurance + Optional Family Life Insurance
    • Short-term and Long-term Disability
    • Wellness Incentive Program
  • Paid Holidays and PTO
  • 401(k) + Company match
  • Paid corporate training program
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Stability and a variety of different roles that provide a path to career advancement
  • Family-owned and operated since 1956

Independence Excavating, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we value workplace diversity and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state, or local protected class.

What Independence Excavating employees say

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