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Excavating Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Horst Group

Excavating Superintendent

Lancaster, PA · On-site

$80K - $125K/yr

Excavation Superintendent Join Our Team at Horst Excavating! Are you ready to apply your leadership and managerial skills to oversee daily operations of diverse projects, from planning through ...

Cook's Excavating

Pipe Fitter -Excavation Company

Colfax, NC

$22.50 - $28.75/hr

Pipe Fitter - Excavation & Underground Utilities Locations: Kernersville, Winston-Salem, Greensboro, NC Employment Type: Full-Time We are hiring an experienced Pipe Fitter to join our excavation and ...

JJP Excavating LLC

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Excavation Labor

Kendallville, IN · On-site

$18 - $28/hr

Ability to work in extreme weather Excavating company seeking laborer. Job includes shoveling, shootin grade, use of handheld tools, and pipe laying. Experience is preferred, but not required. Pay is ...

JJP Excavating LLC

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Excavation Labor

Kendallville, IN · On-site

$18 - $28/hr

Ability to work in extreme weather Excavating company seeking laborer. Job includes shoveling, shootin grade, use of handheld tools, and pipe laying. Experience is preferred, but not required. Pay is ...

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How much do excavating jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavating in the United States is $23.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

More about Excavating jobs
What cities are hiring for Excavating jobs? Cities with the most Excavating job openings:
What states have the most Excavating jobs? States with the most job openings for Excavating jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Excavating jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Excavating jobs are:
Excavating jobs near you
Infographic showing various Excavating job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 95% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,330 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Pipe Layer - Excavation

Thornapple Excavating

Grand Rapids, MI • On-site

$21 - $26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

Job description

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:
  • Installation of underground utilities including watermain, storm water, and sanitary sewer both correctly and efficiently.
  • Read and understand blueprints to accurately align and lay out various pipe routes to install according to the site plan.
  • Set up rotary and / or pipe lasers to lay pipe on an accurate grade.
  • Signaling equipment operators to facilitate alignment or movement of pipe, excavation of pipe trenches, and backfilling trenches with the required material.
  • Communicate with site supervisor or foreman about the site-specific specifications or requirements or general plans.
  • Perform various physical construction responsibilities including, but not limited to, hand digging, backfilling around pipe, compacting and leveling earth to specific grades for installation of pipe or structures to plan specifications.
  • Adjust to seasonal weather conditions and work for up to 12 hours per day.
  • Use of various hand tools, such as shovels, come-along rakes, compacters, levels, and other hand tools necessary for correct pipe installation.
  • Knowledge of various soil types to ensure safe trench excavation and the ability to recognize unsafe conditions.
  • Inspect and work with rigging, cables, chokers, and chain slings.

Job Qualifications:
  • Applicants should have a minimum of 5 years of experience in successfully installing underground utilities accurately and efficiently, according to plan.
  • Must understand grades and know how to correctly set up rotary and pipe lasers.
  • Should have a firm understanding of commercial construction and final grades in relationship to utility elevations.
  • Be able to lift up to 60+ lbs.
  • Comfortable working in a high-stress environment.
  • Be willing and able to work with crew members and open to alternative ways of getting things done.

Job Type: Full-time
Experience:
  • Underground utility installation: 1-5 years

Involves the operation of small equipment and tools, including:
  • Pavement breakers and jackhammers
  • Cement, plaster, and mortar mixers
  • Saws
Benefits Our Employees Enjoy:
  • 401(k) with company match
  • 100% paid company paid Health, Dental and Vision insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Year-end bonuses
  • Company events and outings
  • Referral bonus
Schedule:
  • Day shift with OT opportunity
  • Monday - Friday, no weekends
  • Work Location - 50 mile radius of Grand Rapids, MI
Education:
  • High school or equivalent (Preferred)

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