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Excavation Contractors Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We are a growing excavation contractor performing a wide variety of work, including road construction, underground utility installation, commercial site development, foundation excavation, grading ...

We are a growing excavation contractor performing a wide variety of work, including road construction, underground utility installation, commercial site development, foundation excavation, grading ...

Cable Locator

Brevard, NC

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Communicate/interact with excavation contractors to fully understand the parameters of excavation scope and timeline to minimize damage to underground facilities. * Work with other utility companies ...

Be Seen First

Cherry Valley Excavating is a residential excavation contractor in business for 30 years. We are seeking Heavy Equipment Operators proficient in operating Excavators, Skidsteers, and Bulldozers. We ...

Be Seen First

Fayetteville Contractors Inc. is currently recruiting for experienced Excavation & Paving Operators & Laborers to join our growing team. Excavation & Paving Laborers & Operators Core Competencies ...

Excavation Foreman

Columbus, OH · On-site

$40 - $53/hr

Summary of Excavation Foreman at Layton ServicesLayton Services is a growing Site Work & Underground Utilities Contractor specializing in mass excavation, site development, grading, building pads ...

Excavation Foreman

Columbus, OH · On-site

$40 - $53/hr

Summary of Excavation Foreman at Layton Services Layton Services is a growing Site Work & Underground Utilities Contractor specializing in mass excavation, site development, grading, building pads ...

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Excavation Contractors information

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$32

How much do excavation contractors jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavation contractors in the United States is $22.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do excavation contractors make?

Excavation contractors typically earn an average annual salary ranging from $40,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and project complexity. Skilled contractors with certifications and specialized equipment may earn higher wages, especially in commercial or large-scale projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an excavation contractor, and why are they important?

Excavation Contractors need expertise in site preparation, earthmoving, and reading construction plans, often supported by relevant licenses and experience in heavy equipment operation. Familiarity with equipment like excavators, backhoes, and GPS-based grading systems is typically required, along with knowledge of safety regulations. Strong problem-solving, communication, and project management skills help contractors coordinate crews and address site challenges efficiently. These abilities ensure projects are completed safely, on time, and to specification, minimizing costly errors and hazards.

Is excavation contractor a good career?

An excavation contractor is a skilled trade professional responsible for digging and site preparation using heavy equipment. The job offers steady employment opportunities, especially with experience and certifications, and often involves outdoor work in various weather conditions. It can be physically demanding but provides a clear career path in construction and civil engineering fields.

What are some common challenges excavation contractors face when working on construction sites?

Excavation contractors often encounter challenges such as unexpected underground utilities, varying soil conditions, and changing weather that can impact timelines. Coordinating with other trades on-site is crucial to avoid delays and ensure safety. Effective communication, thorough site assessments, and flexibility are key to overcoming these challenges and delivering projects on schedule.

What is an excavation contractor?

Excavation contractors are professionals who specialize in moving earth, rock, or other materials, typically in preparation for construction projects. They use heavy equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, and backhoes to dig foundations, trenches, and grading for roads, buildings, and utilities. In addition to digging, they may also handle tasks like site clearing, demolition, and soil compaction. Their work is essential for creating a safe and stable base for structures and infrastructure projects.

What is the difference between Excavation Contractors vs Excavators?

AspectExcavation ContractorsExcavators
Credentials/CertificationsLicenses, permits, OSHA safety trainingOperator certifications, equipment-specific training
Work EnvironmentProject sites, construction sites, outdoor environmentsHeavy machinery operation, construction sites
Employer/Industry UsageConstruction companies, civil engineering firmsEquipment manufacturers, rental companies, construction firms
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Excavation Contractors oversee and manage excavation projects, coordinating crews and ensuring project completion. Excavators are the heavy machinery used by these contractors to perform digging and earth-moving tasks. While excavation contractors plan and supervise, excavators are the equipment that executes the physical work.

More about Excavation Contractors jobs
What cities are hiring for Excavation Contractors jobs? Cities with the most Excavation Contractors job openings:
What states have the most Excavation Contractors jobs? States with the most job openings for Excavation Contractors jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Excavation Contractors jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Excavation Contractors jobs are:
Infographic showing various Excavation Contractors job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,598 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

$17.81/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Roto-Rooter rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 73 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

180th of 278 rated repair and maintenance companies


Job description

Excavation Technician/Laborer

Founded in 1935, Roto-Rooter is North America's largest plumbing, drain cleaning, and water cleanup services provider. Roto-Rooter operates businesses in over 100 company-owned branches, independent contractor territories, and approximately 400 independent franchise operations, serving approximately 90% of the U.S. population and parts of Canada.

Roto-Rooter, America’s premier provider of plumbing and drain cleaning company is the name that homeowners and businesses turn to for select quality services.  We are proud of our 90-year history of success, but it’s our future that has us so excited!

We have an excellent opportunity for an Excavation Technician for sewer & water services repairs/replacements. The primary role of the Excavation Technician is to perform residential and commercial excavations that resolve plumbing issues resulting from compromised or broken plumbing lines. 


  • Prioritize safety by strictly adhering to OSHA and Roto-Rooter safety protocols
  • Interact with customers as needed
  • Perform excavation tasks followed by pipe repairs or new pipe installations as an Excavation Technician
  • Operates back-hoe, mini-excavator, skid steers, and/or other excavation machinery equipped with scoops, shovels, or buckets to excavate and load loose materials
  • Work in confined spaces and open trenches
  • Locates and arrives at job sites in a timely manner; safely drives and operates service vehicle between job sites in a professional manner
  • Collect monetary payment and move on to the next service call. 
  • Direct interaction with vulnerable populations such as children or elderly.
  • Entering customers’ residence providing trustworthy service while solving the problem.

  • Hands-on experience in excavation projects for both residential and commercial construction settings is required.
  • Must have a valid driver's license. Depending on the vehicle driven, a Commercial driver's license may be required.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in navigating excavation environments, including confined spaces and trench operations, with efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Complete jobs within specified time lines
  • Current CDL or ability to obtain within 90 days if necessary for the vehicle driven
  • Trenchless water, sewer & gas experience a plus
  • Be willing to work a flexible schedule, including nights and weekends, to meet the demands of the position.

Service technicians are paid an hourly rate of $17.81 during training. After training, they are paid an hourly rate at or above the minimum wage for all hours worked. The hourly pay rate may vary, depending on whether the pay is for base pay paid at the employee’s base hourly rate (minimum wage), or administrative pay for administrative hours worked (between minimum wage and $70.19). Service technicians also have the potential to earn commissions at the rate of 16-22% of revenue depending on the revenue category.  Commissions ranging from $10 to $155 can also be earned for selling products and treatments.

Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Change Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.


At Roto-Rooter, we believe our most significant investment is in our employees.  We prioritize the health and well-being of our team and their families. That’s why we offer an extensive employee benefit package including:

  • Medical insurance with a Prescription Drug Card
  • Accident and Critical Illness Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Training
  • Life Insurance
  • Matching 401K Retirement Savings Plan
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Profit Sharing

Roto-Rooter offers excellent career paths for military veterans and personnel transitioning to civilian professions. Throughout nearly 100 years in business, we've found that military training and structure are an excellent fit for our company.


We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender, age, national origin, veteran status, military status, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.


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