ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Excavation Equipment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

UMC, Inc

Excavation Equipment Operator

Boise, ID

$23 - $30/hr

Excavation Equipment Operator Benefits: * TOP MARKET PAY * 100% PAID APPRENTICE PROGRAM * Excellent Stability and Growth Opportunities * Medical, Dental, Vision, HSA, Life Insurance for you and your ...

UMC, Inc

Excavation Equipment Operator

Boise, ID · On-site

$23 - $30/hr

Excavation Equipment Operator Benefits: * TOP MARKET PAY * 100% PAID APPRENTICE PROGRAM * Excellent Stability and Growth Opportunities * Medical, Dental, Vision, HSA, Life Insurance for you and your ...

Sletten Excavating

Be Seen First

Heavy Equipment Operator

Center, ND · On-site

$27 - $30/hr

Heavy Equipment Operator Sletten Excavating Location: Center, North Dakota Pay: $27.00-$30.00 per hour Employment Type: Full-Time Job Summary Sletten Excavating is seeking a dependable and ...

BBSI Portland

Excavator Operator

North Plains, OR · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Excavation Equipment Operator Location: Portland, OR Pay Rate: $30-35/hr Type: Temp To Hire About Us: Our client is a leading excavation and earthmoving company specializing in custom home site prep ...

Motive Workforce

Equipment Operator

Mission Viejo, CA · On-site

$28 - $35/hr

Responsibilities include operating various pieces of equipment, from standard vehicles to heavy equipment, as needed for the processes of construction, demolition, or excavation. Equipment used ...

Motive Workforce

Equipment Operator

Mission Viejo, CA

$28 - $35/hr

Responsibilities include operating various pieces of equipment, from standard vehicles to heavy equipment, as needed for the processes of construction, demolition, or excavation. Equipment used ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsConstruction JobsGeneral Construction JobsExcavator Operator JobsExcavation Equipment Operator Jobs

Excavation Equipment Operator information

See salary details

$13

$22

$31

How much do excavation equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavation equipment operator in the United States is $22.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an excavation equipment operator do?

An Excavation Equipment Operator is responsible for operating heavy machinery such as backhoes, bulldozers, and excavators to dig, move, and grade earth on construction sites. They ensure that excavation work is carried out safely and according to project specifications. Operators often work on projects such as building foundations, roads, and utility lines. They are also responsible for maintaining their equipment and following safety regulations to prevent accidents.

What are some common challenges an excavation equipment operator might face on the job?

Excavation Equipment Operators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, navigating uneven or confined job sites, and adhering to strict safety protocols. They must be vigilant about underground utilities and potential hazards to prevent accidents or equipment damage. Effective communication with site supervisors and other crew members is also crucial to ensure that excavation work aligns with project specifications and timelines.

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

To thrive as an Excavation Equipment Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, physical coordination, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, plus applicable operator licenses or certifications. Familiarity with heavy machinery such as backhoes, bulldozers, and excavators, along with knowledge of GPS and safety systems, is essential. Attention to detail, communication, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for operating safely and efficiently on job sites. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure safe, precise excavation work that meets project specifications and regulatory standards.

What is the difference between Excavation Equipment Operator vs Heavy Equipment Operator?

AspectExcavation Equipment OperatorHeavy Equipment Operator
CertificationsOSHA safety training, equipment-specific certificationsOSHA safety training, equipment-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, excavation projectsConstruction, mining, infrastructure projects
Job DutiesOperate excavators for digging, trenching, and site prepOperate various heavy machinery like bulldozers, loaders, excavators

Excavation Equipment Operators primarily focus on operating excavators for digging and site preparation, while Heavy Equipment Operators handle a broader range of machinery across construction and mining sites. Both roles require similar certifications and work in construction environments, but their specific duties and equipment focus differ.

How much do excavation equipment operators earn?

Excavation equipment operators typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $60,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Skilled operators with specialized training or operating large machinery can earn higher wages, and overtime or shift work may increase total earnings.
More about Excavation Equipment Operator jobs

What cities are hiring for Excavation Equipment Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Excavation Equipment Operator job openings:

What states have the most Excavation Equipment Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Excavation Equipment Operator jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Excavation Equipment Operator jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Excavation Equipment Operator jobs are:

Excavation Equipment Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Excavation Equipment Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,279 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Excavation Equipment Operator

UMC, Inc

Boise, ID

$23 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

UMC has been at the forefront of the plumbing and HVAC sectors in new construction for more than 50 years. Our goal is to provide outstanding service while mentoring the next generation of professionals in the field. We deliver top quality services to the communities we contribute to building. Our commitment to sharing knowledge about the trade, combined with our dedicated team, enables us to maintain our industry leadership and experience continuous growth. If you are enthusiastic about providing quality service and are keen to learn and advance in the trade, we present a variety of opportunities for development and leadership.
Grow Your Career with UMC, Inc.
https://youtu.be/-DCn_2kniVo?si=ce1x40fpER00EiMo
Excavation Equipment Operator Benefits:
  • TOP MARKET PAY
  • 100% PAID APPRENTICE PROGRAM
  • Excellent Stability and Growth Opportunities
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, HSA, Life Insurance for you and your family
  • Paid Time Off From Date of Hire
  • Paid Holidays
  • 401K w/ 6% Company Match
  • Excellent Company Culture
The successful Excavation Equipment Operator will safely and efficiently operate heavy equipment to support underground plumbing installations while maintaining UMC's high standards for quality, productivity, and safety. This individual will work closely with plumbing crews to excavate, backfill, and prepare job sites while exemplifying UMC's Vision, Mission, and Core Values.
Excavation Equipment Operator Pay Range (Hourly) :
$23.00 to $30.00/hour depending on experience
Excavation Equipment Operator Responsibilities and Duties (Essential Job Functions):
  • Arrives at job sites on time to participate in daily planning meetings and safety discussions before work begins.
  • Safely operate mini excavators, skid steers, and other construction equipment used in underground plumbing excavation.
  • Excavate trenches for sewer, storm drain, domestic water, fire lines, and other underground plumbing systems according to project plans.
  • Backfill and compact trenches following pipe installation.
  • Read grade stakes, blueprints, and utility markings to ensure accurate excavation.
  • Work safely around existing underground utilities and other trades.
  • Perform daily equipment inspections and report maintenance or repair needs.
  • Maintain equipment cleanliness and ensure proper operation.
  • Assist plumbing crews with manual labor, material handling, and site cleanup when equipment operation is not required.
  • Comply with all UMC, Inc. safety procedures and OSHA regulations, including proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
  • Perform additional duties as assigned by the Foreman or Site Superintendent.
Excavation Equipment Operator Qualifications
  • Minimum 1 years of excavation experience, preferably supporting commercial or multi-family plumbing construction.
  • Minimum 1 year experience operating: Mini Excavators amp; Skid Steers
  • Experience excavating for underground plumbing, water, sewer, or utility installations preferred.
  • Ability to safely work around underground utilities.
  • Ability to read grade stakes, construction drawings, and utility locates.
  • Strong work ethic with excellent communication and teamwork skills.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license, dependable transportation, able to pass a physical and drug screening, and be authorized to work in the USA
  • Must be able to use hands and fingers, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk; hear; sit; stoop; kneel; crouch or crawl; climb or balance; stand; walk; lift or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally team lift or move up to 100 pounds; work overhead and in cramped quarters. Good vision required.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Work Environment/AAP/EEO Statements
While performing this job, the employee is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts, and vibration. Occasionally exposure to a variety of extreme conditions at construction job sites occurs. The noise level in the work environment and job sites can be loud. The performance of work happens in outside weather conditions. Mitigate these hazards or stop work until conditions improve when applicable. Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without accommodation. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
Colorado Compliance: UMC, Inc. will not retaliate against any employee making a complaint or inquiring about the Company's practices regarding Colorado's Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. If you are subjected to any conduct that you believe violates this policy, you must promptly speak to, write, or otherwise contact your direct supervisor or, if the conduct involves your direct supervisor, the project manager, or human resources.

Apply