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Excavation Machine Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Arbor Homes

Machine Operator

Trafalgar, IN · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

About The Role Fisher Contracting & Excavating, a subsidiary of Arbor Homes, is currently looking to hire multiple Operators to work throughout Central Indiana. What's In It For You? Base salary ...

Arbor Homes

Machine Operator

Trafalgar, IN · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

About The Role Fisher Contracting & Excavating, a subsidiary of Arbor Homes, is currently looking to hire multiple Operators to work throughout Central Indiana. What's In It For You? • Base salary ...

EARTHWORK 360 INC

Heavy Machine Operator

Imperial, PA · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

As a Heavy Machine Operator, you will work behind the wheel operating a variety of heavy machinery ... Safely operate a variety of large, heavy machinery safely, such as excavators, loaders, dozers, and ...

EARTHWORK 360 INC

Heavy Machine Operator

Imperial, PA · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

As a Heavy Machine Operator, you will work behind the wheel operating a variety of heavy machinery ... Safely operate a variety of large, heavy machinery safely, such as excavators, loaders, dozers, and ...

EARTHWORK 360 INC

Heavy Machine Operator

Imperial, PA · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

As a Heavy Machine Operator, you will work behind the wheel operating a variety of heavy machinery ... Safely operate a variety of large, heavy machinery safely, such as excavators, loaders, dozers, and ...

Jones Land Developers

Heavy Machine Operator

Macon, GA · On-site

$20 - $27/hr

As a Heavy Machine Operator, you will work behind the wheel operating a variety of heavy machinery ... Safely operate a variety of large, heavy machinery safely, such as excavators, loaders, dozers, and ...

Lozano Paving LLC

Heavy Machine Operator

Mesquite, TX · On-site

$23 - $30/hr

As a Heavy Machine Operator, you will work behind the wheel operating a variety of heavy machinery ... Safely operate a variety of large, heavy machinery safely, such as excavators, roller, slipform ...

Loram

Machine Operator 1, TSO

Pigeon Forge, TN · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

Machine Operator 1 FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Department: Operations Reports to: Assistant Manager ... Some assignments require Excavator experience. Meet all relevant or applicable pre-qualifications ...

Loram

Machine Operator 1, TSO

Corry, PA · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

Machine Operator 1 FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Department: Operations Reports to: Assistant Manager ... Some assignments require Excavator experience. Meet all relevant or applicable pre-qualifications ...

Loram

Machine Operator 1 - SPS

West Lafayette, IN · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

Machine Operator 1 FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Department: Operations Reports to: Assistant Manager ... Some assignments require Excavator experience. Meet all relevant or applicable pre-qualifications ...

Loram

Machine Operator 1, TSO

Columbus, GA · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

Machine Operator 1 FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Department: Operations Reports to: Assistant Manager ... Some assignments require Excavator experience. Meet all relevant or applicable pre-qualifications ...

Loram

Machine Operator 1, TSO

Bristol, TN · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

Machine Operator 1 FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Department: Operations Reports to: Assistant Manager ... Some assignments require Excavator experience. Meet all relevant or applicable pre-qualifications ...

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Excavation Machine Operator information

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How much do excavation machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavation machine operator in the United States is $18.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an excavation machine operator?

Excavation Machine Operators are skilled professionals who operate heavy equipment such as excavators, backhoes, bulldozers, and loaders to dig, lift, and move earth or materials on construction sites. They are responsible for preparing sites for building, landscaping, or roadwork, ensuring that excavation tasks are performed safely and efficiently. Operators must have a good understanding of machinery, safety protocols, and site plans, and often work closely with construction crews and supervisors. Proper training and certification are typically required for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an excavation machine operator?

To thrive as an Excavation Machine Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, spatial awareness, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often accompanied by specialized equipment operation training or certification. Familiarity with heavy machinery such as excavators, loaders, and GPS or laser-guided systems is typically required. Attention to safety, effective communication, and the ability to work well in a team are crucial soft skills in this field. These skills ensure efficient, precise, and safe excavation work, helping prevent accidents and ensuring project success.

What are the typical challenges faced by an excavation machine operator on a construction site?

Excavation Machine Operators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, navigating tight or uneven spaces, and maintaining clear communication with ground crews to ensure safety. They must remain alert to avoid damaging underground utilities or nearby structures, which requires attention to detail and careful coordination with site supervisors and utility locators. Operators also need to perform routine maintenance checks on their equipment to prevent breakdowns and ensure efficient operation throughout the project.

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

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

While both roles involve operating heavy machinery, an Excavation Machine Operator specializes in operating excavators for digging and site preparation, whereas a Heavy Equipment Operator handles a variety of machinery across multiple industries. The certifications and work environments overlap, but their specific duties and equipment focus differ.

How much do excavation machine operators earn?

Excavation machine operators typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Skilled operators with specialized equipment or in high-demand areas can earn higher wages and may receive benefits such as overtime pay and health insurance.

Is an excavation machine operator a stressful job?

Excavation machine operators often work in physically demanding environments with safety risks, which can contribute to job stress. The job requires focus, adherence to safety protocols, and sometimes long or irregular hours, but stress levels vary depending on the worksite and individual experience.

What states have the most Excavation Machine Operator jobs?

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

What are popular job titles related to Excavation Machine Operator jobs?

For Excavation Machine Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Excavation Machine Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Excavation Machine Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 37% Full Time, 61% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,827 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Machine Operator

Trafalgar, IN • On-site

Arbor Homes
See more jobs at Arbor Homesexternal

$16 - $19/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Job Description

About The Role

Fisher Contracting & Excavating, a subsidiary of Arbor Homes, is currently looking to hire multiple Operators to work throughout Central Indiana.

What's In It For You?

Base salary

Advancement opportunities

Opportunity to work with the largest new home builders in Indianapolis

4 weeks of Paid Time Off + standard holidays!

Access to health and life insurance, 401(k), paid parental leave, company discounts, etc.

What Are We Looking For?

Positions: Dozer Operators, Grader Operators, Excavator Operators

Relevant experience and reliable transportation required for all.

This is subject to change based on needs or if special circumstances should arrive.

Business Unit -

Arbor Homes

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