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Excavation Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Waterworks

Excavation Operator

Grove City, OH · On-site

The Haven Services is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Excavator Operator to join our Commercial Division in the installation and repair of sewer, water, and storm lines. This is a year-round ...

Haven Services, LLC

Excavation Operator

Grove City, OH · On-site

The Haven Services is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Excavator Operator to join our Commercial Division in the installation and repair of sewer, water, and storm lines. This is a year-round ...

Axiom

Sewer Excavation Operator

Troutdale, OR · On-site

$33 - $37/hr

Axiom Plumbing & Sewers is looking for our next Excavation Operator to support our sewer/excavation team. We've been providing construction services to homeowners and commercial businesses since 2014 ...

Haven Services, LLC

Excavation Operator

Grove City, OH · On-site

The Haven Services is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Excavator Operator to join our Commercial Division in the installation and repair of sewer, water, and storm lines. This is a year-round ...

The Waterworks

Excavation Operator

Grove City, OH · On-site

The Haven Services is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Excavator Operator to join our Commercial Division in the installation and repair of sewer, water, and storm lines. This is a year-round ...

Forgen

Excavation Operator

South Bay, FL · On-site

$18 - $24.75/hr

Excavate soil and other material from job sites into trucks for transportation to appropriate ... Operator 1: 2+ years of heavy equipment operation/maintenance experience. * Operator 2: 5+ years of ...

Forgen

Excavation Operator

Donaldsonville, LA · On-site

Excavate soil and other material from job sites into trucks for transportation to appropriate ... Operator 1: 2+ years of heavy equipment operation/maintenance experience. * Operator 2: 5+ years of ...

Forgen

Excavation Operator

South Bay, FL

Excavate soil and other material from job sites into trucks for transportation to appropriate ... Operator 1: 2+ years of heavy equipment operation/maintenance experience. * Operator 2: 5+ years of ...

Burkentine Real Estate Group

Excavation Operator

Hanover, PA · On-site

$21.50 - $27.50/hr

Excavate form and pour building footings on single family detached, single family attached and multifamily apartments. Install footer drain tile and stone along foundation to manufactures ...

Burkentine Real Estate Group

Excavation Operator

Hanover, PA · On-site

$21.50 - $27.50/hr

Excavate form and pour building footings on single family detached, single family attached and multifamily apartments. Install footer drain tile and stone along foundation to manufacturer ...

Forgen

Excavation Operator

Donaldsonville, LA · On-site

Excavation Operator Location: Donaldsonville, LA Operate and maintain heavy, motorized equipment used in earth moving operations in a safe and efficient manner. Forgen is a leading geotechnical and ...

Forgen

Excavation Operator

South Bay, FL · On-site

$18 - $24.75/hr

Excavate soil and other material from job sites into trucks for transportation to appropriate ... Operator 1: 2+ years of heavy equipment operation/maintenance experience. * Operator 2: 5+ years of ...

Forgen

Excavation Operator

Donaldsonville, LA · On-site

Excavate soil and other material from job sites into trucks for transportation to appropriate ... Operator 1: 2+ years of heavy equipment operation/maintenance experience. * Operator 2: 5+ years of ...

Burkentine Builders

Excavation Operator

Hanover, PA · On-site

$23/hr

Excavate form and pour building footings on single family detached, single family attached and multifamily apartments. Install footer drain tile and stone along foundation to manufactures ...

Burkentine Builders

Excavation Operator

Hanover, PA · On-site

$23/hr

Excavate form and pour building footings on single family detached, single family attached and multifamily apartments. Install footer drain tile and stone along foundation to manufactures ...

Forgen

Excavation Operator

Donaldsonville, LA

Excavate soil and other material from job sites into trucks for transportation to appropriate ... Operator 1: 2+ years of heavy equipment operation/maintenance experience. * Operator 2: 5+ years of ...

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Excavation Operator information

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How much do excavation operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavation 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 operator do?

An Excavation Operator is responsible for operating heavy machinery such as excavators, backhoes, and loaders to dig, move, and grade earth on construction sites. They prepare sites for building, remove debris, and ensure trenches and foundations are dug safely and accurately according to project specifications. The role requires knowledge of equipment operation, safety protocols, and site planning. Excavation Operators often work closely with site supervisors and other construction professionals to complete projects efficiently and safely.

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

To thrive as an Excavation Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, experience in operating heavy machinery, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with equipment such as excavators, loaders, and GPS-based grade control systems, along with safety certifications like OSHA, are typically required. Attention to detail, clear communication, and the ability to work well in a team are essential soft skills in this field. These abilities ensure safe, efficient, and precise excavation work, which is critical for successful construction and infrastructure projects.

What are some common challenges excavation operators face on the job and how can they be addressed?

Excavation Operators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, navigating tight or uneven job sites, and maintaining equipment performance. Communication with site supervisors and other crew members is crucial to ensure safety and efficiency, especially when working near underground utilities or in high-traffic areas. Staying updated on safety protocols, conducting regular equipment inspections, and participating in ongoing training can help operators address these challenges and perform their role effectively.

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

AspectExcavation OperatorHeavy Equipment Operator
CertificationsOSHA safety training, CDL often preferredOSHA safety training, CDL often preferred
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, excavation projectsConstruction, mining, landscaping, various sites
Job FocusOperating excavators for digging and trenchingOperating various heavy machinery including excavators, bulldozers, loaders

While both roles involve operating heavy machinery, an Excavation Operator specializes primarily in excavators for digging and trenching tasks. A Heavy Equipment Operator has a broader scope, handling multiple types of machinery across different industries. Both require similar certifications and work in construction or industrial environments, but the Excavation Operator's focus is more specific to excavation projects.

How much do excavation operators earn?

Excavation operators typically earn between $20 and $30 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $40,000 to $60,000 depending on experience, location, and certifications. Skilled operators who operate heavy machinery like backhoes and bulldozers often have higher wages, especially if they work overtime or in high-demand areas.
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Excavation Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Excavation 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 $46,279 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Excavation operator

Bellevue, WA • On-site

LZ Excavation and Construction
See more jobs at LZ Excavation and Constructionexternal

$35 - $50/hr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 17 hours ago

Job description

Our company is looking for skilled excavator operators

Must have DL, transportation, cell phone and be able to pass drug test