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Excavation Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Excavator Operator

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$21.75 - $29/hr

General Description The Excavator Operator will work in close proximity to equipment and people and operate an excavator to remove materials in a safe manner. Key Duties * Operate a excavator in ...

Excavator Operator

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$21.75 - $29/hr

Excavator Operator The Excavator Operator will work in close proximity to equipment and people and operate an excavator to remove materials in a safe manner. Key Duties * Operate a excavator in close ...

Excavator Operator

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$21.75 - $29/hr

General Description The Excavator Operator will work in close proximity to equipment and people and operate an excavator to remove materials in a safe manner. Key Duties * Operate a excavator in ...

Excavator Operator

Raleigh, NC

$21.75 - $29/hr

General Description The Excavator Operator will work in close proximity to equipment and people and operate an excavator to remove materials in a safe manner. Key Duties * Operate a excavator in ...

Excavator Operator

Holly Springs, NC · On-site

$25 - $33.01/hr

... excavation, dredging, and material handling tasks. * Execute precise digging and placement activities in accordance with site plans and safety standards. * Conduct pre- and post-operation inspections ...

Excavator Operator

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$21.75 - $29/hr

Excavator Operator The Excavator Operator will work in close proximity to equipment and people and operate an excavator to remove materials in a safe manner. Key Duties * Operate a excavator in close ...

Excavator Operator

Holly Springs, NC · On-site

$25 - $33.01/hr

... excavation, dredging, and material handling tasks. * Execute precise digging and placement activities in accordance with site plans and safety standards. * Conduct pre- and post-operation inspections ...

Excavator Operator

Holly Springs, NC · On-site

$25 - $33.01/hr

... excavation, dredging, and material handling tasks. * Execute precise digging and placement activities in accordance with site plans and safety standards. * Conduct pre- and post-operation inspections ...

Excavator Operator

Raleigh, NC

$21.75 - $29/hr

... excavation, grading, and site preparation activities in support of construction projects. Responsibilities * Comply with all company and site specific policies and procedures * Safe and efficient ...

Lead Excavator Operator- Pipe

Cary, NC · On-site

$22 - $29.25/hr

GARNEY CONSTRUCTION An Excavator Operator job is available at Garney. To be considered for this position you must have previous construction experience. As an Excavator Operator , you will operate ...

Lead Excavator Operator- Pipe

Apex, NC

$17.25 - $22.75/hr

GARNEY CONSTRUCTION An Excavator Operator job is available at Garney. To be considered for this position you must have previous construction experience. As an Excavator Operator , you will operate ...

Lead Excavator Operator- Pipe

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$21.75 - $29/hr

GARNEY CONSTRUCTION An Excavator Operator jobis available at Garney. To be considered for this position you must have previous construction experience. As an Excavator Operator , you will operate ...

Lead Excavator Operator- Pipe

Durham, NC · On-site

$20.50 - $27/hr

GARNEY CONSTRUCTION An Excavator Operator jobis available at Garney. To be considered for this position you must have previous construction experience. As an Excavator Operator , you will operate ...

Lead Excavator Operator- Pipe

Apex, NC · On-site

$17.25 - $22.75/hr

GARNEY CONSTRUCTION An Excavator Operator jobis available at Garney. To be considered for this position you must have previous construction experience. As an Excavator Operator , you will operate ...

Lead Excavator Operator- Pipe

Cary, NC · On-site

$22 - $29.25/hr

GARNEY CONSTRUCTION An Excavator Operator jobis available at Garney. To be considered for this position you must have previous construction experience. As an Excavator Operator , you will operate ...

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Excavation information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$9

$19

$27

How much do excavation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavation in Raleigh, NC is $19.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.29 and $23.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

In the excavation industry, high-paying roles such as senior project managers, business owners, or specialized consultants can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, certifications, and successful project management. These roles often require advanced skills, leadership abilities, and a strong understanding of construction and excavation operations.

What does a typical workday look like for someone in Excavation?

A typical day in an Excavation role involves operating heavy machinery to move earth, dig trenches, or prepare sites for construction according to project specifications. You’ll review site plans, perform equipment inspections, and adhere closely to safety standards while working outdoors in various weather conditions. Collaboration with project managers, surveyors, and other construction workers is common to ensure the job is done efficiently and accurately. The role often requires physical stamina and adaptability, as projects and terrain can vary widely. This dynamic environment offers the satisfaction of seeing tangible progress and contributing directly to construction milestones.

How much do excavation people make?

Excavation workers typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the project. Skilled operators with certifications and experience can earn higher wages, especially in specialized roles or union positions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Excavation position, and why are they important?

To excel in Excavation, strong knowledge of earthmoving techniques, heavy equipment operation, and safety regulations is critical, often supported by a high school diploma or vocational training. Proficiency in using excavators, backhoes, trenchers, and sometimes GPS or laser-guided systems is often required, along with certifications such as OSHA safety training or a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). Attention to detail, teamwork, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help individuals stand out in this role. These abilities ensure safe, precise, and efficient site preparation, which is vital for the success of construction projects.

What is an Excavation job?

An excavation job involves the process of digging, moving, and removing earth, rock, or other materials to prepare a site for construction, utility installation, or other projects. Excavation workers use heavy machinery such as backhoes, bulldozers, and excavators to perform tasks safely and efficiently. This type of work requires knowledge of soil types, safety regulations, and site preparation techniques. Proper excavation is crucial for building foundations, creating trenches, and preventing structural issues.

What do excavation workers do?

Excavation workers operate heavy machinery such as backhoes, bulldozers, and excavators to dig, move, and level earth for construction projects. They also prepare sites by clearing debris, setting up safety measures, and ensuring proper depth and measurements according to plans.

Is there a demand for excavator jobs?

Excavator operator jobs are in steady demand due to ongoing construction, infrastructure projects, and land development. Employment opportunities often require experience with heavy machinery and safety certifications, and job growth is expected to continue as these sectors expand.
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Excavation jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Excavation job openings:
Infographic showing various Excavation job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,877 per year, or $19.7 per hour.
Excavator Operator

Excavator Operator

Blythe Construction

Raleigh, NC • On-site

$21.75 - $29/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

General Description
The Excavator Operator will work in close proximity to equipment and people and operate an excavator to remove materials in a safe manner.
Key Duties
  • Operate a excavator in close proximity to equipment and the public safely.
  • Perform daily fluid level checks on oil, water and fuel; Visual inspection for obvious leaks and damage to machine before operation of equipment as well as safety equipment checks.
  • Responsible for daily maintenance of equipment to remain in proper and safe working order. Responsible for notifying supervisor if equipment needs to be repaired.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Qualification Requirements
  • General. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each Key Duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Education and Experience. This position typically is not an entry-level job, as it requires demonstrable previous experience as an Excavator Operator.
    • A high school diploma or general education degree (GED) is preferred.
    • Must be able to understand work directions and communicate effectively with job site supervisors and fellow employees.
    • Three (3) to Five (5) years or more of industry related experience is required for this position, with an emphasis on roads, highways, and bridges.
    • At least three (3) years of experience with Cat 249 size or bigger excavator.
    • Experience in placing rock plating and embarkments and working steep slopes in mountain areas or rock quarries, minimum 3 years preferred.
  • Physical Demands. The following physical demands are representative of those that must be met by a Excavator Operator to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
  • Constant physical effort, including standing, is required during a regular work shift of at least eight hours per day. Employee must be able to stand for extended periods of time, and to stoop, bend, and crouch as required to perform Key Duties.
  • Ability to lift and carry, on a frequent basis, at least 50 pounds and, at times, as much as 90 pounds, as may be assigned.
  • Manual dexterity to hand-carry generators, lumber and other construction materials, forms, power tools, and hand tools.
  • Physical dexterity involving stretching, proper placement of legs, and use of arms and hands in repetitive motions.
  • Maintain constant alertness to the multiple concurrent activities of the construction site, including the activities of other employees and contractors, the operation of stationary equipment, and the movement of mobile equipment.
  • Frequently walk on uneven surfaces, including natural ground in varying weather conditions.
  • Capable of being certified to enter confined spaces, including climbing into and out of excavations up to 20 feet in depth, using ladders or crawling, as required.
  • Sufficient skill and visual acuity, under varying degrees of light, darkness, and weather conditions, to provide direction and flagging for operators of cranes with rated capacities of up to 300 tons.
  • The Excavator Operator must be able to climb on and off heavy mobile equipment safely.
  • Work Environment. The work environment characteristics described below are representative of those that a Excavator Operator encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
  • Work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions.
  • Work environment periodically exposes the employees to high levels of noise, grease, and dust that are typically associated with a construction project.
  • Employee regularly works near heavy equipment and moving machinery.
  • Work may involve a variety of substances commonly found on construction sites such as form oil, grease, curing compounds, gasoline, diesel fuel and ready mixed concrete.
Company Benefits:
  • Company Paid Basic Life Insurance
  • Company Paid Long Term Disability Policy
  • Company Paid Vacation & Holiday Pay
  • Company Paid Parental Leave
  • Company Paid Maternity Leave
  • Company Paid Employee/Family Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Voluntary Medical & Vision Insurance
  • Voluntary Dental Insurance
  • Voluntary Short Term Disability
  • Voluntary Supplemental Term Life
  • Voluntary Accident, Legal, Hospital, Critical Illness Policies
  • 401(k) Plan w/Employer Match
  • Annual Company Stock Purchase Opportunities
  • Discount Partnerships: Verizon, Ford, Perkspot
  • Health and Wellness Benefits, including Monthly Gym/Fitness Incentives

We promote a Drug-Free Workplace.
EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability are encouraged to apply.
Blythe Construction, Inc. - Hubbard Construction Company - Northeast Paving - Sunmount Paving - Virginia Paving Company, are hereby referred to as Vinci Construction USAAccessibility: If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process please contact Human Resources atBlythe Construction, Inc.: Phone: 704-375-8474Hubbard Construction Company: Phone: 407-645-5500Eurovia Atlantic Coast, LLC:Phone: 704-375-8474
Vinci Construction USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.Vinci Construction USA is committed to providing a fair and equal employment opportunity workplace. All hiring and promotional decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status that is protected by federal, state, or local law.
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