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Excavator Driver Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Phillips

Mini Excavator Operator

Detroit, MI · On-site

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

Mini Excavator Operator The Mini Excavator Operator is responsible for operating mini excavators ... Valid operator certification and driver's license preferred. * Familiarity with GPS-guided ...

Phillips, Inc.

Mini Excavator Operator

Detroit, MI · On-site

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

The Mini Excavator Operator is responsible for operating mini excavators and other related ... Valid operator certification and driver's license preferred. Familiarity with GPS-guided equipment ...

Merlo Construction

Excavator - Main Line

Milford, MI

$19.75 - $26.25/hr

Merlo Construction is a high-growth concrete and excavation Company. Our Company culture is built ... Driver's License (Preferred) Merlo Construction is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Merlo Construction

Excavator - Main Line

Milford, MI · On-site

$19.75 - $26.25/hr

Merlo Construction is a high-growth concrete and excavation Company. Our Company culture is built ... Driver's License (Preferred) Merlo Construction is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Merlo Construction

Excavator - Main Line

Milford, MI

$19.75 - $26.25/hr

Merlo Construction is a high-growth concrete and excavation Company. Our Company culture is built ... Driver's License (Preferred) Merlo Construction is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Merlo Construction

Excavator - Main Line

Milford, MI · On-site

$19.75 - $26.25/hr

Merlo Construction is a high-growth concrete and excavation Company. Our Company culture is built ... Driver's License (Preferred) Merlo Construction is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Phillips, Inc.

Mini Excavator Operator

Detroit, MI · On-site

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

The Mini Excavator Operator is responsible for operating mini excavators and other related ... driver's license preferred. • Familiarity with GPS-guided equipment is a plus. Candidates that ...

Thornapple Excavating

Truck Driver

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

Who is Thornapple Excavating? Over the last 40 years, Thornapple Excavating has expanded to become ... We are currently seeking a Truck Driver to join our team to support our excavation crews which are ...

Thornapple Excavating

Truck Driver

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

Who is Thornapple Excavating? Over the last 40 years, Thornapple Excavating has expanded to become ... We are currently seeking a Truck Driver to join our team to support our excavation crews which are ...

PURIS

Operator / Excavator - 35,000 lbs.

Detroit, MI · On-site

Operator CDL Preferred About PURIS: PURIS operates across North America as the largest independent ... Excavators * Backhoes * Pipe bursting winch systems * Air compressors * Vacuum trucks (when ...

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Excavator Driver information

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$36

How much do excavator driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator driver in Michigan is $22.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.85 and $24.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an excavator driver on a construction site?

As an Excavator Driver, your daily tasks generally include operating an excavator to move earth or materials, digging trenches, backfilling, and supporting site preparation activities as directed by supervisors. You’ll perform routine safety checks and minor maintenance on your equipment, and often coordinate closely with site managers, ground workers, and other equipment operators to ensure smooth workflow. Adapting to changing site conditions, following strict safety regulations, and maintaining productivity are important aspects of the job. These responsibilities combine technical skill with practical problem-solving to keep projects on schedule and safe.

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

To thrive as an Excavator Driver, you need strong spatial awareness, manual dexterity, and experience handling heavy machinery, often supported by a high school diploma and a relevant operator’s license or certification. Familiarity with excavation equipment, safety protocols, and sometimes GPS or laser-guided systems is typically required. Attention to detail, clear communication, and the ability to work collaboratively with site teams are valuable soft skills. These competencies ensure safety, efficiency, and successful project completion on construction and excavation sites.

What is an excavator driver?

An Excavator Driver operates heavy machinery to dig, move, and load earth, rocks, or other materials on construction and excavation sites. They follow site plans, safety protocols, and instructions to ensure accurate and efficient work. Responsibilities may include trenching, grading, and demolition tasks. Skilled operation, equipment maintenance, and adherence to safety regulations are essential for this role.

How to get a job driving an excavator?

To get a job as an excavator driver, you typically need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) or specialized excavator certification, along with experience operating heavy machinery. Gaining hands-on experience through apprenticeships, training programs, or on-the-job learning is important, and employers often look for safety awareness and knowledge of equipment maintenance.
What are popular job titles related to Excavator Driver jobs in Michigan? For Excavator Driver jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Excavator Driver jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Excavator Driver jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Excavator Driver jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Excavator Driver job openings:
Excavator Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Excavator Driver job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,421 per year, or $22.8 per hour.

Pipe Crew Excavator Operator

Thornapple Excavating

Grand Rapids, MI • On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Who is Thornapple Excavating?
Over the last 40 years, Thornapple Excavating has expanded to become one of the most well-known names in commercial excavating in West Michigan. The organization strives to be a leader in earthwork, utility installation, and other commercial excavating services. With a strong work ethic and attention to detail, customers can count on Thornapple Excavating, Inc. to deliver a high-quality product the first time, every time.
Job Responsibilities:
• Operate an excavator while digging for a pipe crew safely and efficiently.
• Read and understand blueprints to comprehend the utility and site plan.
• Communicate with site supervisor or foreman about the site-specific specifications and requirements or general plans.
• Communicate with the rest of the crew to help keep the site running safely and efficiently.
• Perform general maintenance on equipment including inspecting, fueling, greasing, and cleaning tracks daily.
• Clean and maintain equipment inside and out.
• Adjust to seasonal weather conditions and work for up to 12 hours per day.
• Willingness and ability to do what it takes to help get the job done, including operating a different piece of equipment or helping laborers when a situation demands it.
• Knowledge and understanding of commercial excavating and grades.
• Consistently show up on time and ready to work.
• Desire to keep safety in the front of your mind at all times.
Job Qualifications:
• 2+ years of experience working with a pipe crew.
• 2+ years of experience operating heavy equipment.
• Must have a firm understanding grades and commercial earthwork.
• Must be safety-minded and have a strong work ethic.
• Ability to perform your work with limited direction / supervision and have the knowledge of how to prepare, install, and maintain the work and equipment.
• Comfortable working in a high-stress environment and willing to take constructive criticism.
• Be willing and able to work with crew members and open to alternative ways of getting things done.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
  • 100% Employer Paid Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
  • 100% Employer Paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • 401K with Company Match
  • Company Outings
  • Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off
  • Referral program

Schedule:
  • Day shift
  • Monday to Friday

Supplemental pay types:
  • Bonus pay

Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Greater Grand Rapids, MI

Education:
  • High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:
  • Commercial Pipe Crew: 2+ years (Preferred)
  • Heavy Equipment Operation: 2+ years (Preferred)

License/Certification:
  • Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: Multiple locations

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