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Excavator Driver Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Midlands Contracting

Excavator Operator

Kearney, NE · On-site

$27/hr

We are currently seeking a skilled Excavator Operator to join our growing construction company. A ... Valid driver's license preferred but not required. * Ability to pass a pre-employment (post-offer ...

Muschlitz

Excavator Operator

Bath, PA · On-site

$20.75 - $27.25/hr

Job Overview Muschlitz Excavating, LLC., Eastern PA's premier sitework contractor, is seeking ... Valid driver's license and reliable transportation. * Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and perform ...

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Newport News, VA · On-site

$20.50 - $27/hr

Operate hydraulic excavators (e.g., Cat 330, 336, 349, or similar) to perform precise digging ... Valid driver's license required; CDL is a plus. * Must pass pre-employment drug screening and ...

Unite Contracting Solutions

Excavator Operator

Metairie, LA

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Join Our Team as an Excavator Operator! Are you an experienced Excavator Operator looking for a new ... Valid driver's license and clean driving record * Ability to lift heavy objects and work in various ...

City of Duncan

Excavator

Duncan, OK · On-site

$21.75 - $28.50/hr

Obtain and maintain a valid Oklahoma State Driver's License with a Class A CDL certification, with ... excavating equipment, high pressure vacuuming equipment, tamper, brush mower, saws, equipment ...

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Newport News, VA

$20.50 - $27/hr

Excavate for utility installation, including water, sewer, and storm drainage systems (Mainline ... Valid driver's license required; CDL is a plus. * Must pass pre-employment drug screening and ...

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$21.75 - $29/hr

Operate hydraulic excavators (e.g., Cat 330, 336, 349, or similar) to perform precise digging ... Valid driver's license required; CDL is a plus. * Must pass pre-employment drug screening and ...

New

Midlands Contracting Inc

Excavator Operator

Kearney, NE · On-site

$27/hr

We are currently seeking a skilled Excavator Operator to join our growing construction company. A ... Valid driver's license preferred but not required. * Ability to pass a pre-employment (post-offer ...

Midlands Contracting

Excavator Operator

Kearney, NE

$27/hr

We are currently seeking a skilled Excavator Operator to join our growing construction company. A ... Valid driver's license preferred but not required. * Ability to pass a pre-employment (post-offer ...

Roto-Rooter Services Company

Excavator Operator

Newark, DE

$22.25 - $29.25/hr

Overview Excavator Operator Founded in 1935, Roto-Rooter is North America's largest plumbing, drain ... Possession of a current CDL Class A license for this position. * Trenchless water, sewer & gas ...

Midlands Contracting

Excavator Operator

Kearney, NE · On-site

$27/hr

We are currently seeking a skilled Excavator Operator to join our growing construction company. A ... Valid driver's license preferred but not required. * Ability to pass a pre-employment (post-offer ...

Mueller Pallet

Excavator Operator

Sioux Falls, SD · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

We are looking for Excavator Operators to safely operate heavy equipment to off load materials from ... Class A CDL not required but a plus * Must have a valid Driver's License * Must have a clean ...

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Chesapeake, VA

$21.75 - $29/hr

Operate hydraulic excavators (e.g., Cat 330, 336, 349, or similar) to perform precise digging ... Valid driver's license required; CDL is a plus. * Must pass pre-employment drug screening and ...

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Excavator Driver information

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How much do excavator driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator driver in the United States is $26.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.63 and $28.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do I need a CDL to operate excavators?

Excavator operators typically do not need a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) to operate excavators, as they are considered construction equipment rather than commercial vehicles. However, some employers or projects may require specific certifications or training, especially for large or specialized machinery. It is important to check local regulations and employer requirements for specific job sites.

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's the hourly rate for a mini excavator?

The hourly rate for operating a mini excavator as an excavator driver typically ranges from $20 to $40, depending on experience, location, and project complexity. Skilled operators with certifications may command higher wages, especially for specialized or long-term projects.

How much do digger drivers get?

Digger drivers, or excavator operators, typically earn between $20 and $35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and project complexity. Skilled operators with certifications and experience in heavy machinery often command higher wages, especially in construction or infrastructure projects.

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 job?

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.

Is there a demand for excavator jobs?

There is consistent demand for excavator drivers in the construction, infrastructure, and mining industries, especially in regions with active development projects. Skilled operators with certifications and experience are often sought after, and employment opportunities tend to be stable in areas with ongoing construction activity.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Excavator Driver jobs? The most popular types of Excavator Driver jobs are:
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Excavator Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Excavator Driver job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,408 per year, or $26.2 per hour.
Excavator Operator

Excavator Operator

Midlands Contracting

Kearney, NE • On-site

$27/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

We are currently seeking a skilled Excavator Operator to join our growing construction company. A strong work ethic, attention to detail, willingness to travel, and dependability are a must.
Job Details
  • $27 per hour and up depending on experience
  • 50 or more hours per week (no weekend work)
  • Some projects require being out of town Monday-Friday (home on weekends)
  • Transportation provided from Kearney, NE when working out of town
  • Paid travel time
  • Hotel paid by company
  • Nightly per diem for meals when working out of town
  • Year-round employment (no winter layoffs)

Requirements
  • 5+ years previous experience as an Excavator Operator performing the tasks listed below.
  • Previous experience and the ability to run an excavator in a safe and efficient manner is required.
  • Experience running excavators in pipe laying operations is required.
  • Ability to run backfill excavator and/or lead excavator in pipeline operations.
  • Operation of backfill excavator normally involves use of sheepsfoot compaction wheel. Must be able to achieve specified compaction moisture and density requirements.
  • Operation of lead excavator will require use of trench boxes, shoring, sloping, benching, etc.
  • Responsible for maintenance and basic repairs of excavator.
  • Ability to calculate slopes and grades, perform surveying, use pipe laser, etc. for pipe laying.
  • Some manual labor is required each day.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds individually or as a team when carrying loads heavier than 50 pounds.
  • Ability to sit, stand and walk for long periods of time.
  • Ability to stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl throughout each day.
  • Operate other heavy equipment consistent with skill level and training.
  • Willingness to abide by all safety rules. Safety training will be provided on the job and via formal training.
  • Valid driver's license preferred but not required.
  • Ability to pass a pre-employment (post-offer) drug screen.
  • Must be authorized to work in the US.

Benefits
  • Paid time off.
  • Paid holidays.
  • Health Insurance: Company pays half of the premiums for employee and family members.
  • Life Insurance: Company pays half of the premiums for employee and family members.
  • 401k plan including company match (immediate vesting of company match).
  • Dental and Vision Insurance.
  • Cafeteria/Flexible Benefits Plan.
  • Aflac Supplemental Insurance.

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