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Excavator Driver Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rapid Wire LLC

TRAVELING Excavator Operator

Arvada, CO · On-site

$22 - $28/hr

Valid excavator operator certification and/or commercial driver's license (CDL) is a plus * Knowledge: Understanding of directional drilling operations, construction site protocols, and equipment ...

Roto-Rooter Services Company

Excavator Operator

Fishers, IN

$20.25 - $26.75/hr

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

Allan Myers, Inc.

Excavator Operator

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$20.50 - $27.25/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 ...

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$20.50 - $27.25/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 ...

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Chesapeake, VA

$20.50 - $27.25/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 ...

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$20.50 - $27.25/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 ...

Roto-Rooter Services Company

Excavator Operator

Omaha, NE · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

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 ...

Roto-Rooter Services Company

Excavator Operator

Newark, DE

$22.25 - $29.25/hr

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

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Excavator Driver information

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$13

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$41

How much do excavator driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 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 drive an excavator?

Excavator operators typically do not need a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) to operate the equipment on job sites, as excavators are usually classified as construction machinery rather than commercial vehicles. However, if you need to transport the excavator on public roads, a CDL may be required for driving the truck or trailer used for hauling. Certification in equipment operation and safety training are often necessary for employment in this role.

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.

Is 5000 hours a lot for a digger?

For an excavator driver, 5000 hours of operation is considered a significant amount of experience, indicating proficiency and familiarity with the equipment. Many employers view this as a solid benchmark, though total hours can vary depending on the job type and workload. Regular maintenance and safety training are also important factors in assessing an operator’s skill level.

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. Rates may be higher for operators with specialized skills or certifications, and can vary based on the work environment and job duration.

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.

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 specific excavator operation 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.
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Excavator Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Excavator Driver job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $54,408 per year, or $26.2 per hour.
Excavator Operator

Excavator Operator

Roto-Rooter Services Company

Elkridge, MD

$75K - $95K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Roto-Rooter rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 71 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

150th of 218 rated repair and maintenance companies

Job description

Overview

Excavator Operator

Founded in 1935, Roto-Rooter is North America's largest plumbing, drain cleaning, and water cleanup services provider. Roto-Rooter operates businesses in over 100 company-owned branches, independent contractor territories, and approximately 400 independent franchise operations, serving approximately 90% of the U.S. population and parts of Canada.

If job security, top pay, excellent benefits, and career advancement representing a well-known national brand are what you're looking for, Roto-Rooter is the company for you. We pride ourselves on being a great place to work, providing excellent pay, flexible work schedules and top benefits.

We are growing and have an excellent opportunity for a Skilled Heavy Equipment Operator, especially backhoe and/mini excavator for sewer & water service repairs/replacements.

The average yearly pay range for this position is between $75,000-$95,000.

Responsibilities
  • Operates back-hoe, mini-excavator, skid steers, and/or other excavation machinery equipped with scoops, shovels, or buckets to excavate and load loose materials on residential and commercial job sites.
  • Load, unload and secure equipment on transport trailers according to guidelines.
  • Follow OSHA and Roto-Rooter safety procedures.
  • Work collaboratively with a crew to efficiently complete excavation work on various projects.
  • Interact with customers as needed, providing excellent customer service and addressing their requirements professionally.
  • Maintain excavation equipment and gather all necessary equipment from the branch and/or rental companies to ensure smooth operations during excavation tasks.
  • Perform excavation work in confined spaces and open trenches, adhering to safety protocols and guidelines.
  • Locate and arrive at job sites promptly, ensuring safe driving and operation of service vehicles between locations.
Requirements
  • Essential requirement: Construction experience in both residential and commercial projects.
  • Mandatory requirement: Possession of a current CDL Class A license for this position.
  • Trenchless water, sewer & gas experience is a plus.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights and weekends, as required for the role.
  • Complete jobs within specified timelines.
Benefits

At Roto-Rooter, we believe our most significant investment is in our employees.  We prioritize the health and well-being of our team and their families. That's why we offer an extensive employee benefit package including:

  • Medical insurance with a Prescription Drug Card
  • Accident and Critical Illness Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Training
  • Life Insurance
  • Matching 401K Retirement Savings Plan
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Profit Sharing

Roto-Rooter offers excellent career paths for military veterans and personnel transitioning to civilian professions. Throughout nearly 100 years in business, we've found that military training and structure are an excellent fit for our company.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender, age, national origin, veteran status, military status, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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#LI-ONSITE

Employment Type: OTHER

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