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Excavator Equipment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Solar Gaines

Excavator /Equipment Operator

Ridgely, MD · On-site

$25 - $40/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Equipment Operator We are looking for a full-time equipment operator to dig trenches for electrical ... Operate equipment (excavator, backhoe, and other heavy equipment) * Keep equipment and site clean ...

Solargaines

Excavator /Equipment Operator

Ridgely, MD · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are looking for a full-time equipment operator to dig trenches for electrical conduits on solar ... Operate equipment (excavator, backhoe, and other heavy equipment) * Keep equipment and site clean ...

TIC

Excavator Equipment Operator

Forsyth, GA · On-site

$19.50 - $26/hr

Requisition ID: 186888 Position Summary Operate one or several types of power construction equipment to excavate, move and/or grade material. Experience Level Intermediate Primary Responsibilities ...

Solar Gaines

Excavator /Equipment Operator

Ridgely, MD · On-site

$25 - $40/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Equipment Operator We are looking for a full-time equipment operator to dig trenches for electrical ... Operate equipment (excavator, backhoe, and other heavy equipment) * Keep equipment and site clean ...

BBSI Portland

Excavator Operator

North Plains, OR · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Excavation Equipment Operator Location: Portland, OR Pay Rate: $30-35/hr Type: Temp To Hire About Us: Our client is a leading excavation and earthmoving company specializing in custom home site prep ...

Posted today

UMC, Inc

Excavation Equipment Operator

Boise, ID

$23 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Excavation Equipment Operator Benefits: * TOP MARKET PAY * 100% PAID APPRENTICE PROGRAM * Excellent Stability and Growth Opportunities * Medical, Dental, Vision, HSA, Life Insurance for you and your ...

UMC, Inc

Excavation Equipment Operator

Boise, ID · On-site

$23 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Excavation Equipment Operator Benefits: * TOP MARKET PAY * 100% PAID APPRENTICE PROGRAM * Excellent Stability and Growth Opportunities * Medical, Dental, Vision, HSA, Life Insurance for you and your ...

Knife River Corporation

Excavation Equipment Operator

Magna, UT · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are seeking a skilled and safety-focused Experienced Excavation Equipment Operator to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record operating a variety of heavy equipment-such ...

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Excavator Equipment Operator information

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How much do excavator equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator equipment operator 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.

What does an excavator equipment operator do?

An Excavator Equipment Operator is responsible for operating heavy machinery, specifically excavators, to dig, move, and remove earth, debris, and other materials on construction sites. They read blueprints or instructions to determine the work requirements, perform routine maintenance checks on equipment, and ensure safe operation according to safety regulations. These operators are essential for tasks such as trenching, foundation digging, and site preparation, contributing to the overall progress of construction and excavation projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an excavator equipment operator?

To thrive as an Excavator Equipment Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, spatial awareness, and experience with heavy machinery, often supported by a high school diploma and specialized training or certification. Familiarity with excavator controls, safety protocols, GPS systems, and maintenance tools is typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and problem-solving skills help operators work efficiently and safely on construction sites. These abilities ensure projects are completed on time, safely, and to specification while minimizing risks and equipment downtime.

What are some common challenges faced by excavator equipment operators on construction sites?

Excavator Equipment Operators often encounter challenges such as working in tight or uneven spaces, adapting to varying soil and weather conditions, and coordinating closely with ground crews to ensure safety. Managing fatigue during long shifts and maintaining clear communication with supervisors and other operators are also important aspects of the role. Being proactive about routine equipment checks and following strict safety protocols can help prevent accidents and minimize downtime.

What is the difference between Excavator Equipment Operator vs Backhoe Operator?

AspectExcavator Equipment OperatorBackhoe Operator
CredentialsCommercial driver's license (CDL) often preferred, OSHA safety trainingOSHA safety training, sometimes CDL depending on equipment
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, heavy machinery operationConstruction sites, utility work, landscaping
Industry UsageHeavy construction, mining, demolitionConstruction, utility installation, landscaping
Common Search/ComparisonOften compared for equipment operation skills and certificationsSimilar roles involving earthmoving and site work

While both Excavator Equipment Operators and Backhoe Operators work in construction and earthmoving, excavator operators typically handle larger, more complex machinery used for heavy-duty tasks. Backhoe operators often work with smaller equipment suitable for utility and landscaping projects. The roles share similar certifications and work environments, but differ mainly in equipment size and scope of work.

How much do excavator equipment operators earn?

Excavator equipment operators typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the projects. Skilled operators with certifications and experience in large-scale construction or mining may earn higher wages and additional benefits.

Is an excavator equipment operator a stressful job?

Excavator equipment operators often work in physically demanding environments that require focus and attention to safety, which can contribute to stress. Factors such as tight deadlines, weather conditions, and the need for precision can also impact stress levels, but proper training and safety protocols help manage these challenges.
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Excavator Equipment Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Excavator Equipment Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,408 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

GPS Dozer and Excavator Equipment Operator

Five-S Group

Donaldsonville, LA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

GPS Dozer and Excavator Equipment Operator

The GPS Dozer and Excavator Equipment Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and precise operation of GPS-controlled heavy equipment on civil construction projects. This position primarily operates GPS-equipped bulldozers and excavators to perform grading, excavation, site preparation, utility installation support, and earthmoving activities in accordance with project plans, elevations, and specifications.

The operator works closely with Project Superintendents, Foremen, Survey Teams, and other field personnel to ensure production goals, quality standards, and safety requirements are achieved. The position requires strong technical knowledge of machine control systems, attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to work independently in dynamic construction environments.

This is a full-time position requiring travel to project sites and reports directly to the Project Superintendent.

Must be able to pass a drug test and background check.

Apply