1

Excavator Equipment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Excavator Operator

Holly Springs, NC · On-site

$25 - $33.01/hr

Aggregates Long Reach Excavator Operator About Us Heidelberg Materials is one of the world ... Operate long reach excavator equipment to perform excavation, dredging, and material handling tasks.

Excavator Operator

Holly Springs, NC · On-site

$25 - $33.01/hr

Aggregates Long Reach Excavator Operator About Us Heidelberg Materials is one of the world ... Operate long reach excavator equipment to perform excavation, dredging, and material handling tasks.

Equipment Operator (Skid Steer & Mini Excavator) Location: Transylvania County, NC Reports to: Superintendent Compensation Range: $22 - $29 per hour (depending on location, experience, skills, and ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

Excavator Equipment Operator information

See salary details

$13

$26

$41

How much do excavator equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Excavator Equipment Operator, and why are they important?

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.

What is the top pay for an Excavator Operator?

The top pay for an excavator equipment operator can reach up to $30 to $40 per hour or more, depending on experience, certifications, location, and the complexity of the projects. Skilled operators with specialized training and those working in high-demand areas tend to earn higher wages.

Are excavator operators in demand?

Excavator equipment operators are in high demand due to ongoing construction, infrastructure projects, and maintenance work. Skilled operators with certifications and experience are particularly sought after in the construction and civil engineering industries.

What is the highest paid equipment operator?

The highest paid equipment operators are often crane operators and heavy equipment operators with specialized skills and certifications, such as those operating large cranes or specialized machinery. These roles typically require extensive experience, technical knowledge, and adherence to safety standards, leading to higher wages compared to general equipment operators like excavator operators.

How do I get into operating an excavator?

To become an excavator equipment operator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by on-the-job training or an apprenticeship. Many employers require a commercial driver's license (CDL) and certification in heavy equipment operation, which can be obtained through specialized training programs or community colleges. Gaining experience with related machinery and safety knowledge is also important for entry into the field.

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.
More about Excavator Equipment Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Excavator Equipment Operator jobs? Cities with the most Excavator Equipment Operator job openings:
What states have the most Excavator Equipment Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Excavator Equipment Operator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Excavator Equipment Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,408 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Excavator Equipment Operator

Thompson Pipe Group

Rialto, CA • On-site

$26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Thompson Pipe Group rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Excavator Equipment Operator



Thompson Pipe Group is looking for a Excavator Equipment Operator.

Starting Pay: $26.00/hour


Who We are:

Thompson Pipe Group is a privately held family business of engineers, contractors, and manufacturers based in Rialto, California. From our humble beginnings, we built a family of products to meet the needs of all kinds of infrastructure. Each generation of products is better than the previous.

Thompson Pipe Group is now the largest and most diverse drainage, sanitary, pressure and trench-less pipe provider, with manufacturing locations across the country and serving not just the US but all North America.

Please visit our website at www.thompsonpipegroup.com.



ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Duties include but are not limited to the following:

  • Practice safety in your every move, estimating weights and distances, being fully aware of your surroundings, doing your part to minimize hazards and reporting any injuries or damage immediately
  • Determine methods and needs project equipment with onsite Crew leader to procure equipment;
  • Inspect heavy equipment and handle preventive maintenance daily
  • Operate equipment productively for shift every day in all weather and ground conditions
  • Operate heavy equipment like sand trucks, bobcats, forklifts, cranes
  • Load and unload construction materials, waste, and other heavy objects from trucks and into dumpsters either manually or with the assistance of a machine;
  • Change attachments, adjust, verify information, and troubleshoot problems;
  • Store and clean machinery at its designated location and complete work reports at the end of each working day;
  • Operate concrete saws, portable concrete mixers, air compressors, pneumatic drills and tampers, hand tools and gas power trimmers, chainsaws, track loaders, mowers, trucks, street sweepers, backhoes, pump trucks, and dump trucks
  • Always follow safety procedures
  • Load and unload various materials


Physical Demands & Work Environment

  • Requires the ability to communicate effectively using speech, vision, and hearing.
  • Requires the use of hands for simple grasping and fine manipulations.
  • Requires activities involving being around moving machinery, exposure to changes in temperature, exposure to dust and fumes.
  • Use of ear plugs and other PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) – such as hard hat, steel-toes boots, gloves, and safety glasses as required.
  • The work environment is not climate controlled and subject to outdoor weather conditions. Team members are exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting.


Qualifications:

  • Dependable: willing and able to work up to 6 days per week, up to 12 hours per day in extreme circumstances
  • Must have a safety-first attitude
  • Major responsibilities will be to load and unload concrete pipes from flatbed trucks
  • Must have a valid driver’s license
  • Must be able to operate a wide range of lift trucks ranging in capacity from 10,000 lbs. to 110,000 lbs.
  • Previous experience operating a large forklift a plus (36,000 or more)
  • Bilingual a plus (Spanish/English)
  • Flexible, able to multi-task and to support multiple areas
  • Organized, able to maintain documentation as well as yarding product
  • Strong communication skills
  • High School Diploma or G.E.D.



Must pass Pre-employment Physical and drug test.

Not A Warehouse Job. Precast Concrete Pipes is what we do.

What We Offer

  • Medical, Vision and Dental, Life Benefits
  • Life & Supplement Life
  • Company Matched 401K retirement plan
  • Vacation & Sick Leave
  • Training and Development
  • Career Opportunity!
  • $1,000.00 Referral Bonus


Apply Now!

We are located at 3009 N Laurel Avenue Rialto, CA 92377


Note: Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and

responsibilities to this job at any time.


The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.


Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions upon request.


Thompson pipe group is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer that welcomes all qualified applicants. Applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic data, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or another legally protected status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law.


Drug-free workplace.


EOE/AA – M/F/Vet/Disability





What Thompson Pipe Group employees say

Pay

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom