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Excavator Equipment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ... Operate and maintain excavator equipment in a safe and efficient manner * Follow all safety ...

Bash Excavating

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Excavation Equipment Operator

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$27 - $30/hr

Excavator * Backhoe * Dozer * Roller * Scrapers. Do you have any site utility experience? if so how many years? Have you ran heavy equipment before ( this does not mean a forklift ) if so how many ...

Team Fishel

Equipment Operator

Dallas, TX · On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Description Team Fishel , the Best Choice Employer in the utility construction since 1936, is hiring Excavating Equipment Operators for our Roanoke, TX (West DFW) location. Responsibilities 1. Safe ...

Roto-Rooter Services Company

Excavator Operator

Fishers, IN · On-site

$20.25 - $26.75/hr

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. Responsibilities

Roto-Rooter

Excavator Operator

Fishers, IN · On-site

$21 - $27.75/hr

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. Responsibilities

Roto-Rooter Services Company

Excavator Operator

Newark, DE · On-site

$22.25 - $29.25/hr

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. * Operates back-hoe ...

Roto-Rooter Services Company

Excavator Operator

Newark, DE · On-site

$22.25 - $29.25/hr

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. Responsibilities

Roto-Rooter Services Company

Excavator Operator

Omaha, NE · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

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

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All JobsExcavator Equipment Operator Jobs

Excavator Equipment Operator information

See salary details

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$26

$41

How much do excavator equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 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?

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 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.

How much do excavator equipment operators earn?

Excavator equipment operators typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Skilled operators with certifications and experience in large projects may earn higher wages and benefits.
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:
What job categories do people searching Excavator Equipment Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Excavator Equipment Operator jobs are:
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, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% 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 Operator

Reytec Construction Resources, Inc.

Corpus Christi, TX

$19 - $26/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Excavator Operator works on construction project sites where they are responsible for the safe and efficient operation of large excavators. The Excavator Operator is proficient in the use of excavating ditches, mass excavations, laying pipe and precast concrete structures, loading and unloading trucks. May also be equipped in a diverse range of construction equipment, including, Loaders, Dozers and other pieces of equipment. Generally, the duties performed by Excavator Operator are shown in the job description example below:

  • Capable of operating an excavator in compliance with the company's operating safety policies and procedures.
  • Operate all heavy equipment in a safe and appropriate manner.
  • Repair and maintain construction equipment and tools.
  • Perform daily safety checks of excavator equipment and report any damage or repair issues.
  • Report needs for larger repairs to the appropriate parties.
  • May be required to read and interpret construction plans.
  • Should be familiar with construction materials and soil types as related to OSHA standard
  • Maneuver heavy equipment into loading or unloading positions, following signals from loading crew as needed; check that the vehicle position is correct and any special loading equipment is properly positioned.
  • Operate equipment on public roadways, maintaining proper awareness of ones surroundings.
  • Follow all safety precautions at all times. This includes wearing protective gear and maintaining active communication with all other construction crew members.
  • Work in a safe, responsible manner to not intentionally or unintentionally injure oneself, or endanger the well being of others.
  • Promote, execute and adhere to the company's safety program.
  • Safely pack and store work materials as directed by the site supervisor.
  • Other construction related duties as required.


Requirements and Skills


Below are the major skills, abilities, and knowledge that we expect candidates for the construction laborer job to possess to be considered for an interview appointment:


  • Knowledge: must have good knowledge and understanding of construction plans and designs, of heavy equipment operation, and how to handle tasks in a construction site.
  • Work Experience: Minimum 8 years of experience.
  • Education: may not be formally educated but must have the ability to understand written and verbal instructions.
  • He/she must be willing and ready to learn new ways of handling construction tasks.
  • Communication: must be able to understand written and verbal instructions and must be willing to adhere to plans and directives.
  • Health & Safety: applicants will be required to obtain health and safety certifications to be hired.

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