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Excavator Hour Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

Decatur Utilities

Equipment Operator

Decatur, AL · On-site

$27/hr

Starting Pay $27.00 per hour - For complete compensation detail, See Progression Pay Schedule in ... Excavates and backfills trenches to accommodate manholes, pipes, valves and other fittings.

Rogers Group

Grading Site Foreman

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$30/hr

This includes excavation, filling, compaction, and testing of materials. Also responsible for ... Must be willing to work overtime, weekends, and extended hours as needed. * Must be able to work ...

Rogers Group

Grading Site Foreman

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$30/hr

This includes excavation, filling, compaction, and testing of materials. Also responsible for ... Must be willing to work overtime, weekends, and extended hours as needed. * Must be able to work ...

Action

Equipment Operator

Decatur, AL

$17 - $23.25/hr

Tank cleaning, Hydro excavation, Vacuum loading, Line flushing, High-pressure water blasting ... Ability to work long hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and travel when required

Action Enterprise

Equipment Operator

Decatur, AL · On-site

$17 - $23.25/hr

Tank cleaning, Hydro excavation, Vacuum loading, Line flushing, High-pressure water blasting ... Ability to work long hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and travel when required

Amteck, LLC

Equipment Operator - Lawrenceburg

Madison, AL

$17 - $23.25/hr

Operate and maintain electrical construction equipment, including but not limited to excavators ... Competitive salary depending on experience. * Full-time position with regular working hours, with ...

Amteck, LLC

Equipment Operator - Lawrenceburg

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$18.75 - $25.50/hr

Operate and maintain electrical construction equipment, including but not limited to excavators ... Competitive salary depending on experience. * Full-time position with regular working hours, with ...

George Plumbing

Plumber

Hartselle, AL · On-site

$45K - $60K/yr

Must have at least 3yrs experience excavating Preferred Qualifications (not required): * Any ... Ability to lift/carry up to 100lbs repeatedly during work hours * Ability to climb up and down ...

Conditioned Air Solutions

Plumber

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$60K - $85K/yr

Must have at least 3yrs experience excavating Preferred Qualifications (not required): * Any ... Ability to lift/carry up to 100lbs repeatedly during work hours * Ability to climb up and down ...

Witt O'Brien's

Technician (Southeast Region)

Decatur, AL

$18.50 - $25.25/hr

Safely operate and maintain equipment and vehicles, including vacuum trucks, hydro excavation rigs ... Flexibility to work irregular hours, including overtime, nights, weekends, and holidays. * Strong ...

Turner Industries

Foreman

Decatur, AL · On-site

$38 - $42/hr

Excavators, Dozers, Off-road truck, etc.) * Leadership capabilities/qualities * Experience managing ... worker-hour requirements for completion of job, Perform additional assignments per supervisor ...

Turner Industries

Dirt Work Foreman

Decatur, AL · On-site

$38 - $42/hr

Excavators, Dozers, Off-road truck, etc.) * Leadership capabilities/qualities * Experience managing ... worker-hour requirements for completion of job, Perform additional assignments per supervisor ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsExcavator Hour JobsExcavator Hour Jobs in Decatur, AL

Excavator Hour information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$12

$24

$38

How much do excavator hour jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator hour in Decatur, AL is $24.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.29 and $26.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is 5000 hours a lot for a digger?

For an excavator operator, 5000 hours is considered moderate to high usage, indicating significant experience but not necessarily the end of the machine's lifespan. Proper maintenance and operating conditions can extend the equipment's useful life beyond this point, and experienced operators are often valued for their familiarity with the machinery. Typically, excavators can last 10,000 to 15,000 hours with proper care.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Excavator Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Excavator Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, spatial awareness, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often accompanied by specialized training or certification. Familiarity with heavy machinery controls, safety regulations, and GPS or grade control systems is typically required. Attention to detail, communication skills, and the ability to work independently are valuable soft skills in this role. These abilities are crucial for ensuring safe and efficient operation, minimizing risk, and maintaining productivity on construction or excavation sites.

What is the difference between Excavator Hour vs Backhoe Operator?

AspectExcavator HourBackhoe Operator
CertificationsOSHA safety training, equipment-specific certificationsOSHA safety training, equipment-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, demolition projects, excavation sitesConstruction sites, utility work, landscaping projects
Job RoleOperate excavators for digging, lifting, and demolitionOperate backhoes for digging, trenching, and material handling

Both roles require similar certifications and often work in construction environments. The main difference lies in the equipment operated: excavator hours involve operating large, specialized excavators, while backhoe operators handle versatile backhoe loaders. Understanding these distinctions helps employers and workers choose the right role based on project needs and equipment familiarity.

How much does an excavator excavate in one hour?

An excavator operator can typically excavate between 50 to 150 cubic yards of material per hour, depending on the machine size, soil type, and project complexity. Skilled operators and proper equipment maintenance can improve efficiency, making accurate estimates possible based on specific job conditions.

What is an Excavator Hour?

An 'Excavator Hour' refers to the use of an excavator machine for one hour, often used as a billing unit in construction and excavation projects. It tracks how long the equipment is operated, which helps in estimating project costs, equipment rental, and labor expenses. This metric is important for contractors and clients to budget accurately and ensure fair charging for equipment use.

What are some common challenges faced by Excavator Operators working hourly, and how can they prepare for them?

Excavator Operators working on an hourly basis often face challenges such as adapting to varied job sites, managing equipment maintenance, and operating under tight project deadlines. Since work locations and conditions can change frequently, flexibility and strong problem-solving skills are essential. Operators should also stay proactive with equipment inspections and communicate closely with site supervisors to ensure safety and efficiency. Building strong working relationships with crew members can help streamline operations and reduce downtime.

How much should I charge per hour for a mini excavator?

For a mini excavator operator, hourly rates typically range from $50 to $150, depending on factors such as location, experience, equipment size, and project complexity. It is important to consider local market rates and include costs for fuel, maintenance, and insurance when setting your rate.

What's the hourly rate for an excavator?

The hourly rate for an excavator operator typically ranges from $20 to $50, depending on experience, location, and project complexity. Rates may be higher for specialized equipment or unionized positions, and certifications can influence pay scale.
What are popular job titles related to Excavator Hour jobs in Decatur, AL? For Excavator Hour jobs in Decatur, AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Excavator Hour jobs? Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Excavator Hour job openings:
Excavator Hour jobs near you
Infographic showing various Excavator Hour job openings in Decatur, AL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 44% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 47% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 3% Summer. Highlights an 41% Physical, and 59% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $51,005 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator - Earn $26 - $52 per hour - Full Time Position with Benefits

Skillit.

Huntsville, AL

$26 - $52/hr

Full-time, Per diem

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Find the best Heavy Equipment Operator jobs, for free.

Join America's fastest-growing database of craft workers who trust Skillit to find full-time opportunities with America's best construction companies.

Apply now to jumpstart your skilled craft career!


About the Position:

  • Contractors are hiring heavy equipment operators for per diem and local civil roles across the US through Skillit, including:
    • Scrapers, Asphalt Pavers, Tack Trucks, Skid Steers, Pavers, Excavators, Dump Trucks, Dozers, Utility Pipe Excavators, Loaders & Haul Trucks​

Salary Range:

  • $26 - $52 per hour DOE

Benefits:

  • Paid Time Off
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Retirement

Experience needed:

  • 1+ years of civil or commercial Heavy Equipment Operator roles

Apply