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Excavator Hour Jobs (NOW HIRING)

OM MANUFACTURING LLC

Excavator Operator

Mayer, AZ · On-site

$22 - $30/hr

Location: | Mayer, Arizona ---|--- Pay Range: | $22.00 - $30.00 per hour, DOE Employment Type ... This is a hands-on field role responsible for operating excavation equipment safely and efficiently ...

W. Gardner LLC

Excavator Operator

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

Excavator Operator on a Pipe Crew We are seeking an experienced Excavator Operator to join our team ... Working hours are 7:00 am till 5:30 pm Monday through Friday (subject to change due to project ...

Area Temps

Excavator Operator

Garfield Heights, OH · On-site

$19/hr

Work hours are first shift from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Job Requirements Qualified candidates must have heavy equipment operation experience, including experience with excavators, must have strong material ...

W. Gardner LLC

Excavator Operator

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Excavator Operator On A Pipe Crew We are seeking an experienced excavator operator to join our team ... Essential functions of the job include working hours are 7:00 am till 5:30 pm Monday through Friday ...

Mueller Pallet

Excavator Operator

Sioux Falls, SD · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

We are looking for Excavator Operators to safely operate heavy equipment to off load materials from ... Average 45 hours a week. Will work 40 to 45 hours a week. Wage range is $19.00-$22.00/hr based on ...

Mueller Pallet

Excavator Operator

Sioux Falls, SD · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

We are looking for Excavator Operators to safely operate heavy equipment to off load materials from ... Average 45 hours a week. Will work 40 to 45 hours a week. Wage range is $19.00-$22.00/hr based on ...

FOUR SEASONS MASTER

Lead Excavator

Elgin, IL

$30 - $60/hr

Pay Range: $30-$60 per hour, based off experience Key Responsibilities: * Operate excavators to dig trenches for underground plumbing lines, sewer connections, and water service. * Read and follow ...

W. Gardner, LLC

Excavator Operator

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

Excavator Operator on a Pipe Crew We are seeking an experienced Excavator Operator to join our team ... Working hours are 7:00 am till 5:30 pm Monday through Friday (subject to change due to project ...

RecruitWest

Excavator Operator

Westfield, NY · On-site

$50/hr

Primarily NOR sites (location may vary) Pay Rate: $50 +per hour (negotiable for the right applicant) Extras: Overtime rates, and allowances apply Key Responsibilities: Operate excavators to dig to ...

Blythe Construction

Excavator Operator

Winston Salem, NC · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

... eight hours per day. Employee must be able to stand for extended periods of time, and to stoop ... The Excavator Operator must be able to climb on and off heavy mobile equipment safely. * Work ...

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All JobsExcavator Hour Jobs

Excavator Hour information

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$13

$26

$41

How much do excavator hour jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator hour 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.

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.
More about Excavator Hour jobs
What cities are hiring for Excavator Hour jobs? Cities with the most Excavator Hour job openings:
What states have the most Excavator Hour jobs? States with the most job openings for Excavator Hour jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Excavator Hour jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Excavator Hour jobs are:
Excavator Hour jobs near you
Infographic showing various Excavator Hour job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Contract, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,408 per year, or $26.2 per hour.
Operator: Excavator

Operator: Excavator

Traffic Management Solutions Inc

Fort Pierce, FL • On-site

$18.50 - $24.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Excavator Operator

Job Description:

About the Role:

As an Excavator Operator in the construction industry, you will play a critical role in site preparation, excavation, and material handling and installation to support various construction projects. Your expertise in operating underground equipment will ensure precise digging, trenching, and grading tasks are completed efficiently and safely. You will collaborate closely with site supervisors and other construction personnel to meet project specifications and deadlines. This role demands a strong focus on safety protocols and equipment maintenance to minimize downtime and hazards. Ultimately, your work will contribute significantly to the successful and timely completion of TMS construction projects.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Valid operator certification or license for mini excavators as required by state regulations.
  • Proven experience operating mini excavators in a construction setting.
  • Basic knowledge of construction site safety standards and practices.
  • Ability to read and interpret construction plans and blueprints.
  • Physical ability to perform manual labor and operate heavy machinery for extended periods.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Additional certifications in heavy equipment operation or safety training (e.g., OSHA 10 or 30-hour).
  • Experience with all types of underground and grading equipment.
  • Bucket truck or crane experience.
  • Strong communication skills to effectively coordinate with team members and supervisors.
  • Previous experience working on FDOT or municipal projects.

Responsibilities:

  • Operate equipment to perform digging, trenching, grading, and material handling tasks according to project plans and specifications.
  • Conduct pre-operation inspections and routine maintenance on equipment to ensure safe and efficient functioning.
  • Collaborate with site supervisors and team members to coordinate excavation activities and address any site challenges.
  • Adhere strictly to safety guidelines and regulatory requirements to maintain a safe working environment.
  • Document work progress and report any equipment malfunctions or safety concerns promptly.

Skills:

The required skills enable the operator to safely and efficiently maneuver equipment to complete precise excavation tasks, ensuring project specifications are met. Knowledge of safety standards is applied daily to prevent accidents and maintain compliance with regulations. The ability to read construction plans allows the operator to understand project requirements and execute tasks accurately. Preferred skills such as familiarity with advanced excavation technology enhance productivity and precision on site. Strong communication skills facilitate effective teamwork and problem-solving in dynamic construction environments.


Company‑Provided Benefits

The company provides a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays to support work-life balance.


  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Short‑Term Disability (STD)
  • Long‑Term Disability (LTD)
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan


Disclaimer: The above description covers the principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements of the job. This description is not intended to include all duties and responsibilities. Other miscellaneous, incidental, or similar duties, responsibilities, and qualifications may be required.

Traffic Management Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer by both policy and practice. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. It is the intent of Traffic Management Solutions employment and personnel practices to conform to all Federal, State and local laws and regulations regarding non-discrimination.