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Excavator Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Twisted Pine Excavating

Be Seen First

Excavator Operator

Pray, MT · On-site

$50K - $75K/yr

Twisted Pine Excavating is hiring an experienced Excavator Operator to run heavy equipment on a variety of site, grading, and underground utility jobs. If you've got real seat time, take pride in ...

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Jobs on Cash

Excavator Operator

Charleston, SC · On-site

$21 - $27.75/hr

Job Title: Excavator Operator Work Location : Charleston, SC Job Type: Contract Responsibilities: - Description As a part of our continued growth, we are looking for dedicated and passionate ...

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Kershaw, SC · On-site

$20.25 - $27/hr

Excavator Operator Location: Kershaw, South Carolina About Us: Turner Staffing Group is a leading staffing agency dedicated to connecting skilled professionals with rewarding opportunities. We are ...

Martin Marietta Materials

Excavator Operator

Raleigh, NC

$21.75 - $29/hr

Martin Marietta is seeking an Excavator Operator to join our team. The ideal individual will be safety conscious, dependable, and motivated. This individual will be responsible for safely and ...

Martin Marietta Materials

Excavator Operator

Fountain, NC · On-site

$21.50 - $28.50/hr

Martin Marietta is seeking an Excavator Operator to join our team. The ideal individual will be safety conscious, dependable, and motivated. This individual will be responsible for safely and ...

The Walsh Group

Excavator Operator

Marshalltown, IA · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Excavator Operator Archer Western Construction is currently seeking an Excavator Operator for the Cunningham Water Treatment Plant in Marshall, VA. The Excavator Operator's primary function is to ...

Martin Marietta

Excavator Operator

Raleigh, NC

$19.25 - $25.50/hr

Martin Marietta is seeking an Excavator Operator to join our team. The ideal individual will be safety conscious, dependable, and motivated. This individual will be responsible for safely and ...

New

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Kershaw, SC · On-site

$20.25 - $27/hr

Excavator Operator Location: Kershaw, South Carolina About Us: Turner Staffing Group is a leading staffing agency dedicated to connecting skilled professionals with rewarding opportunities. We are ...

Martin Marietta

Excavator Operator

Fountain, NC

$21.50 - $28.50/hr

Martin Marietta is seeking an Excavator Operator to join our team. The ideal individual will be safety conscious, dependable, and motivated. This individual will be responsible for safely and ...

Martin Marietta

Excavator Operator

Dallas, GA

$17 - $22.50/hr

Martin Marietta is seeking an Excavator Operator to join our team. The ideal individual will be safety conscious, dependable, and motivated. This individual will be responsible for safely and ...

Martin Marietta

Excavator Operator

Dallas, GA

$17 - $22.50/hr

Martin Marietta is seeking an Excavator Operator to join our team. The ideal individual will be safety conscious, dependable, and motivated. This individual will be responsible for safely and ...

William A. Hazel, Inc.

Excavator Operator

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$23.25 - $30.75/hr

Hazel, Inc. is now hiring an Excavator Operator who will work our Dirt Crew. This is one of numerous excavator operator jobs we are now hiring for at our office in Northern Virginia. Benefits ...

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Kershaw, SC

$20.25 - $27/hr

Excavator Operator Location: Kershaw, South Carolina About Us: Turner Staffing Group is a leading staffing agency dedicated to connecting skilled professionals with rewarding opportunities. We are ...

Jurgensen Companies

Excavator Operator

Walton, KY · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Eaton Asphalt is seeking a skilled Excavator Operator to support our pipe crew and concrete operations. This role involves precision excavation for underground utilities, trench boxes, manholes, and ...

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Kershaw, SC · On-site

$20.25 - $27/hr

Excavator Operator Location: Kershaw, South Carolina About Us: Turner Staffing Group is a leading staffing agency dedicated to connecting skilled professionals with rewarding opportunities. We are ...

Baranko Companies

Excavator Operator

Dickinson, ND · On-site

$21.25 - $28.25/hr

Excavator Operator As an Excavator Operator, you will be an integral member of the Baranko Brothers team, responsible for operating a hydraulic excavator to excavate, move, and grade earth on a ...

William A Hazel Inc

Excavator Operator

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$23 - $30.50/hr

Hazel, Inc. is now hiring an Excavator Operator who will work our Dirt Crew. This is one of numerous excavator operator jobs we are now hiring for at our office in Northern Virginia. Benefits ...

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Excavator Operator information

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$13

$26

$41

How much do excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator 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 Is an Excavator Operator?

As an excavator operator, you control the heavy equipment that moves dirt, sand, and other materials on construction sites. In addition to operating the excavator machine, your job duties are to perform routine maintenance on your excavator and coordinate with your supervisor for major repairs. Since your heavy machinery will move earth, rubble, and debris around the construction sites at your jobs, you need to communicate with the site supervisor and other construction workers to ensure everyone’s safety while you’re operating the excavator.

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 a solid understanding of heavy equipment operation, safety protocols, and often a high school diploma or equivalent with relevant operator certifications. Familiarity with GPS guidance systems, maintenance software, and various models of excavators is typically required. Attention to detail, spatial awareness, and effective communication are important soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure safe, efficient, and accurate operation on construction sites, minimizing risks and maximizing productivity.

What are some common challenges faced by Excavator Operators on construction sites?

Excavator Operators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, navigating tight or uneven spaces, and coordinating with other heavy equipment to maintain safety and efficiency. Managing unexpected underground obstacles and ensuring accurate digging according to site plans also requires strong attention to detail. Effective communication with site supervisors and other crew members is essential to minimize delays and prevent accidents, making teamwork a critical aspect of the role.

What does an Excavator Operator do?

An Excavator Operator is responsible for operating heavy machinery called excavators to move earth, dig trenches, lift materials, and perform site preparation on construction projects. They control the excavator’s boom, bucket, and other attachments with precision to complete tasks safely and efficiently. Excavator Operators also perform routine equipment maintenance, follow safety protocols, and collaborate with site supervisors and other workers. Their work is crucial in building foundations, roads, pipelines, and other infrastructure.

What is the difference between Excavator Operator vs Backhoe Operator?

AspectExcavator OperatorBackhoe Operator
CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL) often preferred, OSHA safety trainingSimilar certifications, often OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, heavy machinery operationConstruction sites, utility work, landscaping
Job DutiesDigging, lifting, demolition with large excavatorsDigging trenches, loading, small-scale excavation
Industry UsageHeavy construction, mining, infrastructureConstruction, landscaping, utility companies

While both Excavator Operators and Backhoe Operators work in construction and use similar safety certifications, Excavator Operators typically handle larger machinery for heavy-duty tasks, whereas Backhoe Operators focus on smaller-scale digging and loading. The choice depends on project size and equipment used.

More about Excavator Operator jobs
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Excavator Operator jobs near you

Excavator Operator

Twisted Pine Excavating

Pray, MT • On-site

$50K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 hours ago

Be Seen First

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Job description

Twisted Pine Excavating is hiring an experienced Excavator Operator to run heavy equipment on a variety of site, grading, and underground utility jobs. If you've got real seat time, take pride in clean, accurate work, and want to be part of a solid crew — we want to talk to you.

What You'll Do

  • Operate excavators safely and efficiently across active job sites
  • Perform site prep, grading, trenching, and foundation excavation
  • Working around underground and overhead utilities 
  • Install underground utilities and septic systems (water, sewer, drainage)
  • Run additional heavy equipment as needed (skid steers, dozers, loaders, Grader)
  • Read grade stakes and plans, and dig to spec
  • Complete daily equipment checks and basic maintenance
  • Work closely with the crew to keep jobs on schedule and on budget

What We're Looking For

  • 3+ years of hands-on excavator operating experience
  • Ability to run equipment with minimal supervision
  • Solid understanding of grades, depths, and reading plans/stakes
  • Experience with underground utilities and/or septic is a strong plus
  • Comfortable operating other heavy equipment
  • Valid Class A CDL required
  • Reliable, safety-minded, and shows up ready to work
  • Willing to get out of the cab and help with hand work when the job calls for it
  • Able to pass a pre-employment screening

Why Twisted Pine

  • Competitive pay based on your experience
  • Well-maintained equipment and a hardworking, respectful crew
  • Variety of projects that keep the work interesting