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Excavator Operator Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

Granite Industrial

Excavator Operator Journeyman

Fairbanks, AK · On-site

$23 - $30.50/hr

Backhoe Operator Building a career at Granite may be the most valuable thing you could do... Find your dream job today, and be part of something great. Our most powerful partnership is the one we ...

Granite Industrial

Excavator Operator Journeyman

Anchorage, AK · On-site

$23 - $30.50/hr

Backhoe Operator Building a career at Granite may be the most valuable thing you could do... Find your dream job today, and be part of something great. Our most powerful partnership is the one we ...

Granite

Excavator Operator Journeyman

Anchorage, AK

$23 - $30.50/hr

Building a career at Granite may be the most valuable thing you could do... Find your dream job today, and be part of something great. Our most powerful partnership is the one we have with our ...

Granite

Excavator Operator Journeyman

Fairbanks, AK

$23 - $30.50/hr

Building a career at Granite may be the most valuable thing you could do... Find your dream job today, and be part of something great. Our most powerful partnership is the one we have with our ...

Ambler Metals LLC

Equipment Operator

Ambler, AK · On-site

$21.50 - $29.50/hr

... excavators and telehandlersLevel 3At least five years professionally operating heavy equipment with a preference for experience with the following: dozers, loaders, graders, excavators and ...

Ambler Metals LLC

Equipment Operator

Ambler, AK · On-site

$21.50 - $29.50/hr

... excavators and telehandlers Level 3 * At least five years professionally operating heavy equipment with a preference for experience with the following: dozers, loaders, graders, excavators and ...

Ambler Metals

$21.75 - $29.50/hr

... excavators and telehandlers Level 3 * At least five years professionally operating heavy equipment with a preference for experience with the following: dozers, loaders, graders, excavators and ...

SmithSons

Heavy Equipment Operator

Anchorage, AK · On-site

$26 - $32/hr

Operate heavy machinery including front-end loader, excavator, rollers, road grader, pavers ... Proven experience operating a wide range of construction machinery such as front-end loader ...

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All JobsExcavator Operator JobsExcavator Operator Jobs in Alaska

Excavator Operator information

See Alaska salary details

$14

$28

$44

How much do excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator operator in Alaska is $28.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.32 and $30.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do they pay an excavator operator?

Excavator operators typically earn between $20 and $30 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $40,000 to $60,000 depending on experience, location, and certifications. Skilled operators with specialized equipment or in high-demand areas may earn higher wages.

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.

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.

How do you get a job as an excavator operator?

To become an excavator operator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with specialized training or certification in operating heavy machinery. Gaining experience through apprenticeships or entry-level positions and obtaining a commercial driver's license (CDL) can also improve job prospects.

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.
More about Excavator Operator jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Excavator Operator jobs in Alaska?

The most popular types of Excavator Operator jobs in Alaska are:

What are popular job titles related to Excavator Operator jobs in Alaska?

For Excavator Operator jobs in Alaska, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Excavator Operator jobs in Alaska look for?

The top searched job categories for Excavator Operator jobs in Alaska are:

What cities in Alaska are hiring for Excavator Operator jobs?

Cities in Alaska with the most Excavator Operator job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Excavator Operator jobs in AK?

For Excavator Operator jobs in AK, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Excavator Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Excavator Operator job openings in Alaska as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,594 per year, or $28.2 per hour.

Excavator Operator Journeyman

Granite Industrial

Fairbanks, AK • On-site

$23 - $30.50/hr

Other

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Backhoe Operator

Building a career at Granite may be the most valuable thing you could do...

Find your dream job today, and be part of something great. Our most powerful partnership is the one we have with our employees. Our people are our most valued asset and the foundation of Granite's century-old success. We're building more than infrastructure; we are building your future.

General Summary

Operates backhoe (hydraulic shovel attached to tractor or train) which digs holes and trenches and removes and transports earth, gravel and other such materials.

*This is a union-represented position*

Essential Job Accountabilities

  • Moves hand and foot levers to control hydraulic shovel.
  • Uses shovel to dig trenches and holes of specified length, depth and width, remove loosened material and put in piles or transport trucks.
  • Performs routine maintenance on equipment, such as lubricating, fueling, and cleaning

Education

  • High School Diploma, GED or equivalent years of experience

Certification

  • Proper certification required

Work Experience

  • Appropriate training and experience required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Workers should be able to:

  • Practice good safety habits
  • Work in dusty or dirty surroundings
  • Follow instructions and meet set standards
  • Judge distances and slopes accurately
  • Make decisions based on verifiable standards.

Physically, workers must be able to:

  • Stoop, bend, and crouch
  • Use hands, arms, and legs fully
  • See well (either naturally or with correction)
  • Lift up to 50 pounds, with frequent lifting and carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

About Granite Construction Incorporated

Granite Construction Incorporated is a member of the S&P 400 Index and is the parent company of Granite Construction Company, one of the nation's largest heavy civil contractors and construction materials producers. Granite is a Drug-Free Workplace and Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws.

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