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Excavator Operator Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

The Walsh Group

Excavator Operator

Fountain Hills, AZ · On-site

$22 - $29/hr

The Excavator Operator's primary function is to operate an Excavator at the site of work to construct, maintain, or repair highway, heavy civil, or building type structures; equipment operators are ...

W.W. Clyde

Excavator Operator

Apache Junction, AZ · On-site

$21.25 - $28/hr

Qualifications: * Minimum 5 years of experience effectively operating a Excavator * Ability to read and interpret construction plan and specifications * Strong communication skills * Strong ...

The Walsh Group

Excavator Operator

Fountain Hills, AZ · On-site

$22 - $29/hr

The Excavator Operator's primary function is to operate an Excavator at the site of work to construct, maintain, or repair highway, heavy civil, or building type structures; equipment operators are ...

W.W. Clyde

Excavator Operator

Apache Junction, AZ · On-site

$21.25 - $28/hr

Qualifications: * Minimum 5 years of experience effectively operating a Excavator * Ability to read and interpret construction plan and specifications * Strong communication skills * Strong ...

Phillips, Inc.

Production Excavator Operator

Morenci, AZ · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Phillips is seeking experienced Production Excavator Operators to support our mining team on our project site near Denver, Colorado. This position requires efficient excavator work in all types of ...

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Excavator Operator information

See Arizona salary details

$12

$24

$38

How much do excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator operator in Arizona is $24.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.14 and $26.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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.
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Excavator Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Excavator Operator job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,702 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

Excavator Operator- Plant

Garney Construction

Apache Junction, AZ • On-site

$28 - $34/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Garney Construction rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

GARNEY

An Excavator Operator job is available at Garney. To be considered for this position, you must have previous construction experience. As an Excavator Operator, you will operate machinery to perform activities such as excavating, backfilling, trenching, ditching, clearing, looming, fine grading, and final clean up. The Excavator Operator may perform functions of a laborer as required.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING
  • Operate an excavator safely as part of a crew
  • Perform operator level maintenance on the machine
  • Understand safe working loads and signals
  • Handle trench boxes of all sizes and shapes
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
  • Five years of construction experience
  • Firm knowledge of equipment operations and maintenance
  • Must be able to work overtime
  • Track Hoe operator with 6 years of experience.
LET'S TALK THE PERKS!
  • Free medical, prescription, dental, and vision plans ($0 premiums)
  • Virtual doctor visits with no co-pay
  • Shares of company stock at no cost starting your first day
  • 401(k) plan with a 3.5% match
  • Student loan resources
  • Weekly paychecks
  • Paid time off
  • 8 paid holidays
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) with a lump sum and matching contributions
  • Free life insurance and disability policy
  • Free access to healthcare coordinators
  • Counseling sessions with mental health professionals at no cost
  • Access to consultations with legal and financial professionals at no cost
  • Free programs assisting with weight loss, maternity health, prescriptions for chronic conditions, and more
  • 50% employee discount in the Garney apparel store
  • Pay Rate $28 - $34 
CONTACT US

If you are interested in the Excavator Operator position, please click APPLY NOW to submit your application. To view additional opportunities with Garney, visit careers.garney.com

If you have questions or would like more information, please call Diana Flores at 480-382-9855 or email diana.flores@garney.com and include the job title and location to ensure a prompt response. Please complete an application if you are interested in the position. All openings listed are currently accepting candidates.

Garney and its subsidiaries are committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and it is our policy to provide equal opportunity to all people without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other legally protected category. Garney is a background screening, drug-free workplace.

Agency Disclaimer:  All vendors must have a signed Garney Agreement, authorized by the Executive Team, to receive payment for any placement. Verbal or written commitments made by anyone other than a member of the Executive Team will not be considered binding.  Any unsolicited resumes sent to Garney or submitted to employees outside of the Recruiting Team will be deemed the property of Garney. In such cases, Garney will not be obligated to pay any placement fees.

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