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Excavator Operator Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Excavator Operator - Civil Construction

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$21.50 - $27.50/hr

Excavator Operator Ready to build a long-term career while traveling throughout Arizona and surrounding states? We're looking for experienced Excavator Operators with a strong background in civil ...

New

Excavator Operator - Civil Construction

Sahuarita, AZ · On-site

$21 - $26.75/hr

Excavator Operator Ready to build a long-term career while traveling throughout Arizona and surrounding states? We're looking for experienced Excavator Operators with a strong background in civil ...

New

Excavator Operator - Civil Construction

Kingman, AZ · On-site

$20 - $25.50/hr

Excavator Operator Ready to build a long-term career while traveling throughout Arizona and surrounding states? We're looking for experienced Excavator Operators with a strong background in civil ...

New

Excavator Operator - Civil Construction

Mayer, AZ · On-site

$20.50 - $26.25/hr

Excavator Operator Ready to build a long-term career while traveling throughout Arizona and surrounding states? We're looking for experienced Excavator Operators with a strong background in civil ...

New

Excavator Operator - Civil Construction

Douglas, AZ · On-site

$20.25 - $26/hr

Excavator Operator Ready to build a long-term career while traveling throughout Arizona and surrounding states? We're looking for experienced Excavator Operators with a strong background in civil ...

New

Excavator Operator - Civil Construction

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$22 - $28.25/hr

Excavator Operator Ready to build a long-term career while traveling throughout Arizona and surrounding states? We're looking for experienced Excavator Operators with a strong background in civil ...

New

Excavator Operator - Civil Construction

Yuma, AZ · On-site

$22 - $28.25/hr

Excavator Operator Ready to build a long-term career while traveling throughout Arizona and surrounding states? We're looking for experienced Excavator Operators with a strong background in civil ...

New

Excavator Operator - Civil Construction

Arizona City, AZ · On-site

$22.50 - $28.75/hr

Excavator Operator Ready to build a long-term career while traveling throughout Arizona and surrounding states? We're looking for experienced Excavator Operators with a strong background in civil ...

New

Excavator Operator - Civil Construction

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$21.75 - $27.75/hr

Excavator Operator Ready to build a long-term career while traveling throughout Arizona and surrounding states? We're looking for experienced Excavator Operators with a strong background in civil ...

New

Excavator Operator - Civil Construction

Globe, AZ · On-site

$21.25 - $27/hr

Excavator Operator Ready to build a long-term career while traveling throughout Arizona and surrounding states? We're looking for experienced Excavator Operators with a strong background in civil ...

New

Excavator Operator - CCWRP Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

Job Summary Safely operates a variety of heavy equipment, not limited to; backhoes, excavators ... as operating a vehicle, operating equipment, operating machinery or power tools, repairing ...

Posted today

Showing results 21-40

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.

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

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

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Excavator Operator jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Excavator Operator job openings:

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

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

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.

Main Line Excavator Operator

The Walsh Group

Fountain Hills, AZ • On-site

$22 - $29/hr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Walsh Group rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

OVERVIEW

Archer Western Construction, LLC, a member of The Walsh Group is currently seeking a Main Line Excavator Operatorfor the Water Mountain West Region/Palisades Project, inFountain Hills, AZ.

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 also expected to assist in other duties around the jobsite as needed. Must have experience in Main Line Utility excavating.

Our employees are built to succeed. Employees are provided the opportunity to work all over the U.S. in our Building, Transportation, and Water Divisions, as well as gaining accessing to industry-leading training. We are dedicated to career advancement by rewarding hard work and initiative.

Join the team that is building the infrastructure where you work and live!

RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Operates a Excavator to complete tasks such as digging, excavating, and move and/or transport materials such as dirt, rocks, and other types of aggregate.
  • Must have knowledge of operating procedures as it pertains to loading and unloading materials
  • May oil, grease, service, and make normal maintenance adjustments on equipment; perform daily safety and maintenance checks; complete paperwork and other documentation as needed
  • May perform other related duties as required

QUALIFICATIONS

  • 3-5 Years Operating Experience Preferred
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs; may be required to work in adverse weather conditions
  • Requires the ability to comply with all safety policies and procedures; communicate effectively with co-workers and supervisors to ensure projects are completed properly
  • Possess a strong work ethic and desire to learn
  • Requires good manual dexterity; may be standing, bending, kneeling or sitting for long periods
  • Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screening

DESCRIPCION GENERAL

Archer Western Construction, LLC, a member of The Walsh Group esta buscando actualmente un Main Line Operador de Excavadora para el Water Mountain West Region / Palisades Project, en la Cuidad de Fountain Hills, AZ.

La funcion principal de un Operador de Buldozer es operar una Buldozer en el sitio de trabajo para construir, mantener o reparar carreteras, estructuras civiles pesadas o estructuras de construccion; Tambien se espera que los operadores de equipos ayuden en otras tareas alrededor del sitio de trabajo segun sea necesario.

Nuestros empleados estan hechos para tener exito. Los empleados tienen la oportunidad de trabajar en todo Estados Unidos en nuestras divisiones de Construccion, Transporte y Agua, ademas de acceder a una formacion lider en el sector. Nos dedicamos al avance profesional recompensando el trabajo duro y la iniciativa.

Unete al equipo que esta construyendo la infraestructura donde trabajas y vives!

RESPONSABILIDADES

Las responsabilidades incluyen pero no se limitan a:

  • Opera una excavadora para completar tareas tales como excavar, y mover y / o transportar materiales como tierra, rocas y otros tipos de agregados
  • Debe tener conocimiento de los procedimientos operativos en respecto a a la carga y descarga de materiales
  • Puede aplicar aceite, grasa, servicio y hacer ajustes de mantenimiento normales en el equipo; realiza controles diarios de seguridad y mantenimiento; completa el papeleo y otra documentacion segun sea necesario
  • Puede realizar otras tareas relacionadas segun sea necesario

CALIFICACIONES

  • 3-5 anos de experiencia operativa preferido
  • Debe poder levantar hasta 50 libras; puede ser requerido para trabajar en varias condiciones climaticas
  • Requiere la capacidad de cumplir con todas las politicas y procedimientos de seguridad; comunicarse efectivamente con companeros de trabajo y supervisores para asegurar que los proyectos se completen adecuadamente
  • Poseer una fuerte etica de trabajo y ganas de aprender
  • Requiere buena destreza manual; Se requiere estar estar de pie, agachado, arrodillado o sentado durante largos periodos
  • Debe poder pasar una prueda de consumo de drogas previa al empleo

The Walsh Group, Ltd. Is committed to providing equal opportunity to qualified applicants with disabilities to compete for jobs. To request a reasonable accommodation in completing this application, please contact the Human Resources Department at 312-563-5905 or hr@walshgroup.com.

An Equal Opportunity Employer, Disability/Veteran

Salary Range Disclaimer

Please note that job titles may span more than one career level. The actual base pay is dependent upon many factors, including but not limited to: training, transferable skills, work experience, business needs and market demands. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. This role may also be eligible for a bonus and other benefits.


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