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Excavator Operator Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Ledcor Group

Excavator Operator - Civil Construction

Yuma, AZ · On-site

$22 - $28.25/hr

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

Sundt

Excavator Operator - CCWRP Phoenix, AZ

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$22 - $29/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 ...

New

Ledcor Group

Excavator Operator - Civil Construction

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$21.75 - $27.75/hr

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

Ledcor Group

Excavator Operator - Civil Construction

Mayer, AZ · On-site

$20.50 - $26.25/hr

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

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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 - Civil Construction

Ledcor Group

Globe, AZ

$21.25 - $27/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Ready to build a long-term career while traveling throughout Arizona and surrounding states?
We're looking for experienced Excavator Operators with strong background in civil, utility or roadbuilding experience to join our growing telecom construction crew.
Projects are located throughout Arizona and surrounding states, with crews typically rotating to a new project location approximately every four weeks.

Essential Responsibilities:

  • Safely and efficiently operate CAT 308 mini excavator for civil construction and earthwork activities

  • Safely excavate around existing underground utilities, including electrical and telecommunications infrastructure, following required locate and safe-dig procedures

  • Place soil and aggregate in appropriate lifts to allow for effective compaction

  • Recognize how different soil types respond to moisture and compaction

  • Support crews with conduit placement and cable installation to keep production moving

  • Complete daily inspections and basic maintenance checks to keep equipment running reliably

  • Perform hands-on laborer duties and crew support when needed-team-first mindset

  • Communicate clearly with crew members and supervisors to maintain safe, efficient production and meet daily project goals

Qualifications:

  • Minimum 5 years of excavator experience in civil construction, roadbuilding, utility construction or related industry

  • Experience with fiber optic or underground utility installation is a strong asset

  • Strong understanding of proper backfill placement, lift thickness, soil conditions, moisture, and compaction requirements, and place material accordingly

  • Ability to read drawings and interpret utility locates

  • Strong understanding of safe digging practices and job site safety standards

  • Valid driver's license

  • Physically capable of lifting up to 70 lbs.

Work Conditions:

  • Competitive hourly wage

  • Monday to Friday schedule

  • Living Out Allowance (LOA) provided

  • Travel required (rotational work across Arizona and surrounding areas)

  • Full health, dental, vision

  • 401(k) matching

  • Outdoor, hands-on work in variable conditions

Additional Information

Ledcor Heavy Civil and Mining services reach across the lifespan of a mine, from facility construction, to full-scale contract mining of coal, minerals, or metals, all the way to mine reclamation. Our service offerings are vast-as are the projects we work on.

Ledcor has been recognized as a Top 100 Inspiring Workplace in North America.

Our competitive total rewards package provides compensation and benefits that support your physical, mental and financial well-being. We offer exciting, challenging work with opportunities to develop your skills and knowledge.

Employment Equity

At Ledcor we believe diversity, equity, and inclusion should be part of everything we do. We are proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, Veteran status or any other identifying characteristic are encouraged to apply.

Our True Blue team consists of individuals from all backgrounds who contribute diverse perspectives and experiences to Ledcor. For more information about Ledcor's Inclusion and Diversity initiatives, please visit our I&D page. Adjustments will be provided in all parts of our hiring process. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance by submitting a request via email.

All applicants must be able to show proof of eligibility to work in the United States.

Ledcor participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Link to: https://www.uscis.gov/e-verify

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