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Excavator Operator Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Solid Rock Excavation

Excavator Operator

Parker, CO · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Solid Rock Excavation is looking for an Excavator Operator to join our talented team. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer in search of a strong and dedicated team member to support our growing team.

Solid Rock Excavation LLC

Excavator Operator

Parker, CO · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Solid Rock Excavation is looking for an Excavator Operator to join our talented team. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer in search of a strong and dedicated team member to support our growing team.

Phillips

Production Excavator Operator

Silverthorne, CO · On-site

$23.75 - $31.50/hr

Production Excavator Operator Phillips is seeking experienced Production Excavator Operators to support our mining team on our project site near Denver, Colorado. This position requires efficient ...

Fiore & Sons Inc

Hydrovac Excavator Operator

Denver, CO · On-site

$30.14 - $43.61/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Hydrovac Excavator Operator Fiore & Sons, Inc. is an employee-owned civil construction company with over 70 years of experience serving Colorado and the surrounding states. As an industry leader ...

Garney Construction

Lead Excavator Operator- Pipe

Eaton, CO · On-site

$32 - $34/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

GARNEY CONSTRUCTION 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 ...

Garney Construction

Lead Excavator Operator- Pipe

Eaton, CO

$32 - $34/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

GARNEY CONSTRUCTION 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 ...

CRH

Lead Excavator Operator

Grand Junction, CO · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Lead Excavator Operator AMAT Grand Junction, Colorado, United States Job ID: 521479 United Companies, is a CRH Company. Our purpose, commitment to the future, and formula for growth is to champion ...

Garney Construction

Lead Excavator Operator- Pipe

Eaton, CO · On-site

$32 - $34/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

GARNEY CONSTRUCTION An Excavator Operator jobis available at Garney. To be considered for this position you must have previous construction experience. As an Excavator Operator , you will operate ...

CRH

Lead Excavator Operator

Grand Junction, CO · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Must have at least 1 year experience as lead excavator operator on civil pipeline job * Experience in a building materials/construction industry preferred. Work Requirements * Must be 18 years of age ...

CRH

Lead Excavator Operator

Telluride, CO · On-site

$23 - $28/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Lead Excavator Operator AMAT Telluride, Colorado, United States Job ID: 521044 United Companies, is a CRH Company. Our purpose, commitment to the future, and formula for growth is to champion the ...

Nelson Pipeline

Large Excavator Operator

Fort Lupton, CO · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Description Nelson Pipeline is seeking a highly motivated Large Excavator/ Backhoe 490 who is responsible for operating a heavy - duty excavator/ backhoe in various construction, excavation, and ...

Nelson Pipeline

Large Excavator Operator

Fort Lupton, CO · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Description Nelson Pipeline is seeking a highly motivated Large Excavator/ Backhoe 490 who is responsible for operating a heavy - duty excavator/ backhoe in various construction, excavation, and ...

CRH

Lead Excavator Operator

Telluride, CO · On-site

$23 - $28/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Must have 1 year full time experience operating an excavator. * Must have experience digging around live utilities, and in tight work spaces. Work Requirements * Must be 18 years of age or older.

4X Construction Group LLC

Production Excavator

Erie, CO · On-site

$22.50 - $29.75/hr

The ideal candidate will have production excavator knowledge and experience. We are seeking local operators near Erie, Colorado. Requirements: * Operate and maintain heavy equipment safely and ...

PRIM

Backhoe and Mini Excavator Operator (CDL)

Denver, CO · On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

We are actively hiring for an Equipment Operator who will be responsible for safely and effectively operating equipment, specifically the backhoe and mini excavator, for the installation of ...

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All JobsExcavator Operator JobsExcavator Operator Jobs in Colorado

Excavator Operator information

See Colorado salary details

$14

$27

$43

How much do excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator operator in Colorado is $27.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.74 and $30.10 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.
More about Excavator Operator jobs

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

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Cities in Colorado with the most Excavator Operator job openings:

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Excavator Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Excavator Operator job openings in Colorado 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 $57,211 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Excavator Operator

Solid Rock Excavation

Parker, CO • On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Solid Rock Excavation is looking for an Excavator Operator to join our talented team. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer in search of a strong and dedicated team member to support our growing team.

Position Summary:

Operate machines daily in a safe and efficient manner. This position supports our daily operation by digging basements, sewer lines, and rock excavation with precision and timeliness. A positive attitude, attention to detail and safety, and a team-oriented mindset while being successful operating independently is paramount. Our ideal candidate must have satisfactory understanding of the machine use, as well as its role in the operation and space it is working in (around utilities, utility locates, etc.). This position will be located working in job sites around the Denver metro.

Benefits:

  • Group Medical, Dental, Vision, Accident, and Life Insurance options available
  • 401k with Company match options
  • Paid Time Off
  • Overtime options
  • Weekly pay
  • Direct Deposit

Responsibilities:

  • Operate heavy equipment in compliance with the company's operating safety policies and procedures
  • Daily pre and post operation inspections with communication to maintenance and leadership if maintenance is needed
  • Working knowledge of equipment operations and maintenance.
  • Confidently work independently and in a team atmosphere with working knowledge of daily, weekly, and monthly objectives
  • Adhere to task completion deadlines in a safe manner
  • Understanding that position description and responsibilities are not all encompassing of job requirements, and that tasks may vary and grow

Position Requirements:

  • Previous experience as an Excavator Operator or in a related role in Construction Excavation
  • Experience in basement excavation concerning sewer and water
  • Coordination and awareness required for operating heavy machinery
  • Experience digging safely and in accordance with existing underground utilities and with trench boxes
  • Ability to slope or bench an excavation.
  • Ability to operate heavy equipment for long periods with continuous attention to detail and safety
  • Can confidently communicate with Project Managers and Crew Members in adherence to crew goals and needs, including safety objectives and workload support
  • Occasional Saturday work when needed in accordance to work completion goals
  • Must have reliable transportation and the ability to consistently arrive to work on time

Physical Requirements:

  • Lift and carry up to 50 lbs. without assistance
  • Bend, Walk, Twist, Stand up to 8 hours daily
  • Repetitive Movement up to 8 hours daily
  • Push / Pull - up to 8 hours daily

The ownership and management of Solid Rock Excavation has over 50 years of experience in the construction industry. Our experience in both residential and commercial construction has given us the knowledge to tackle any challenge.
Solid Rock Excavation is a customer oriented company. We strive to treat our customers, employees, and vendors with professionalism and respect. When you contract with Solid Rock Excavation we will work hard to earn your respect and your confidence.