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Excavator Operator Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

PRIM

Backhoe and Mini Excavator Operator (CDL)

Commerce City, CO · On-site

$20 - $27.25/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 ...

Prim

Backhoe and Mini Excavator Operator (CDL)

Denver, CO

$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 ...

HEI Civil - Colorado

Mainline Operator

Denver, CO

$40/hr

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Main Pipeline Excavator Operator to join our team. Responsibilities: * Operate the equipment in adherence to safety policies, procedures, job site ...

HEI Civil - Colorado

Mainline Operator

Denver, CO · On-site

$40/hr

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Main Pipeline Excavator Operator to join our team. Responsibilities: * Operate the equipment in adherence to safety policies, procedures, job site ...

Duran Excavating, Inc.

Be Seen First

Heavy Equipment Operator

Greeley, CO · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Duran Excavating is seeking experienced Heavy Equipment Operators proficient in operating excavators, loaders, and dozers. Candidates must have a solid background in waterline, sewer, storm utility ...

Boyd Excavating

Heavy Equipment Operator

Greeley, CO · On-site

$25 - $38/hr

You'll use excavators, loaders, and other equipment to move earth, prepare job sites, and support ... A minimum of 3 years of experience operating heavy machinery in construction or a related field

Vail Resorts

Experienced Snowmaker

Vail, CO · On-site

$23.25 - $27.83/hr

  • Retirement

Create Your Experience of a Lifetime! Come work and play in the mountains! Whether it's your first-time seeing snow or you were born on the slopes, joining our team means discovering (or re ...

Vail Resorts

Experienced Snowmaker

Vail, CO · On-site

$23.25 - $27.83/hr

  • Retirement

Create Your Experience of a Lifetime! Come work and play in the mountains! Whether it's your first-time seeing snow or you were born on the slopes, joining our team means discovering (or re ...

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Cities in Colorado with the most Excavator Operator job openings:

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

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

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.

Backhoe and Mini Excavator Operator (CDL)

PRIM

Commerce City, CO • On-site

$20 - $27.25/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Equipment Operator

Primoris Services Corporation is a leading provider of critical infrastructure services to the utility, energy, and renewables markets throughout the United States and Canada.

Q3 Contracting (Q3C), a division of Primoris Services Corporation, is a publicly owned and operated construction contracting company that provides both specific and turnkey services for its customers in the gas, oil, electric and telecommunications industry. We are headquartered in Minnesota, with branch offices in Colorado, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

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 underground utilities. This position will also perform equipment inspections and may be required to perform daily maintenance of equipment. Frequent travel throughout the Denver Metro area is required. Fleets are located at our Commerce City, Colorado and Dove Valley, Colorado offices.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Capable of tolerating sitting for long periods of time (up to entire workday) while operating equipment, including the constant use of hand and foot controls.
  • Must be able to maneuver under and over the equipment, as well as climb vertical steps into the cabs of machinery.
  • Must be able to operate Backhoe and Mini Excavator.
  • Ability to drive on a stop and start basis daily and continually.
  • Lifting, placing materials, standing, walking, turning, stooping, kneeling, crawling, reaching, crouching, speaking and hearing are required continuously.
  • Close vision is required for some functions and distance, and peripheral vision is required for safety.
  • Must be willing to work overtime as dictated by workload volumes.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • High School diploma or GED
  • Working experience in the utility distribution industry

Job Requirements:

  • CDL A
  • Fed Med Card
  • Requires technical thinking, and the ability to read standards and schematics.
  • Ability to follow company policies and procedures.
  • Must possess and maintain an appropriate and valid driver's license
  • Willing to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other safety regulations.
  • Previous construction experience in any of the following areas: natural gas distribution/pipeline, electric, transmission, telecommunications, water, sewer, landscaping, concrete/asphalt, or agricultural.
  • Able to work outside in various weather conditions such as extreme heat and cold temperatures.
  • Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 LBS and safely perform other physical work.
  • Travel to job locations within the Denver Metro area is required.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Q3 Contracting is a drug-free environment, and all candidates are subject to drug testing.

Compensation and Benefits:

This is a union position, which means additional benefits may be offered directly through the union. Some benefits may include health insurance, apprenticeship and skilled training, continuing education, pension plans, and other resources. For more information, contact the local union.

  • Pay and benefits determined by union contract
  • Competitive compensation paid weekly
  • Company vehicle provided
  • Paid sick leave as required by Colorado's Healthy Families and Workplaces Act

Qualified Veterans, Minorities and Women encouraged to apply.

Apply