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Excavator Operator Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Apex Underground

Mainline Operator

Arvada, CO

$25 - $43/hr

As a Heavy Equipment Operator, you will operate various machinery to complete tasks such as digging ... Safely operate equipment such as excavators, backhoes, bulldozers, skid steers, and loaders to ...

Vail Mountain

Experienced Snowmaker

Vail, CO

$23.25 - $27.83/hr

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 Mountain

Experienced Snowmaker

Vail, CO

$23.25/hr

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 ...

Filanc

Operator

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$16.75 - $22.25/hr

Operators must also work on the ground and do whatever the job that day may entail. This position ... Grading * Excavation * Concrete * Compaction Qualifications: * Safe * Organized * Team player

Filanc

Operator

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$16.75 - $22.25/hr

Operators must also work on the ground and do whatever the job that day may entail. This position ... Grading * Excavation * Concrete * Compaction Qualifications: * Safe * Organized * Team player

WEAVER CONSULTANTS GROUP

Operator

Centennial, CO

$20 - $30/hr

Operator Who We Are Landmarc Environmental Systems, LLC (Landmarc) was conceived by a few ... Operate Excavator, maintaining proper awareness of one's surroundings. * Ensure a sound ...

WEAVER CONSULTANTS GROUP

Operator

Centennial, CO · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Operator Who We Are Landmarc Environmental Systems, LLC (Landmarc) was conceived by a few ... Operate Excavator, maintaining proper awareness of one's surroundings. * Ensure a sound ...

Congruex

Equipment Operator

Commerce City, CO

$24 - $30/hr

As the Equipment Operator, you will be responsible for operating and maintaining construction ... You will prepare equipment and job sites, support excavation and restoration activities, maintain ...

Maximum Services Inc.

Heavy Equipment Operator

Granby, CO · On-site

$28 - $45/hr

Maximum Services, Inc., a leading excavation and civil construction company based in Kremmling, CO, is hiring Heavy Equipment Operators to join our team. If you have experience operating heavy ...

Spriggs

Heavy Equipment Operator - 100% Travel

Denver, CO · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

At Spriggs Excavation, Inc., we don't just dig the dirt-we redefine it. Our mission is to deliver top-notch results, safely, powered by our all-star team. With over 20 years of stellar performance ...

Native Sun Construction

Vac Truck Operator

Monument, CO

$28 - $36/hr

Vac Truck Operator Location: Colorado - statewide travel (Grand Junction to the Front Range) Pay ... Safely operate a vac truck to perform vacuum excavation, utility, and industrial cleaning work on ...

Gould Construction

Be Seen First

Heavy Equipment Operator

Glenwood Springs, CO · On-site

$30 - $38/hr

The ideal candidate will have experience operating various types of heavy machinery, a strong ... Operate heavy equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, backhoes, and loaders to perform tasks ...

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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.
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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.

Equipment Operator

Timberline Contracting

Steamboat Springs, CO • On-site

$20 - $27.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Job Brief: Excavation equipment operator
Responsibilities: Work with our excavatgion division, operating equipment, on residential construction projects. Excavators, skidsteers, loaders, compactors, etc
Skills Required: Must have minimum of 2 years experience operating heavy equipment. Must have a valid drivers lisence and reliable transportation. Pay based on experience. We work 4/10's typically during this season. Work loacated in Steamboat Springs and Clark CO.

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