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Excavator Operator Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Garney Construction

Excavator Operator

Lithia, FL · On-site

$19.75 - $26/hr

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

Hubbard Construction Company

Excavator Operator

Orlando, FL · On-site

$21 - $27.75/hr

General Description The Excavator Operator will work in close proximity to equipment and people and operate an excavator to remove materials in a safe manner. Key Duties * Operate an excavator in ...

W. Gardner, LLC

Excavator Operator

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

Excavator Operator on a Pipe Crew We are seeking an experienced Excavator Operator to join our team in Jacksonville, FL. The ideal candidate will have experience working with pipe crews and ...

W. Gardner LLC

Excavator Operator

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

Excavator Operator on a Pipe Crew We are seeking an experienced Excavator Operator to join our team in Jacksonville, FL. The ideal candidate will have experience working with pipe crews and ...

Garney Construction

Excavator Operator

Lithia, FL · On-site

$19.75 - $26/hr

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

Hubbard Construction Company

Excavator Operator

Orlando, FL · On-site

$21 - $27.75/hr

General Description The Excavator Operator will work in close proximity to equipment and people and operate an excavator to remove materials in a safe manner. Key Duties * Operate an excavator in ...

Garney Construction

Excavator Operator

Lithia, FL · On-site

$19.75 - $26/hr

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

CWR Contracting, Inc.

Excavator Operator

Daytona Beach, FL · On-site

$19.75 - $26.25/hr

EXCAVATOR OPERATOR C.W. Roberts Contracting, Inc. (CWR) is a growing road construction company. We are seeking to fill an Excavator Operator position for our local operations. Essential Job Duties ...

RIPA & Associates

Be Seen First

Excavator Operator

Tampa, FL · On-site

$20 - $27/hr

Ripa & Associates is seeking a skilled and experienced Pipe Excavator Operator to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in operating excavators for pipe ...

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Excavator Operator information

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$10

$19

$31

How much do excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator operator in Florida is $19.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $21.39 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 Florida 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 $40,658 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Excavator Operator

Hughes Brothers Construction, Inc.

Poinciana, FL • On-site

$20 - $26.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Excavator Operator
Hughes Brothers Construction is now hiring! We are a heavy civil contractor specializing in large site infrastructure, underground utilities and roadway construction throughout Central Florida. HBC offers competitive pay, a robust benefits package and the chance to join a legacy built on hard work, trust and pride in every project!
Excavator Operators are responsible for safely and efficiently operating excavators and related heavy equipment to perform tasks such as trenching, grading, digging, site preparation and material handling all while following instructions from the Foreman or other construction supervisor.
Responsibilities:
  • Operate the Excavator and other heavy equipment in a safe and appropriate manner.
  • Work safely in trenches and on excavation sites.
  • Perform finishing of catch basins, inlets and manholes.
  • Perform daily maintenance and safety checks of equipment as well as routine cleaning to ensure smooth operation of the Excavator
  • Operate tools such as cut saws, plate tampers, generators, water pumps and other hand tools.
  • Understand and follow directions from supervisors as to required work area.
  • Perform job tasks in an outdoor setting which could include inclement weather, heat and humidity and exposure to dust and asphalt.
Desired Qualifications:
  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Ability to physically stand, bend, squat, and lift to 40 pounds
  • 2+ years' experience in similar position
  • Knowledge of construction materials, processes and industry requirements
  • Knowledge of Excavator and other heavy equipment and understanding of computerized controls and electronics
  • Able to work independently or as an active member of a team
  • Out-of-town travel and/or overtime is a possibility
  • English and Spanish fluency a plus, but is not required
  • High school diploma/GED preferred
Benefits:
  • Paid Holidays
  • Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) package
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, and Supplemental Insurances with employer contributions
  • 401K with employer match
  • Long-Term Incentives

Submit your application by clicking on the "apply" button for the position desired. Walk-in applications are accepted at our main office in Wildwood, Florida.
Hughes Brothers Construction is an equal opportunity employer and a drug-free workplace.

Apply