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Excavator Operator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Story Construction

Crane Operator

Ames, IA · On-site

Crane Operator The primary function of the position is crane operation; however, other heavy equipment operation such as excavators, loaders, and other large equipment to erect structures, excavate ...

Story Construction

Crane Operator

Ames, IA

Position: Crane Operator Reports to: Superintendent Status: Full time, non-exempt (hourly ... Operate a crane and other heavy machinery, including excavator, loaders, and other large equipment ...

Story Construction

Crane Operator

Ames, IA · On-site

Position: Crane Operator Reports to: Superintendent Status: Full time, non-exempt (hourly ... Operate a crane and other heavy machinery, including excavator, loaders, and other large equipment ...

ForceSource

Heavy Equipment Operator

Des Moines, IA · On-site

Your expertise in handling heavy equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, loaders, cranes, and ... Requirements * Proven experience operating construction machinery such as excavators, loaders ...

Story Construction

Crane Operator

Ames, IA · On-site

Position: Crane Operator Reports to: Superintendent Status: Full time, non-exempt (hourly ... Operate a crane and other heavy machinery, including excavator, loaders, and other large equipment ...

ForceSource

Heavy Equipment Operator

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$22 - $28/hr

Your expertise in handling heavy equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, loaders, cranes, and ... RequirementsProven experience operating construction machinery such as excavators, loaders (front ...

ForceSource

Heavy Equipment Operator

Des Moines, IA · On-site

Your expertise in handling heavy equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, loaders, cranes, and ... Requirements * Proven experience operating construction machinery such as excavators, loaders ...

ForceSource

Heavy Equipment Operator

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$22 - $28/hr

Your expertise in handling heavy equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, loaders, cranes, and ... RequirementsProven experience operating construction machinery such as excavators, loaders (front ...

ForceSource

Heavy Equipment Operator

Des Moines, IA · On-site

Your expertise in handling heavy equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, loaders, cranes, and ... Requirements * Proven experience operating construction machinery such as excavators, loaders ...

United Dredging

Operator 2

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$20 - $28/hr

Operator 2 Compensation: $20.00 - $28.00 per hour (depending on experience) Position Summary ... Operate dredging equipment, excavators, dozers, and/or other mining equipment. * Interpret site ...

United Dredging

Operator 2

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$20 - $28/hr

Operator 2 Compensation: $20.00 - $28.00 per hour (depending on experience) Position Summary ... Operate dredging equipment, excavators, dozers, and/or other mining equipment. * Interpret site ...

Abode Construction, Inc.

Excavation Foreman

Marion, IA · On-site

$35 - $40/hr

Heavy Equipment Foreman, Heavy Equipment Operator, Construction, Excavator, Supervisor, Superintendent, Crew Lead, Customer Service, Dozer operator, Backhoe Operator. You can see the full www ...

L&H Hydrovac, LLC

Hydrovac Operator

Newton, IA

$40/hr

As a Hydrovac Operator , you'll operate specialized excavation equipment, lead a field crew, and play a key role in completing high-impact projects safely and efficiently. What You'll Do * Operate ...

L&H Hydrovac, LLC

Hydrovac Operator

Winterset, IA

$40/hr

As a Hydrovac Operator , you'll operate specialized excavation equipment, lead a field crew, and play a key role in completing high-impact projects safely and efficiently. What You'll Do * Operate ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsExcavator Operator JobsExcavator Operator Jobs in Iowa

Excavator Operator information

See Iowa salary details

$12

$24

$39

How much do excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator operator in Iowa is $24.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.34 and $26.88 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 Iowa 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 $51,103 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Equipment Operator - Des Moines, IA

TD&I Cable Maintenance LLC

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$25 - $29/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

The Equipment Operator is proficient in the operations of underground utility equipment (ex. horizontal directional drill, vibratory plow, excavators, skid steer).
They must possess excavation knowledge on OSHA regulations and safe excavation practices - benching, shoring, and excavating around live underground utilities.
This role works closely with the Foreman on identifying potential hazards in excavation and conducts job site analysis. Often fills in for the Foreman when the Foreman is required to be off site.
Responsibilities:
  • Ensure maintenance/safe operation of the assigned equipment
  • Works closely with Foreman and crew
  • Ability to identify underground utilities and the underground utility locate markings
  • Understands and can interpret safe excavations practices on assigned projects
  • Upon qualifying for a DOT Medical Card, assist and operate combinations of commercial vehicles and trailers over 10,000 LBS
  • Additionally, if operating commercial vehicle and trailer combinations over 26,000 LBS, drivers are required to have and maintain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a tanker endorsement, per FMCSA/DOT guidelines

Requirements
Requirements:
  • Proven experience as a utility construction Equipment Operator
  • In-depth knowledge of construction procedures, equipment, OSHA, and FMCSA/DOT guidelines
  • Translate and troubleshoot design prints, locate tickets, and permits
  • Excellent organizational and leadership skills
  • Ability to communicate and report effectively, problem solving abilities
  • Good physical condition and stamina

Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $25.00 - $29.00 per hour depending on experience
Expected hours: 40 - 70 per week

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