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Excavator Operator Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

C S McCrossan, Inc.

Operator

Saint Michael, MN · On-site

$39.30 - $48.96/hr

Operators will operate various pieces of heavy equipment including but not limited to: cranes ... Duties may include breaking up existing road, moving dirt and terrain and excavating areas ...

Landmark Companies

Heavy Equipment Operator

Moorhead, MN · On-site

$26 - $32/hr

Heavy Equipment Operator Location: Moorhead MN Job Type: Full Time Salary: $26 - $32 per hour ... The ideal candidate will operate a variety of heavy machinery, such as excavators, bulldozers, and ...

C S McCrossan, Inc.

Operator

Maple Grove, MN · On-site

$30.84 - $52.81/hr

Operators will operate various pieces of heavy equipment including but not limited to: cranes ... Duties may include breaking up existing road, moving dirt and terrain and excavating areas ...

Landmark Companies

Heavy Equipment Operator

Moorhead, MN · On-site

$26 - $32/hr

Heavy Equipment Operator Location: Moorhead MN Job Type: Full Time Salary: $26 - $32 per hour ... The ideal candidate will operate a variety of heavy machinery, such as excavators, bulldozers, and ...

Fehn Companies, Inc.

Equipment Operator

Albertville, MN · On-site

$45.61/hr

Proven ability to perform excavation, grading, trenching, and material handling tasks efficiently ... Work closely with supervisors, ground crew, and other operators to coordinate activities and ...

Alter Trading Corp

Crane Operator

Mankato, MN · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

The Equipment Operator is responsible for learning all aspects of the material handler (excavator) operation, end loader and other equipment to safely move material throughout our yard including ...

C S McCrossan, Inc.

Boom Operator

Saint Michael, MN · On-site

$45.84 - $48.96/hr

Operators will operate various pieces of heavy equipment including but not limited to: boom, cranes ... Duties may include breaking up existing road, moving dirt and terrain and excavating areas ...

Dave's Construction

Vac Truck Operator

Maple Plain, MN · On-site

$21 - $26.75/hr

Hydro-Excavation & Potholing: Safely operate high-pressure water and vacuum systems to expose ... Experience: Minimum 1 year of experience operating a Hydrovac, Jet-Vac, or Vacuum truck ...

Rachel Contracting

Heavy Equipment Operator

Duluth, MN · On-site

Heavy Equipment Operator Location: Duluth, MN Salary Interval: Union Scale Pay_Range: N/A ... Operate various heavy equipment, including motor graders (blades), dozers, excavators, water trucks ...

Rachel Contracting

Heavy Equipment Operator

Duluth, MN · On-site

Heavy Equipment Operator Location: Duluth, MN Salary Interval: Union Scale Pay_Range: N/A ... Operate various heavy equipment, including motor graders (blades), dozers, excavators, water trucks ...

Veitusa

Demolition Highreach Operator

Rogers, MN · On-site

Operates large sized specialty excavators and heavy equipment of various sizes and weights used in ... Five years+ experience operating specialty demolition excavators is required. * At least five years ...

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Excavator Operator information

See Minnesota salary details

$13

$25

$40

How much do excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator operator in Minnesota is $25.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.20 and $28.03 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 Minnesota 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 $53,288 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Operator

C S McCrossan, Inc.

Saint Michael, MN • On-site

$39.30 - $48.96/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Application Instructions
PCiRoads is a subsidiary of C. S. McCrossan, a family-owned enterprise with affiliated companies in highway/heavy civil general contracting, aggregate and asphalt materials, steel pipe coating, and real estate -- with locations in Minnesota, Indiana, Arizona, and Kansas. We are committed to our company's core values of: Safety, Professionalism, Teamwork, and Continuous Improvement. We are known for our ethics and respectful work culture, and recognized by our customers as an organization that delivers and performs as promised. This commitment is the heart of who we are as a company and is reflected in our dedication to developing the most competent employees in our industry.
Please follow these instructions carefully. Click Apply Now to start the application process. Please complete the application and answer all questions thoroughly. Upload your resume and cover letter, if applicable. Upon completion, review your application and submit.
Position Description
Job Overview
Operators at PCiRoads operate a variety of heavy equipment and trucks for purposes of road construction, grading, flood control, excavation, construction of sewer lift stations and dams, etc. Operators will operate various pieces of heavy equipment including but not limited to: cranes, bulldozers, backhoes, graders, excavators, concrete pavers, compactors, bobcats, loaders, rollers, scrapers, off-road articulating trucks, sweepers, farm tractors, water trucks and excavators. Duties may include breaking up existing road, moving dirt and terrain and excavating areas, installing utilities, leveling and preparing work surfaces, and moving heavy pieces of construction material and equipment through the use of various machines. The construction work of an Operator is of a seasonal nature, typically occurring between the months of April and November. Travel is required .
Primary Responsibilities
  • Operate trucks of various sizes and weights in the loading, hauling and unloading of various equipment, materials and supplies.
  • Operate trucks and construction or power equipment, such as mechanized broom, backhoe, man-lift, dump truck, road grater, front-end loader, hydraulic excavators, skid steers, and jetter/inductor truck.
  • Perform routine inspection and preventative maintenance on assigned equipment and refer defects or repairs to supervisor; clean equipment.
  • Use of motorized vehicles and equipment, including back-hoe, dump truck, pickup truck, utility truck, street sweeper, jetter/inductor truck, road grater, front-end loader, street roller, manlift, tamper, plate compactor, saws, pumps, aeroil propane kettle, compressors, sanders, generators, common hand and power tools, shovels, wrenches, detection devices, mobile radio, telephone, ditch witch, and hydraulic excavator.
  • Wear personal protective equipment as required.
  • Additional operator construction duties as assigned.

Work Environment
  • There is constant exposure to various weather conditions typical in the states where the work is performed, including noise, dust, and other materials.
  • The work environment is in areas where heavy equipment, power tools and traffic are present.
  • There is exposure to heights up to 50 feet and depths of up to 80 feet in this construction work environment.
  • Demonstrate or be corrected to 20/20 vision.

Physical Demands
The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The physical demands of construction workers will vary depending on the work environment and will often change in real time.
  • Ability to maneuver under and over equipment, as well as climb into/out of the cabs utilizing steps and ladders.
  • Constant sitting during machine operation.
  • Moving over uneven terrain.
  • Constant use of foot and hand controls.
  • Use of track spade/shovel to clear mud from the tracks and underbelly of machine as needed.
  • Move barricades/sand bags to clear area as needed.
  • Ability to stand and walk around machine when completing pre-trip inspection, clearing underbelly, and throughout the worksite on uneven terrain.
  • The employee must be able to lift (including above shoulder or head), move, and carry up to 50 pounds frequently.
  • Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to input information, handle, carry (with and without assistance), feel objects, tools (of varying size and weight), or controls.
  • Frequently reach with hands and arms, climb stairs, balance, stoop, kneel, bend, twist, crouch, or crawl, talk and hear, and taste or smell.
  • Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
  • Frequent exposure to high noise levels.

Safety Responsibilities
  • Knowledge of and compliance with all Company safety requirements, policies and safety training.

Benefits are provided through the union.
Position Requirements
Required Qualifications and Skills
  • High school diploma or GED equivalent.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
  • General knowledge of the heavy highway construction industry.
  • General knowledge of heavy equipment operation.
  • Working knowledge of the hazards and safety precautions common to heavy equipment operations.
  • Reliable Transportation.

Equal Opportunity Employer
ADA Accessibility: If you need help accessing this page, please contact:
Phone: 763-425-4167
Email: hr@pciroads.com
We are an equal opportunity employer.
Qualified people of color, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
If you want to view the Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal poster, please choose your language: English - Spanish - Arabic - Chinese

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