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Excavator Operator Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

Cranemasters

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Excavator Operator / Laborer / CDL A (MUST be able to drive manual)

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$28.50/hr

Experience in operating excavators, dozers, backhoes is a plus, this is a hands-on position working outdoors in ALL types of weather. MUST have a Class A CDL with no restrictions on driving manual ...

TempStop

Excavating Foreman Operator

Lees Summit, MO · On-site

Operating heavy equipment including excavators, dozers and backhoes. Operate routinely used tools and equipment Perform routine inspection and preventive maintenance on assigned equipment Load and ...

Streib Company

Equipment Operator

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$18.50 - $25.25/hr

Equipment Operator - St. Louis, MO Schedule: Full-time, Monday-Friday Department: Field Operations ... Safely operate skid steers, excavators, and other heavy equipment for site work, trenching, and ...

Streib Company

Equipment Operator

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$18.50 - $25.25/hr

Equipment Operator St. Louis, MO Schedule: Full-time, MondayFriday Department: Field Operations ... Safely operate skid steers, excavators, and other heavy equipment for site work, trenching, and ...

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Excavator Operator information

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$12

$24

$39

How much do excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator operator in Missouri is $24.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.29 and $26.83 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 Missouri as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,035 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Excavator Operator

Sterling Infrastructure, Inc.

Kansas City, MO • On-site

$22 - $29/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Application Instructions
NOW HIRING LARGE EXCAVATOR OPERATORS TO JOIN OUR TEAM! Must be willing to travel, the project is located in Tulsa, OK.
With over 50 years of delivering complex, high-impact infrastructure and mission critical projects, we bring the experience, resources, and proven execution needed to complete our work safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards of quality.
RLW offers challenging career opportunities, extensive training and employee development to grow your career and thrive under the Ralph L. Wadsworth reputation for excellence. We offer excellent benefits and supply you with the tools needed to maximize your potential and growth.
Benefits include:
    • Competitive Pay
    • Paid Time Off (PTO)
    • Holiday Pay
    • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
    • Retirement Plan - 401K, employees will receive a company contribution up to 5%
    • Tuition Reimbursement
    • Growth and Career Advancement

Position Description
Equipment Operators responsibilities and abilities include but are not limited to the list below. Other duties may be assigned.
  • Ability to proficiently operate three or more types of heavy equipment such as a backhoe, trackhoe, scrapers, dozer, excavator, loader, rock trucks, compactors, articulated trucks, crushers, and/or motor graders with or without GPS in a manner to prepare the job site to meet the required grades.
  • Fastens attachments to tractor with clevis or wedge pin hitches.
  • Connects hydraulic hoses, belts, mechanical linkage, or power takeoff shaft to tractor to provide power to raise, lower, or tilt attachment.
  • Moves levers to control tool bars, carriers, and disks.
  • Moves hand and foot levers to control hydraulic shovel.
  • Uses shovel to dig trenches and holes of specified length, depth and width, remove loosened material and put in piles or transport trucks.
  • Moves levers and depresses pedals to maneuver equipment and raise, lower, and tilt attachment to clear right-of-way.
  • Feels lever and listens for stalling action of engine to estimate depth of cut.
  • Drives bulldozer in successive passes over terrain to raise or lower terrain to specified grade following markings on grade stakes or hand signals.
  • Responsible to construct/grade new roadways, base courses, building pads, footing excavation and water ponds and to properly slope and grade to specifications.
  • Responsible to load, move, level and grade dirt, rocks, demoed concrete and other materials in a safe and efficient manner all in a high paced environment to maintain production goals.
  • Ability to maintain the initiative to maintain the flow of work under minimal supervision.
  • Responsible of demolition of bridges and other structures with excavators and hydraulic hoe rams.
  • Responsible to operate equipment within a Pipe Crew environment such as an excavator or loader.
  • Responsible for general housekeeping, light maintenance of equipment, proper care of equipment, operating the equipment without damaging it along with maintenance checks of equipment including reporting usage/utilization hours on a daily basis.
  • May work with GPS installed devices on dozers and motor graders.
  • Learn, follow and promote all safety standards of Ralph L Wadsworth and its projects.
  • Work weekend, holiday, and/or overtime work as the project needs require.
  • Perform Laborer work as required
  • Performs other duties as assigned by immediate supervisor.

Position Requirements
  • Have a minimum of 4 years of Heavy Equipment Operating Experience with multiple types of equipment or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Willing to do laborer work
  • Ability to work safely under pressure with time constraints in a changing environment.
  • Frequent gross body movements such as bending, climbing into equipment, lifting (up to 75lbs), twisting, standing, balancing, stooping, handling materials, moving around hazardous sites.
  • Good Eye to Hand coordination a must. Depth perception required.
  • High School diploma/GED preferred.
  • Flexible availability to include overtime and possible weekends and nights.
  • Must have a Valid Driver's License

Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunity employer: We do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, genetic information, marital status, military status, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or status with regard to public assistance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. #LI-KM1

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