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Excavator Operator Jobs in Nebraska (NOW HIRING)

Midlands Contracting

Excavator Operator

Kearney, NE · On-site

$27/hr

We are currently seeking a skilled Excavator Operator to join our growing construction company. A strong work ethic, attention to detail, willingness to travel, and dependability are a must. Job ...

Midlands Contracting

Excavator Operator

Kearney, NE · On-site

$27/hr

We are currently seeking a skilled Excavator Operator to join our growing construction company. A strong work ethic, attention to detail, willingness to travel, and dependability are a must. Job ...

Midlands Contracting

Excavator Operator

Kearney, NE

$27/hr

We are currently seeking a skilled Excavator Operator to join our growing construction company. A strong work ethic, attention to detail, willingness to travel, and dependability are a must. Job ...

Midlands Contracting Inc

Excavator Operator

Kearney, NE · On-site

$27/hr

We are currently seeking a skilled Excavator Operator to join our growing construction company. A strong work ethic, attention to detail, willingness to travel, and dependability are a must. Job ...

Roto-Rooter Services Company

Excavator Operator

Omaha, NE · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Overview Excavator Operator If job security, top pay, excellent benefits, and career advancement representing a well-known national brand are what you're looking for, Roto-Rooter is the company for ...

Roto-Rooter Services Company

Excavator Operator

Omaha, NE · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Excavator Operator If job security, top pay, excellent benefits, and career advancement representing a well-known national brand are what you're looking for, Roto-Rooter is the company for you. We ...

Roto-Rooter Services Company

Excavator Operator

Omaha, NE · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Overview Excavator Operator If job security, top pay, excellent benefits, and career advancement representing a well-known national brand are what you're looking for, Roto-Rooter is the company for ...

Roto-Rooter

Excavator Operator

Omaha, NE · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Overview Excavator Operator If job security, top pay, excellent benefits, and career advancement representing a well-known national brand are what you're looking for, Roto-Rooter is the company for ...

Hawkins Construction

Utility Excavator Operator

Omaha, NE · On-site

$21.50 - $28.50/hr

We are seeking a skilled Excavator Operator with experience in utility work and pipe installation to join our team. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience operating excavators for ...

Crossland Heavy Contractors Inc

Excavator Operator

Omaha, NE · On-site

$21.50 - $28.50/hr

Operating heavy equipment including excavators, dozers, scrapers, backhoes, rollers, blade and skid steer. * Operate routinely used tools and equipment. * Perform routine inspection and preventive ...

Crossland Construction Company

Excavator Operator

Omaha, NE · On-site

$21.50 - $28.50/hr

Operating heavy equipment including excavators, dozers, scrapers, backhoes, rollers, blade and skid steer. * Operate routinely used tools and equipment. * Perform routine inspection and preventive ...

Crossland Construction

Excavator Operator

Omaha, NE · On-site

$21.50 - $28.50/hr

Operating heavy equipment including excavators, dozers, scrapers, backhoes, rollers, blade and skid steer. * Operate routinely used tools and equipment. * Perform routine inspection and preventive ...

Crossland Heavy Contractors

Excavator Operator

Omaha, NE · On-site

$21.50 - $28.50/hr

Operating heavy equipment including excavators, dozers, scrapers, backhoes, rollers, blade and skid steer. * Operate routinely used tools and equipment. * Perform routine inspection and preventive ...

Crossland Services LLC

Excavator Operator

Omaha, NE · On-site

$21.50 - $28.50/hr

Operating heavy equipment including excavators, dozers, scrapers, backhoes, rollers, blade and skid steer. * Operate routinely used tools and equipment. * Perform routine inspection and preventive ...

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All JobsExcavator Operator JobsExcavator Operator Jobs in Nebraska

Excavator Operator information

See Nebraska salary details

$13

$24

$39

How much do excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator operator in Nebraska is $24.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.62 and $27.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

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.

How do you get a job as an excavator operator?

To become an excavator operator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with specialized training or certification in operating heavy machinery. Gaining experience through apprenticeships or entry-level positions and obtaining a commercial driver's license (CDL) can also improve job prospects.

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.
More about Excavator Operator jobs
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What job categories do people searching Excavator Operator jobs in Nebraska look for? The top searched job categories for Excavator Operator jobs in Nebraska are:
What cities in Nebraska are hiring for Excavator Operator jobs? Cities in Nebraska with the most Excavator Operator job openings:
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Excavator Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Excavator Operator job openings in Nebraska as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,875 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Excavator Operator

Midlands Contracting

Kearney, NE • On-site

$27/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

We are currently seeking a skilled Excavator Operator to join our growing construction company. A strong work ethic, attention to detail, willingness to travel, and dependability are a must.
Job Details
  • $27 per hour and up depending on experience
  • 50 or more hours per week (no weekend work)
  • Some projects require being out of town Monday-Friday (home on weekends)
  • Transportation provided from Kearney, NE when working out of town
  • Paid travel time
  • Hotel paid by company
  • Nightly per diem for meals when working out of town
  • Year-round employment (no winter layoffs)

Requirements
  • 5+ years previous experience as an Excavator Operator performing the tasks listed below.
  • Previous experience and the ability to run an excavator in a safe and efficient manner is required.
  • Experience running excavators in pipe laying operations is required.
  • Ability to run backfill excavator and/or lead excavator in pipeline operations.
  • Operation of backfill excavator normally involves use of sheepsfoot compaction wheel. Must be able to achieve specified compaction moisture and density requirements.
  • Operation of lead excavator will require use of trench boxes, shoring, sloping, benching, etc.
  • Responsible for maintenance and basic repairs of excavator.
  • Ability to calculate slopes and grades, perform surveying, use pipe laser, etc. for pipe laying.
  • Some manual labor is required each day.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds individually or as a team when carrying loads heavier than 50 pounds.
  • Ability to sit, stand and walk for long periods of time.
  • Ability to stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl throughout each day.
  • Operate other heavy equipment consistent with skill level and training.
  • Willingness to abide by all safety rules. Safety training will be provided on the job and via formal training.
  • Valid driver's license preferred but not required.
  • Ability to pass a pre-employment (post-offer) drug screen.
  • Must be authorized to work in the US.

Benefits
  • Paid time off.
  • Paid holidays.
  • Health Insurance: Company pays half of the premiums for employee and family members.
  • Life Insurance: Company pays half of the premiums for employee and family members.
  • 401k plan including company match (immediate vesting of company match).
  • Dental and Vision Insurance.
  • Cafeteria/Flexible Benefits Plan.
  • Aflac Supplemental Insurance.

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