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Excavator Operator Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Ultimate LLC

Excavator Operator

Murfreesboro, TN · On-site

$30 - $32/hr

Excavator Operator - Murfreesboro, TN Pay Range: $30.00 - $32.00 per hour We are looking for skilled craftsmen to add to our team of dedicated, safe, productive, and proven craftsmen. Ultimate LLC ...

Garney Construction

Lead Excavator Operator

Nashville, TN · On-site

$21.75 - $28.75/hr

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

Garney Construction

Lead Excavator Operator

Nashville, TN · On-site

$21.75 - $28.75/hr

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

Aerotek

Traveling Excavator Operator

Knoxville, TN

$21.50 - $28.50/hr

Traveling Excavator Operator This traveling Excavator Operator role focuses on underground utilities, with a strong emphasis on gravity sewer and mainline installation. You will operate heavy ...

Garney Construction

Lead Excavator Operator

Nashville, TN · On-site

$21.75 - $28.75/hr

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

Garney Construction

Lead Excavator Operator- Pipe

Nashville, TN · On-site

$21.75 - $28.75/hr

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

Garney Construction

Lead Excavator Operator

Nashville, TN · On-site

$21.75 - $28.75/hr

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

Garney Construction

Lead Excavator Operator

Nashville, TN · On-site

$21.75 - $28.75/hr

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

Garney Construction

Lead Excavator Operator- Pipe

Nashville, TN · On-site

$21.75 - $28.75/hr

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

Garney Construction

Lead Excavator Operator- Pipe

Nashville, TN · On-site

$21.75 - $28.75/hr

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

USA Hometown Experts

Excavation Lead

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Strong excavator operating skills * Sewer, septic, or underground utility experience * Experience leading a crew or running jobs * Comfortable making decisions in the field * Knowledge of trenching ...

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Excavator Operator information

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$12

$23

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How much do excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator operator in Tennessee is $23.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.62 and $25.96 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.
More about Excavator Operator jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Excavator Operator jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Excavator Operator jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Excavator Operator jobs in Tennessee?

For Excavator Operator jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Excavator Operator jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Excavator Operator jobs in Tennessee are:

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Cities in Tennessee with the most Excavator Operator job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Excavator Operator jobs in TN?

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Excavator Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Excavator Operator job openings in Tennessee 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 $49,381 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Excavator Operator

Murfreesboro, TN • On-site

Ultimate LLC
Software Development • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Ultimate LLCexternal

$30 - $32/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 hours ago

Job description

Excavator Operator – Murfreesboro, TN

Pay Range: $30.00 - $32.00 per hour

We are looking for skilled craftsmen to add to our team of dedicated, safe, productive, and proven craftsmen. Ultimate LLC provides weekly pay for all employees and optional direct deposit.

Responsibilities:

  • Excavation operations

  • Trenching and grading

  • Utility installation

  • Site preparation

  • Reading site plans

  • Operating excavators

  • Digging foundations

  • Backfilling trenches

  • Soil movement

  • Equipment inspections

  • Working with crews

  • Following safety procedures

Requirements:

  • Excavator operating experience

  • Heavy equipment knowledge

  • Valid driver's license

  • Background check

  • Drug screen

Benefits:

  • Weekly pay

  • Direct deposit

  • Health insurance

  • Dental and vision coverage

  • 401k

  • Paid time off

  • Referral bonus program

  • Pay increase based on craftsmanship

  • Tool purchase program

  • PPE reimbursement program

  • Paid OSHA training

  • Long term work

  • ID theft protection

Apply