1

Excavator Operator Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Excavator Operator

Leonard, TX · On-site

$24 - $31.75/hr

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

Excavator Operator

Lewisville, TX

$21 - $27.75/hr

The Excavator Operator is responsible for performing excavation, trenching, utility installation support, and material handling activities while maintaining production goals, safety standards, and ...

Excavator Operator

Odonnell, TX · On-site

$19 - $25/hr

Excavator Operator Location : DWG Quarry Job Summary : We are seeking a skilled and safety-conscious Excavator Operator to join our quarry team. The successful candidate will be responsible for ...

Excavator Operator

Lubbock, TX · On-site

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

An Excavator Operator is responsible for the safe operation of heavy construction equipment. Requirements: • 5+ years of experience in Heavy Equipment Operation • Safe operation of Excavator ...

Excavator Operator

Odonnell, TX · On-site

$19 - $25/hr

Excavator Operator Location : DWG Quarry Job Summary : We are seeking a skilled and safety-conscious Excavator Operator to join our quarry team. The successful candidate will be responsible for ...

Excavator Operator

El Paso, TX · On-site

$17.75 - $23.25/hr

Equipment Operator - Excavator Heavy civil contractor specializing in large diameter open cut and tunneled water, sewer and storm from pipe ranging in size from 8" to 96" as well as dirt work and ...

Excavator Operator

Leonard, TX · On-site

$24 - $31.75/hr

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

Excavator Operator

El Paso, TX · On-site

$20.25 - $27/hr

Equipment Operator - Excavator Heavy civil contractor specializing in large diameter open cut and tunneled water, sewer and storm from pipe ranging in size from 8" to 96" as well as dirt work and ...

Excavator Operator

Lewisville, TX · On-site

$21 - $27.75/hr

The Excavator Operator is responsible for performing excavation, trenching, utility installation support, and material handling activities while maintaining production goals, safety standards, and ...

Excavator Operator

Anna, TX · On-site

$52 - $76/hr

An Excavator Operator position 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 ...

Excavator Operator

Houston, TX · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Trade Management is seeking experienced Excavator Operators to work on various construction projects throughout the Houston area. Candidates should have experience operating heavy equipment, working ...

In a excavator operator job you'll be responsible for: * General clean-up of any area and/or equipment throughout the yard. * Preparing pieces for processing, such as trash removal or disposing of ...

Excavator Operator

Lewisville, TX · On-site

$21 - $27.75/hr

The Excavator Operator is responsible for performing excavation, trenching, utility installation support, and material handling activities while maintaining production goals, safety standards, and ...

Excavator Operator

Lewisville, TX · On-site

$21 - $27.75/hr

The Excavator Operator is responsible for performing excavation, trenching, utility installation support, and material handling activities while maintaining production goals, safety standards, and ...

Excavator Operator

Lewisville, TX · On-site

$21 - $27.75/hr

The Excavator Operator is responsible for performing excavation, trenching, utility installation support, and material handling activities while maintaining production goals, safety standards, and ...

Excavator Operator

Lewisville, TX · On-site

$21 - $27.75/hr

The Excavator Operator is responsible for performing excavation, trenching, utility installation support, and material handling activities while maintaining production goals, safety standards, and ...

Excavator Operator

Lubbock, TX · On-site

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

An Excavator Operator is responsible for the safe operation of heavy construction equipment.Requirements: · 5+ years of experience in Heavy Equipment Operation · Safe operation of ...

Excavator Operator

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$21 - $26/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The Excavator Operator performs trenching, grading, and material handling for utility, roadway, and site preparation projects. This role operates excavators of various sizes with ...

Showing results 21-40

Excavator Operator information

See Texas salary details

$12

$24

$38

How much do excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator operator in Texas is $24.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.14 and $26.63 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.

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

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

What cities in Texas are hiring for Excavator Operator jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Excavator Operator job openings:

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

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

Infographic showing various Excavator Operator job openings in Texas 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 $50,689 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

Excavator Operator

Garney Construction

Leonard, TX • On-site

$24 - $31.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Garney Construction rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

GARNEY

An Excavator Operator position 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 perform activities such as excavating, backfilling, trenching, ditching, clearing, loaming, fine grading, and final cleanup. The operator may perform functions of a laborer as required.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING
  • Operate an excavator safely as part of a crew
  • Perform operator-level maintenance on the machine
  • Understand safe working loads and signals
  • Handle trench boxes of all sizes and shapes
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
  • Five years or more of construction experience. 
  • Experience operating an excavator Cat 336 or bigger.
  • Experience working with underground utilities and laying big-diameter pipe. 
  • Firm knowledge of equipment operations and maintenance
  • Must be able to work overtime
  • Must be able to travel. 
LET'S TALK THE PERKS!
  • Virtual doctor visits with no co-pay 
  • Shares of company stock at no cost starting your first day 
  • 401(k) plan with a 3.5% match 
  • Student loan resources 
  • Weekly paychecks 
  • Paid time off 
  • 8 paid holidays 
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) with a lump sum and matching contributions 
  • Free life insurance and disability policy 
  • Free access to healthcare coordinators 
  • Counseling sessions with mental health professionals at no cost 
  • Access to consultations with legal and financial professionals at no cost 
  • Free programs assisting with weight loss, maternity health, prescriptions for chronic conditions, and more 
  • 50% employee discount in the Garney apparel store
CONTACT US

If you are interested in the Excavator Operator position, please click APPLY NOW to submit your application. To view additional opportunities with Garney, visit careers.garney.com.

If you have questions or would like more information, please call Juan Acosta at 720.348.8419 or by email at juan.acosta@garney.com and include the job title and location to ensure a prompt response. Please complete an application if you are interested in the position. All openings listed are currently accepting candidates. 

Garney and its subsidiaries are committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and it is our policy to provide equal opportunity to all people without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other legally protected category. Garney is a background screening, drug-free workplace. You may be required to complete a post-offer physical and a site-specific background check for this position.

Agency Disclaimer:  All vendors must have a signed Garney Agreement, authorized by the Executive Team, to receive payment for any placement. Verbal or written commitments made by anyone other than a member of the Executive Team will not be considered binding.  Any unsolicited resumes sent to Garney or submitted to employees outside of the Recruiting Team will be deemed the property of Garney. In such cases, Garney will not be obligated to pay any placement fees.


What Garney Construction employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom