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Excavator Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

William A. Hazel, Inc.

Excavator Operator

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$24 - $38/hr

Hazel, Inc. is now hiring an Excavator Operator who will work our Dirt Crew. This is one of numerous excavator operator jobs we are now hiring for at our office in Northern Virginia. Benefits ...

Virginia Paving

Excavator Operator

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$21.75 - $28.75/hr

Health and Wellness Benefits, including Monthly Gym/Fitness Incentives General Description The Excavator Operator will work in close proximity to equipment and people and operate a excavator to ...

Team Fishel

Mini Excavator Operator

Suffolk, VA · On-site

$20 - $26.25/hr

Mini Excavator Operator Looking for a skilled mini excavator operator to join our team. The ideal candidate will have experience in operating mini excavators and a strong understanding of ...

Team Fishel

Mini Excavator Operator

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

Mini Excavator Operator Looking for a skilled mini excavator operator to join our team. Responsibilities include operating mini excavators for various construction projects. Must have experience and ...

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Louisa, VA · On-site

$20.50 - $27/hr

Excavator Operator Job Locations US-VA-Louisa ID 2026-14910 # of Openings 1 Category (For search on portal) Heavy Equipment Operator Responsibilities Allan Myers is looking for a highly skilled and ...

Team Fishel

Mini Excavator Operator

Henrico, VA · On-site

$20.50 - $27/hr

Mini Excavator Operator Looking for a skilled mini excavator operator to join our team. The ideal candidate will have experience operating mini excavators and a strong understanding of safety ...

Team Fishel

Mini Excavator Operator

Saluda, VA · On-site

$18.50 - $24.50/hr

Mini Excavator Operator Looking for a skilled mini excavator operator to join our team. The ideal candidate will have experience in operating mini excavators and will be able to work in various ...

Team Fishel

Mini Excavator Operator

Hampton, VA · On-site

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

Mini Excavator Operator Looking for a skilled mini excavator operator to join our team. The ideal candidate will have experience operating mini excavators and a strong understanding of safety ...

Team Fishel

Mini Excavator Operator

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

The purpose of a Mini Excavator Operator at Team Fishel is to assist the Foreman in completing the project safely, on-time, and within the customer's specifications for quality, and other work as ...

S&B USA Construction & Fay

Excavator Operator

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

Excavator Operator Fay is part of Shikun & Binui USA Construction, a family of diversified heavy-civil and industrial construction companies recognized for safe and innovative infrastructure ...

Team Fishel

Mini Excavator Operator

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$21.50 - $28.50/hr

Mini Excavator Operator This is the main job post content. The job title is Mini Excavator Operator. The follows below. The is not provided in the raw HTML. Please refer to the job title for the main ...

S B Cox, Inc.

Excavator Operator - Demo

Henrico, VA · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Excavator Operator - DemolitionPosition SummaryThe Excavator Operator is responsible for the safe and productive operation of excavators and related heavy equipment on demolition projects. This ...

Team Fishel

Mini Excavator Operator

Saluda, VA · On-site

$22 - $23/hr

The purpose of a Mini Excavator Operator at Team Fishel is to assist the Foreman in completing the project safely, on-time, and within the customer's specifications for quality, and other work as ...

S B Cox Inc

Excavator Operator - Demo

Henrico, VA · On-site

$20.50 - $27/hr

Excavator Operator - Demolition The Excavator Operator is responsible for the safe and productive operation of excavators and related heavy equipment on demolition projects. This position performs ...

Team Fishel

Mini Excavator Operator

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

The purpose of a Mini Excavator Operator at Team Fishel is to assist the Foreman in completing the project safely, on-time, and within the customer's specifications for quality, and other work as ...

S B Cox Inc

Excavator Operator - Demo

Richmond, VA · On-site

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

Excavator Operator - Demolition Position Summary The Excavator Operator is responsible for the safe and productive operation of excavators and related heavy equipment on demolition projects. This ...

S B Cox, Inc.

Excavator Operator - Demo

Richmond, VA

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

Excavator Operator - DemolitionPosition Summary The Excavator Operator is responsible for the safe and productive operation of excavators and related heavy equipment on demolition projects. This ...

S B Cox, Inc.

Excavator Operator - Demo

Richmond, VA · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Excavator Operator - Demolition Position Summary The Excavator Operator is responsible for the safe and productive operation of excavators and related heavy equipment on demolition projects. This ...

Team Fishel

Mini Excavator Operator

Henrico, VA · On-site

$22 - $23/hr

The purpose of a Mini Excavator Operator at Team Fishel is to assist the Foreman in completing the project safely, on-time, and within the customer's specifications for quality, and other work as ...

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All JobsExcavator Operator JobsExcavator Operator Jobs in Virginia

Excavator Operator information

See Virginia salary details

$13

$25

$41

How much do excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator operator in Virginia is $25.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.44 and $28.37 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 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.

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 Virginia?

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Excavator Operator jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Excavator Operator job openings:

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

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

Excavator Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Excavator Operator job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 52% Full Time, 46% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,941 per year, or $25.9 per hour.

Excavator Operator

William A. Hazel, Inc.

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$24 - $38/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

William A. Hazel rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

William A. Hazel, Inc. is now hiring an Excavator Operator who will work our Dirt Crew. This is one of numerous excavator operator jobs we are now hiring for at our office in Northern Virginia.
Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Referral program
  • Retirement plan
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Vision insurance

If you'd like to apply to one of our excavator operator jobs, fill out the application linked to in the right-hand column and we will get back to you.
Salary: Hourly $24.00 to $38.00/hour
William A. Hazel, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.
We do not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristics protected by law.

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