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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 ...

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Front Royal, VA

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Mass Excavator Operator - Heavy Earthmoving (CAT 352) Location: Front Royal, VA Position Type: Direct Placement (Full-Time, Permanent) Primary Machine: CAT 352 (Mass Excavation Configuration) Move ...

New

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Front Royal, VA · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Excavator Operator - Underground Utilities Location: Front Royal, VA Position Type: Direct Placement (Full-Time, Permanent) Primary Fleet: CAT 320 - CAT 336 Excavators Reports To: Team Lead About the ...

New

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Front Royal, VA · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Mass Excavator Operator Heavy Earthmoving (CAT 352) Location: Front Royal, VA Position Type: Direct Placement (Full-Time, Permanent) Primary Machine: CAT 352 (Mass Excavation Configuration) Move ...

New

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Front Royal, VA

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Excavator Operator - Underground Utilities Location: Front Royal, VA Position Type: Direct Placement (Full-Time, Permanent) Primary Fleet: CAT 320 - CAT 336 Excavators Reports To: Team Lead About the ...

New

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 ...

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Front Royal, VA · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Excavator Operator - Underground Utilities Location: Front Royal, VA Position Type: Direct Placement (Full-Time, Permanent) Primary Fleet: CAT 320 CAT 336 Excavators Reports To: Team Lead About the ...

New

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Front Royal, VA · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Mass Excavator Operator - Heavy Earthmoving (CAT 352) Location: Front Royal, VA Position Type: Direct Placement (Full-Time, Permanent) Primary Machine: CAT 352 (Mass Excavation Configuration) Move ...

New

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Front Royal, VA · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Excavator Operator - Underground Utilities Location: Front Royal, VA Position Type: Direct Placement (Full-Time, Permanent) Primary Fleet: CAT 320 - CAT 336 Excavators Reports To: Team Lead About the ...

New

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 ...

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Front Royal, VA

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Mainline Excavator Operator - Underground Utilities (CAT 340) Location: Front Royal, VA Position Type: Direct Placement (Full-Time, Permanent) Primary Machine: CAT 340 (Mainline Configuration ...

New

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Front Royal, VA · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Mainline Excavator Operator Underground Utilities (CAT 340) Location: Front Royal, VA Position Type: Direct Placement (Full-Time, Permanent) Primary Machine: CAT 340 (Mainline Configuration) Reports ...

New

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Front Royal, VA · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Mainline Excavator Operator - Underground Utilities (CAT 340) Location: Front Royal, VA Position Type: Direct Placement (Full-Time, Permanent) Primary Machine: CAT 340 (Mainline Configuration ...

New

Team Fishel

Mini Excavator Operator

Suffolk, 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 ...

Team Fishel

Mini Excavator Operator

Hampton, 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 ...

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 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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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 23, 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 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?

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

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Cities in Virginia with the most Excavator Operator job openings:

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

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Excavator Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Excavator Operator job openings in Virginia 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 $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 26 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.

What William A. Hazel employees say

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