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Excavator Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Shirley Contracting Company

Excavator Operator

Hampton, VA · On-site

$22 - $35/hr

Excavator Operator Shirley Contracting Company, LLC is looking for excavator operators to join our dirt and utility crews. Qualifications: * Experience running heavy equipment (an onsite try-out will ...

baker construction

Excavator Operator

Arlington, VA · On-site

$26 - $34.25/hr

Excavator Operator Company Name: Baker Concrete Construction, Inc Location: Arlington, VA, US, 22201 Req ID : 8116 Travel: None Number of Openings: 2 Find a greater purpose with a team that puts ...

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 ...

baker construction

Excavator Operator

Culpeper, VA · On-site

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

Excavator Operator Company Name: Baker Concrete Construction, Inc Location: Culpepper, VA, US, 22701 Req ID : 8010 Travel: None Number of Openings: 3 Find a greater purpose with a team that puts ...

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Suffolk, VA · On-site

$20 - $26.25/hr

Excavator Operator Job Locations US-VA-Suffolk ID 2026-14854 # of Openings 1 Category (For search on portal) Heavy Equipment Operator Responsibilities Operate hydraulic excavators (e.g., Cat 330, 336 ...

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$21.75 - $28.75/hr

Excavator Operator Job Locations US-VA-Norfolk ID 2026-14752 # of Openings 1 Category (For search on portal) Heavy Equipment Operator Responsibilities Operate hydraulic excavators (e.g., Cat 330, 336 ...

Garney Construction

Excavator Operator- Plant

Suffolk, VA

$21.50 - $28.25/hr

GARNEY CONSTRUCTION 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 ...

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$21.75 - $29/hr

Minimum of 5 years of experience operating excavators in heavy civil construction. * Experience in mainline pipe installation or mass excavation preferred. * Ability to work with GPS machine control ...

Garney Construction

Excavator Operator- Plant

Suffolk, VA

$20 - $26.25/hr

GARNEY CONSTRUCTION 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 ...

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$21.75 - $29/hr

Minimum of 5 years of experience operating excavators in heavy civil construction. * Experience in mainline pipe installation or mass excavation preferred. * Ability to work with GPS machine control ...

Allan Myers, Inc.

Excavator Operator

Newport News, VA · On-site

$20.50 - $27/hr

Minimum of 5 years of experience operating excavators in heavy civil construction. * Experience in mainline pipe installation or mass excavation preferred. * Ability to work with GPS machine control ...

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Suffolk, VA

$20 - $26.25/hr

Minimum of 5 years of experience operating excavators in heavy civil construction. * Experience in mainline pipe installation or mass excavation preferred. * Ability to work with GPS machine control ...

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Newport News, VA · On-site

$20.50 - $27/hr

Minimum of 5 years of experience operating excavators in heavy civil construction. * Experience in mainline pipe installation or mass excavation preferred. * Ability to work with GPS machine control ...

William A. Hazel, Inc.

Excavator Operator

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$29 - $38/hr

Hazel, Inc. is now hiring a Excavator Operator to join our Pipe Team . Essential Duties: * Know OSHA safety and trenching regulations. * Be able to operate excavator in a safe way at all times (will ...

Allan Myers, Inc.

Excavator Operator

Suffolk, VA · On-site

$20 - $26.25/hr

Minimum of 5 years of experience operating excavators in heavy civil construction. * Experience in mainline pipe installation or mass excavation preferred. * Ability to work with GPS machine control ...

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Newport News, VA

$20.50 - $27/hr

Minimum of 5 years of experience operating excavators in heavy civil construction. * Experience in mainline pipe installation or mass excavation preferred. * Ability to work with GPS machine control ...

William A Hazel Inc

Excavator Operator

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$29 - $38/hr

Hazel, Inc. is now hiring a Excavator Operator to join our Pipe Team . Essential Duties: * Know OSHA safety and trenching regulations. * Be able to operate excavator in a safe way at all times (will ...

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

Minimum of 5 years of experience operating excavators in heavy civil construction. * Experience in mainline pipe installation or mass excavation preferred. * Ability to work with GPS machine control ...

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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 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.
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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.

Mini Excavator Operator

Team Fishel

Hampton, VA • On-site

$22 - $23/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Team Fishel rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Location
Hampton, VA
Market
General Utility Construction
Who is Team Fishel?
Since 1936, we've been the Best Choice in utility engineering and construction. Safety is our top priority and is key in everything we do. We're industry professionals driven by high performance for our customers and each other. Interested in joining our Team?
Description
Team Fishel , the Best Choice in Utility Construction, is hiring Mini Excavator Operators for our Hampton, VA operation. 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 needed.
The Mini Excavator Operator uses Company vehicles on a daily basis to deliver and pick up materials, reels of cable, steel plates, service tools, and equipment. They also work in the field with the crews excavating, installing devices and performing restoration.
Requirements & Qualifications
  • 3 + years operating utility construction equipment in a safe and productive manner. Equipment includes but not limited to: backhoes, directional drills, trenchers, skid-steer loaders, cranes, digger derricks, bucket trucks, excavators, and crane trucks
  • Experience operating mole/missile boring equipment is a plus
  • Candidates holding a valid CDL-A is a plus
  • Familiarity with DOT's Enforcement and Compliance regulations
  • Meet all DOT requirements (physical and drug testing)
  • Ability to communicate with Teammates
  • Willingness to work and follow directions
  • Has a thorough working knowledge of utility construction and installation
  • Bilingual English / Spanish is a plus

Starting pay $22 - $23 / hour dependent upon applicable experience and certifications.
Benefits
  • Health Insurance
  • Wellness Program
  • Life Insurance
  • 401(k) Retirement Savings Program
  • Profit Sharing
  • Paid Leave Benefits
  • Teammate Assistance Program
  • Learn more ( Español )

Team Fishel offers excellent industry training and a career development path for our Teammates. Competitive pay and benefits, including health insurance, 401k, and a company profit sharing plan!
Join Team Fishel, your future and your team.
EOE/DFWP

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