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Excavator Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Clean Harbors

Excavator Operator

Dolton, IL · On-site

$28/hr

Clean Harbors in Dolton, IL is looking for a Equipment Operator will be operating an Excavator and Backhoe for our Mix Pit operations. Pay: $28hr. w/$1.75 SD pay added for 2nd shift Shift: 2nd shift ...

Clean Harbors

Excavator Operator

Dolton, IL · On-site

$28/hr

Clean Harbors in Dolton, IL is looking for a Equipment Operator will be operating an Excavator and Backhoe for our Mix Pit operations. Pay: $28hr. w/$1.75 SD pay added for 2nd shift Shift: 2nd shift ...

S and J Plumbing

Sewer Excavator

Arlington Heights, IL · On-site

$35 - $40/hr

PAID TRAINING - Excavation Safety, JULIE, OSHA Our Core Values * Integrity, we are honest, ethical, and trustworthy. * Professionalism, we prepare, present, and execute at an elite level.

S and J Plumbing

Sewer Excavator

Arlington Heights, IL · On-site

$100.29/hr

PAID TRAINING - Excavation Safety, JULIE, OSHA Our Core Values * Integrity, we are honest, ethical, and trustworthy. * Professionalism, we prepare, present, and execute at an elite level.

S and J Plumbing

Sewer Excavator

Arlington Heights, IL · On-site

$35 - $40/hr

PAID TRAINING - Excavation Safety, JULIE, OSHA Our Core Values * Integrity, we are honest, ethical, and trustworthy. * Professionalism, we prepare, present, and execute at an elite level.

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All JobsExcavator Operator JobsExcavator Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL

Excavator Operator information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$14

$26

$42

How much do excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator operator in Chicago, IL is $26.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.31 and $29.47 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 Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $56,048 per year, or $26.9 per hour.

Excavator Operator

Clean Harbors

Dolton, IL • On-site

$28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Clean Harbors rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 154 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 92 rated recycling and waste

Job description


Clean Harbors in Dolton, IL is looking for a Equipment Operator will be operating an Excavator and Backhoe for our Mix Pit operations.

Pay: $28hr. w/$1.75 SD pay added for 2nd shift

Shift: 2nd shift (3-11) Mon-Fri

Why work for Clean Harbors?

  • Health and Safety is our #1 priority and we live it 3-6-5!

  • Competitive pay and benefits

  • Comprehensive health benefits coverage after 30 days of full-time employment

  • Group 401K with company matching component

  • Generous paid time off, company paid training and tuition reimbursement

  • Positive and safe work environments

  • Opportunities for growth and development for all the stages of your career

  • Able to operate yellow iron (backhoe, excavator, front end loader)
  • Minimal computer skills 
  • Loading unloading bulk liquids & solids
  • Forklift work
  • Housekeeping
  • Wearing PPE
  • Available to join the snow team in the cold months.
  • (Side note must be clean shaven - mustache okay)
  • 1+ years' experience in operating an excavator, backhoe and/or roll-off truck.
  • Previous industrial labor experience considered an asset.

Clean Harbors, a Clean Harbors company, has a commitment to excellence deeply rooted in a strong sense of tradition. Our entire business model revolves around keeping North American businesses green. We generate more than $1.2 billion in annual revenue as a world-class environmental service organization and market leader in industrial hazardous waste management, parts-cleaning technology, and oil re-refining. We collect over 200 million gallons of used motor oil each year and we have the largest re-refinery capacity in North America allowing us to re-refine more than 150 million gallons each year.

Every day, we help our customers resolve their waste management needs and reduce their carbon footprint. PROTECTION. CHOICES. PEOPLE. MAKE GREEN WORK.

Clean Harbors is an equal opportunity employer.

Clean Harbors is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact ect@cleanharbors.com or 1-844-922-5547.

Clean Harbors and its subsidiaries are a Military & Veteran friendly company.

Clean Harbors is committed to complying with applicable pay transparency laws and ensuring fair and equitable compensation. The posted salary range reflects the minimum and maximum target for this role. Final compensation may vary based on factors such as location, experience, skills, and business needs. In addition to the base salary, some roles may be eligible for bonus or incentive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.

#LI-CS1

#SK

  • Ensuring that Health and Safety is the number one priority by complying with all safe work practices, policies, and processes and acting in a safe manner at all times;
  • Operates backhoes and roll-off trucks, Forklifts;
  • Operate excavators and backhoes safely and efficiently
  • Assists with moving drums as necessary;
  • Assures unit is never operated in an unsafe manner or in a manner which is inconsistent with Standard Operating Procedures;
  • Complete and submits all associated paperwork as required for waste tracking. 
  • Conduct daily equipment inspections and basic maintenance
  • Follow all safety procedures and OSHA regulations
  • Work closely with site supervisors and crew members
  • Maintain a clean and organized job site

What Clean Harbors employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Clean Harbors

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Clean Harbors is North America’s leading provider of environmental and industrial services. The Company serves a diverse customer base, including a majority of Fortune 500 companies. Its customer base spans a number of industries, including chemical, and manufacturing, as well as numerous government agencies. These customers rely on Clean Harbors to deliver a broad range of services such as end-to-end hazardous waste management, emergency spill response, industrial cleaning and maintenance, and recycling services. Through its Safety-Kleen subsidiary, Clean Harbors also is North America’s largest re-refiner and recycler of used oil and a leading provider of parts washers and environmental services to commercial, industrial and automotive customers. Founded in 1980 and based in Massachusetts, Clean Harbors operates throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico.

Industry

Environmental consulting services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Norwell, MA, US

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