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Excavator Operator Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

Strack, Inc.

Excavator Operator

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$21.75 - $28.50/hr

Excavator Operator Operates excavating and loading equipment using heavy machinery. Effectively completes excavation and related tasks such as backfilling, trenching, grading excavation moving mass ...

SR 400 Constructors

Excavator Operator

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$21.75 - $28.50/hr

Minimum of 3 years of experience operating excavators. * Strong understanding of construction processes. * Excellent hand-eye coordination. * Ability to read and interpret blueprints and site plans.

SR 400 Constructors

Excavator Operator

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$21.75 - $28.50/hr

Minimum of 3 years of experience operating excavators. * Strong understanding of construction processes. * Excellent hand-eye coordination. * Ability to read and interpret blueprints and site plans.

Ferrovial

Webber Excavator Operator - Heavy Civil

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$21.75 - $28.50/hr

Used for excavating ditches, structures and mass excavations, laying pipe and precast concrete structures, loading trucks and placing rock riprap. May also be equipped with various hydraulic ...

Ferrovial

Webber Excavator Operator - Heavy Civil

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$21.75 - $28.50/hr

Used for excavating ditches, structures and mass excavations, laying pipe and precast concrete structures, loading trucks and placing rock riprap. May also be equipped with various hydraulic ...

company1363

Equipment Operator

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$18 - $24.75/hr

The Equipment Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating heavy equipment to support excavation, spoil removal, and general construction activities within the turnkey concrete scope ...

Juneau Construction

Equipment Operator

Atlanta, GA

$18 - $24.75/hr

The Equipment Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating heavy equipment to support excavation, spoil removal, and general construction activities within the turnkey concrete scope ...

Hire Virtue

Bore Operator

Conyers, GA · On-site

$22/hr

As a Bore Operator, you will be responsible for operating specialized drilling equipment to create ... Operate horizontal drilling machines and related heavy equipment such as excavators, dozers ...

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All JobsExcavator Operator JobsExcavator Operator Jobs in Decatur, GA

Excavator Operator information

See Decatur, GA salary details

$13

$25

$40

How much do excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator operator in Decatur, GA is $25.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.11 and $27.93 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 Decatur, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, and 43% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,120 per year, or $25.5 per hour.

Excavator Operator

Strack, Inc.

Atlanta, GA • On-site

$21.75 - $28.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Excavator Operator

Operates excavating and loading equipment using heavy machinery. Effectively completes excavation and related tasks such as backfilling, trenching, grading excavation moving mass rock using appropriate equipment.

Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Comply with all company policies and procedures.
  • Ensure compliance with quality and environmental regulations.
  • Interacts in a professional manner by professionally and effectively communicating with Strack employees.
  • Loading various sized haul trucks.
  • Swing/lift using proper technique adhering to Strack/OSHA requirements.
  • Trenching using proper technique as per Strack/OSHA standards.
  • Able to demonstrate proper machine set up in all task in a safe manner.

Essential Requirements:

  • Align with our Company core values of Better Everyday, Everyone Matters, Humble Hearts/Open Hands and Mindful in Everything.
  • Must be willing and able to travel out of town, and/or out of state to work on job sites.
  • Must have good work ethics: Be on time, Work hard and Willing to learn.
  • Must have reliable transportation.
  • Must be able to pay high degree of attention to safety and promote a safe work environment.

Requirements:

  • High level of character
  • Outstanding people skills, team player and ability to lead others.
  • Effective communication skills across all Strack employees.
  • Ability to motivate and drive others to excellence.
  • Possesses keen observation skills; pays attention to and remembers work related instructions, demonstrations, and procedures.
  • Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions.
  • Ability to prioritize tasks.

Benefits:

  • Competitive Salary – Paid Weekly
  • Medical Health Insurance Benefits after 30 days
  • Vision & Dental Insurance
  • Life Insurance Programs
  • 401k after 6 months of service plus company match
  • Corporate Giving Match
  • Vacation/Paid Time Off after 120-day probationary period
  • Equal Opportunity Employer

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