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Excavator Operator Jobs in Gaffney, SC (NOW HIRING)

Dawn Development Company

Equipment Operator

York, SC

$17.50 - $24/hr

Operators do not have to have a CDL. Candidates should have at least one year of experience operating a variety of equipment, including front loaders, excavators, mini-excavators, skid steers ...

Badger Daylighting

Hydrovac Operator

Spartanburg, SC · On-site

$30/hr

Are you enthusiastic about safe excavation and skilled in operating hydrovac equipment? Join the Badger team as a Hydrovac Operator! In this role, you'll use high-pressure water and vacuum systems to ...

Fountain Services LLC

Equipment Operator

Shelby, NC · On-site

$20 - $28/hr

Equipment Operator Fountain Services, LLC About Fountain Services, LLC Established in 1946 ... excavators, mini-excavators, skid-steers, trenchers, and tamps in a construction setting. The ...

Fountain Services LLC

Equipment Operator

Spindale, NC · On-site

$20 - $28/hr

Equipment Operator Fountain Services, LLC About Fountain Services, LLC Established in 1946 ... excavators, mini-excavators, skid-steers, trenchers, and tamps in a construction setting. The ...

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All JobsExcavator Operator JobsExcavator Operator Jobs in Gaffney, SC

Excavator Operator information

See Gaffney, SC salary details

$12

$24

$38

How much do excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator operator in Gaffney, SC is $24.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.00 and $26.49 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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Infographic showing various Excavator Operator job openings in Gaffney, SC 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 $50,356 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

REEVES | Excavator Operator (Bridge Division) - Charlotte, NC

Dycom Industries Inc

Blacksburg, SC • On-site

$20 - $26.25/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Dycom Industries rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

REEVES | Excavator Operator (Bridge Division) - Charlotte, NC
Company: REEVES CONSTRUCTION COMPANY
Job Location: BLACKSBURG, SOUTH CAROLINA, USA
Type of Contract: Regular
Posting Start Date: 8/18/26
Reeves Construction Company, the Colas USA subsidiary that operates throughout the states North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Missouri and Arkansas has been a key partner in the infrastructure growth of the Southeast and Midwest since the company's founding in 1923. Reeves is a complete heavy civil highway and site development construction company dedicated to meet the specific needs of the roadway, airport, bridge, and military market. Reeves prides itself for its high company standards of safety, ethics, and performance. To learn more about Reeves visit www.reevescc.com.
Throughout Colas USA, we provide competitive pay, outstanding benefits, career advancement opportunities, professional education, and extensive training for every employee. We pride ourselves on upholding the highest standards of safety, environmental conservation, and ethical conduct as we strive to grow our infrastructure products and services through empowering and developing our people, fostering innovation, utilizing new technology, and maximizing vertical integration at all levels of the company's value chain. To learn more about the Colas USA Family of Companies, please visit www.colasusa.com.
Job Description:
Mission
Reeves Construction Company is looking for an experienced Heavy Equipment Operator for its Bridge Division based out of Charlotte, NC. The successful candidate for this role will have an uncompromising focus on safety excellence.
Essential Duties

  • Must be able to run Excavator efficiently (40,000lb or greater) as well as Loader and Roller (preferred).
  • Must have a basic knowledge of the mechanics and hydraulics of the machine.
  • Must have skills to conduct an inspection checklist on equipment such as tracks, lights, brakes, fuel, oil and water.
  • Must keep equipment serviced, lubricated, and in good working order, including good housekeeping.
  • Must have an understanding of control levers for movement of bucket.
  • Must have a priority for safety and welfare of workers around machines.
  • Must have the ability to operate the vehicle safely in job site situations and follow the policies and procedures of the company.
Education and Experience
  • Minimum of 6 to 12 months experience (or related training).
  • Valid Driver's License (preferred).
  • Must have own transportation.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
  • Must be able to climb onto and up and down a machine several times a day.
  • Must be able to sit in a machine and operate it for several hours without stopping.
  • Must withstand vibration from job site conditions as well as noise from other equipment.
  • Must be able to use arms, hands, and feet in repetitive motions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to handle or feel; reach and signal with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 60 pounds.
Work Environment
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is exposed to moving mechanical parts, outside weather conditions, and vibration. The employee is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; high, precarious places; toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually very loud.
Benefits & Compensation
Competitive pay & comprehensive benefits include paid holidays, vacation, life insurance, accidental death & dismemberment insurance, group health plan options (incl. medical, dental & vision, HSA, FSA), short term disability benefits & 401(k)/401(k) Roth w/company match.
**Drug-Free Workplace**
**E-Verify Participating Company**
**Minorities, Females and Veterans Strongly Encouraged to Apply**
Colas Inc. and its subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity Employer. For details on the specifics of this commitment, please click here to view the EEO document. If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to:
  • to meet the requirements of the role in which you are applying
  • complete any part of the application process
  • access or use the online application process and need an alternative method for applying

Please contact Colas Inc. at 973-290-9082 or send an email to ColasRecruiter@colasinc.com.
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