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Excavator Operator Jobs in Kent, WA (NOW HIRING)

Essel

Heavy Equipment Operator

Seattle, WA · On-site

Heavy Equipment Operator at Essel Essel is seeking a reliable and skilled Heavy Equipment Operator ... Perform site preparation, excavation, grading, trenching, and backfilling. * Inspect equipment ...

Essel

Heavy Equipment Operator

Seattle, WA · On-site

Heavy Equipment Operator at Essel Essel is seeking a reliable and skilled Heavy Equipment Operator ... Perform site preparation, excavation, grading, trenching, and backfilling. * Inspect equipment ...

Essel

Heavy Equipment Operator

Seattle, WA

Heavy Equipment Operator at Essel Essel is seeking a reliable and skilled Heavy Equipment Operator ... Perform site preparation, excavation, grading, trenching, and backfilling. * Inspect equipment ...

McCallum Rock Drilling

Heavy Equipment Operator

Bremerton, WA · On-site

$30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

He or she will be responsible for operating large machinery such as loaders, excavators, haul trucks, crushers, and possibly even rock drills on a daily basis. The applicant must live within 30 ...

McCallum Rock Drilling

Heavy Equipment Operator

WA · On-site

$30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

He or she will be responsible for operating large machinery such as loaders, excavators, haul trucks, crushers, and possibly even rock drills on a daily basis. The applicant must live within 30 ...

Trillium Staffing

Equipment Operator

Kent, WA · On-site

$40 - $55/hr

Obeys all traffic laws and regulations when operating and driving company truck.Wears personal ... Loads and unloads various types of PSC equipment including excavator and forklift.Assists with ...

Trillium Staffing

Equipment Operator

Kent, WA · On-site

$40 - $55/hr

Obeys all traffic laws and regulations when operating and driving company truck.Wears personal ... Loads and unloads various types of PSC equipment including excavator and forklift.Assists with ...

Quanta Services

Mainline Trench Operator

Sumner, WA

$34.60 - $59.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Mainline Trench Operator If you enjoy working with a great group of professionals, are accurate ... Excavate around existing utilities with precision. * Ability to properly clean and maintain the ...

Potelco, Inc.

Mainline Trench Operator

Sumner, WA

$34.60 - $59.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

About this Role Mainline Trench Operator If you enjoy working with a great group of professionals ... Excavate around existing utilities with precision. * Ability to properly clean and maintain the ...

Potelco, Inc.

Mainline Trench Operator

Sumner, WA · On-site

$34.60/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

About this Role Mainline Trench Operator If you enjoy working with a great group of professionals ... Excavate around existing utilities with precision. * Ability to properly clean and maintain the ...

Amteck, LLC

Equipment Operator - Lawrenceburg

Tacoma, WA

$20.50 - $28/hr

Job Summary: We are seeking a skilled Construction Equipment Operator to join Amteck in ... Operate and maintain electrical construction equipment, including but not limited to excavators ...

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All JobsExcavator Operator JobsExcavator Operator Jobs in Kent, WA

Excavator Operator information

See Kent, WA salary details

$15

$29

$47

How much do excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator operator in Kent, WA is $29.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.76 and $32.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

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.

How do you get a job as an excavator operator?

To become an excavator operator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with specialized training or certification in operating heavy machinery. Gaining experience through apprenticeships or entry-level positions and obtaining a commercial driver's license (CDL) can also improve job prospects.

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.
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Excavator Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Excavator Operator job openings in Kent, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Full Time, 48% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,267 per year, or $29.9 per hour.

Septic Install Excavator Operator

A-ADVANCED SEPTIC SERVICES INC

Auburn, WA

$30 - $36/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Excavator Operator – Septic System Installation

Company: A Advanced Septic and Construction Services
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $30.00 - $36.00 per hour (based on experience)

Job Summary:

A Advanced Septic and Construction Services is seeking an experienced Excavator Operator with preferred expertise in Septic System Installation to join our team.

The Excavator Operator will be responsible for operating and maintaining excavators and other heavy equipment to assist with various Septic System Installation projects. Our ideal candidate will have a valid CDL A license (highly preferred) and be able to safely operate a wide variety of excavators to dig around existing underground utilities, cut and fill to grade, excavate, backfill to the desired compaction, and complete manual labor as needed for septic, sewer, drain field, and storm drain installations. This role requires precision, efficiency, and a strong commitment to safety.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Operate excavators to dig trenches, ditches, and foundations for septic systems, drain fields, and storm drains.
  • Perform grading, backfilling, and compaction to required specifications.
  • Load and unload materials using heavy equipment.
  • Follow project plans and supervisor instructions to ensure efficient and precise excavation work.
  • Conduct routine maintenance and basic mechanical tasks on equipment.
  • Maintain a safe work environment by adhering to company and OSHA safety guidelines.
  • Drive company trucks and trailers loaded with excavators and other heavy equipment.
Requirements:
  • Valid CDL (Class A preferred)
  • 3+ years of experience operating excavators in mainline digging and heavy equipment operation.
  • Strong understanding of excavation techniques, site preparation, and safety protocols.
  • Experience operating loaders, water trucks, dump trucks, backhoes, and tankers.
  • Ability to perform basic mechanical repairs and maintenance on equipment.
  • Must be 23+ years old (for insurance purposes).
Preferred Qualifications:
  • 5+ years of experience in Civil or Residential Construction (preferred).
  • Experience working in septic, sewer, and drainage installation projects.
  • Septic System Installation experience preferred.

Benefits:

  • Company Paid Medical for Employees ($25.00 bi-weekly employee contribution)
  • Dental Insurance – Supplemental Available (After 2 months)
  • Vision Insurance – Supplemental Available (After 2 months)
  • Company Paid $25,000 Life Insurance
  • Supplemental Life Insurance – Principal + Colonial
  • 401K - 4% Company Match
  • Paid Sick Leave - accumulate 1 hour for every 40 hours worked - Eligible to use after 90 days
  • Annual PTO Balance (after your first year)
  • Supplemental Aflac Insurance
  • Pet Insurance – Supplemental Available through United Healthcare
  • Aflac Supplemental Insurance (Short- & Long-Term Disability, Critical Illness, Accident, etc.)
  • Professional Development Opportunities
  • Retirement Plan
  • Referral Bonus Program
  • Employee Discount Program
  • 6 Paid Holidays (After 6 months of employment)
  • As a token of our gratitude, Veterans and Active Military Members Receive Veterans Day as an Additional Paid Holiday (After 6 months of employment)
Schedule:
  • 8 to 10-hour shifts
  • Monday – Friday
Requirements:
  • Valid CDL (Class A preferred)
  • 3+ years of experience operating excavators in mainline digging and heavy equipment operation.
  • Strong understanding of excavation techniques, site preparation, and safety protocols.
  • Experience operating loaders, water trucks, dump trucks, backhoes, and tankers.
  • Ability to perform basic mechanical repairs and maintenance on equipment.
  • Must be 23+ years old (for insurance purposes).
Preferred Qualifications:
  • 5+ years of experience in Civil or Residential Construction (preferred).
  • Experience working in septic, sewer, and drainage installation projects.
  • Septic System Installation experience preferred.

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