ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Excavator Operator Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Morgan Corp.

Excavator Operator

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$55 - $75/hr

Excavator Operator Department: Operations Employment Type: Full Time Location: Raleigh, NC Description We are seeking a skilled and safety-conscious Excavator Operator to join our construction team.

Morgan Corp.

Excavator Operator

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$20 - $26.50/hr

The Excavator Operator is responsible for operating heavy equipment to perform excavation, grading, and site preparation activities in support of construction projects. Responsibilities * Comply with ...

Conti Civil

Excavator Operator - Raleigh

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$20 - $26.50/hr

An experienced Excavator Operator for Raleigh, NC area project who can Safely operate equipment. Responsibilities: * Perform documented pre- shift 360 walk-around inspection of the equipment * Start ...

Carolina Conduit Systems

Construction Worker

Garner, NC · On-site

$16 - $21.50/hr

Utilities Excavator Operator We are seeking a skilled Excavator Operator with experience in underground utility installation. This position involves operating excavators and loaders to perform trench ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsExcavator Operator JobsExcavator Operator Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Excavator Operator information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$13

$25

$40

How much do excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator operator in Raleigh, NC is $25.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.01 and $27.79 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.
More about Excavator Operator jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Excavator Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC?

The most popular types of Excavator Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What are popular job titles related to Excavator Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC?

For Excavator Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Excavator Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Excavator Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Excavator Operator jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Excavator Operator job openings:

Excavator Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Excavator Operator job openings in Raleigh, NC 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 $52,886 per year, or $25.4 per hour.

Excavator Operator

Morgan Corp.

Raleigh, NC • On-site

$55 - $75/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Morgan Truck Body rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Excavator Operator

Department: Operations

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Raleigh, NC


Description

We are seeking a skilled and safety-conscious Excavator Operator to join our construction team. The Excavator Operator is responsible for operating heavy equipment to perform excavation, grading, and site preparation activities in support of construction projects.


Responsibilities
  • Comply with all company and site specific policies and procedures
  • Safe and efficient operation of equipment to meet production targets
  • Perform routine inspections, safety walk-arounds, and preventative maintenance on assigned equipment
  • Maintain equipment in good operating condition, reporting and logging maintenance requirements or concerns
  • Complete required paperwork, reporting, and other documentation as required
  • May perform other related duties as assigned

Qualifications
  • At least two (2) years of experience operating heavy equipment
  • Knowledge of safe and productive operation of equipment, including but not limited to Caterpillar, Komatsu, etc.
  • Must be able to climb in and out of equipment unassisted
  • Must have and maintain a valid driver's license
  • Frequently lift 20 pounds, and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds
  • Must be willing and able to travel to other project sites throughout the southeastern U.S. as needed
  • Ability to have a flexible work schedule, including working overtime and weekends as needed

Benefits
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • 401(k) with company match
  • PTO, holidays, and a paid winter shutdown
  • Professional development & career growth opportunities
  • Supportive team environment in a respected, growing company
#J-18808-Ljbffr

What Morgan Truck Body employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Morgan Truck Body logo

About Morgan Truck Body

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Marking our 70th year as the leading manufacturer of truck bodies in North America, Morgan Truck Body LLC takes pride in delivering and servicing top-quality products. Our success is built on a solid foundation of innovative design and exceptional craftsmanship, leading to remarkable growth over the years. In addition to dry freight truck bodies, we excel in meeting diverse and customized truck body requirements, offering solutions like electric vehicles, mobile service units, and refrigerated products. Our products cater to various industries, including agriculture, construction, landscaping, and material transport, among others.

Industry

Trucking

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Morgantown, PA, US

Year founded

1952

Social media

FacebookTwitter

View All Morgan Truck Body Jobs

Apply