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Excavator Operator Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Garney Construction

Lead Excavator Operator- Pipe

Cary, NC

$22 - $29.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

GARNEY CONSTRUCTION An Excavator Operator job is available at Garney. To be considered for this position you must have previous construction experience. As an Excavator Operator , you will operate ...

Garney Construction

Lead Excavator Operator- Pipe

Apex, NC · On-site

$17.25 - $22.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

GARNEY CONSTRUCTION An Excavator Operator job is available at Garney. To be considered for this position you must have previous construction experience. As an Excavator Operator , you will operate ...

Garney Construction

Lead Excavator Operator- Pipe

Raleigh, NC

$19.25 - $25.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

GARNEY CONSTRUCTION An Excavator Operator job is available at Garney. To be considered for this position you must have previous construction experience. As an Excavator Operator , you will operate ...

Garney Construction

Lead Excavator Operator- Pipe

Chapel Hill, NC

$18.75 - $24.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

GARNEY CONSTRUCTION An Excavator Operator job is available at Garney. To be considered for this position you must have previous construction experience. As an Excavator Operator , you will operate ...

Morgan Corp.

Pipe Excavator Operator

Raleigh, NC

$21.75 - $29/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Description We are currently searching for a Utility Excavator Operator to work with our utility crews in Raleigh, NC. Work Environment: Work is performed outside in all types of environmental ...

Carolina Conduit Systems

Operator

Garner, NC

$20 - $26.50/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 ...

Garney Construction

Lead Excavator Operator- Pipe

Cary, NC · On-site

$23 - $30.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

GARNEY CONSTRUCTION An Excavator Operator jobis available at Garney. To be considered for this position you must have previous construction experience. As an Excavator Operator , you will operate ...

Garney Construction

Lead Excavator Operator- Pipe

Cary, NC · On-site

$22 - $29.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

GARNEY CONSTRUCTION An Excavator Operator jobis available at Garney. To be considered for this position you must have previous construction experience. As an Excavator Operator , you will operate ...

Garney Construction

Lead Excavator Operator- Pipe

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$21.75 - $29/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

GARNEY CONSTRUCTION An Excavator Operator job is available at Garney. To be considered for this position you must have previous construction experience. As an Excavator Operator , you will operate ...

Garney Construction

Lead Excavator Operator- Pipe

Apex, NC · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

GARNEY CONSTRUCTION An Excavator Operator job is available at Garney. To be considered for this position you must have previous construction experience. As an Excavator Operator , you will operate ...

Garney Construction

Lead Excavator Operator- Pipe

Durham, NC · On-site

$20.50 - $27/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

GARNEY CONSTRUCTION An Excavator Operator job is available at Garney. To be considered for this position you must have previous construction experience. As an Excavator Operator , you will operate ...

Garney Construction

Lead Excavator Operator- Pipe

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$21.75 - $29/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

GARNEY CONSTRUCTION An Excavator Operator jobis available at Garney. To be considered for this position you must have previous construction experience. As an Excavator Operator , you will operate ...

Garney Construction

Lead Excavator Operator- Pipe

Durham, NC · On-site

$20.50 - $27/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

GARNEY CONSTRUCTION An Excavator Operator jobis available at Garney. To be considered for this position you must have previous construction experience. As an Excavator Operator , you will operate ...

Garney Construction

Lead Excavator Operator- Pipe

Apex, NC · On-site

$17.25 - $22.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

GARNEY CONSTRUCTION An Excavator Operator jobis available at Garney. To be considered for this position you must have previous construction experience. As an Excavator Operator , you will operate ...

Flatiron Construction

Excavator Operator

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Click here to find out how Tim grew from an Equipment Operator into a Grade Foreman. What you will be doing Drive, maneuver, or control the heavy machinery used to construct roads and other ...

Flatiron Construction Corp

Excavator Operator

Raleigh, NC

$22 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Click here to find out how Tim grew from an Equipment Operator into a Grade Foreman. Drive, maneuver, or control the heavy machinery used to construct roads and other structures * Cleans and ...

Flatiron Construction Corp

Excavator Operator

Raleigh, NC

$30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Click here to find out how Tim grew from an Equipment Operator into a Grade Foreman. What you will be doing Drive, maneuver, or control the heavy machinery used to construct roads and other ...

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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 Aug 16, 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.

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.
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.

Lead Excavator Operator- Pipe

Garney Construction

Cary, NC

$22 - $29.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Garney Construction rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

GARNEY CONSTRUCTION

An Excavator Operator job is available at Garney. To be considered for this position you must have previous construction experience. As an Excavator Operator, you will operate machinery to perform activities such as excavating, backfilling, trenching, ditching, clearing, looming, fine grading, and final clean up. The operator may perform functions of a laborer as required.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING
  • Operate an excavator safely as part of a crew
  • Perform operator level maintenance on the machine
  • Understand safe working loads and signals
  • Handle trench boxes of all sizes and shapes
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
  • Five years of construction experience
  • Firm knowledge of equipment operations and maintenance
  • Must be able to work overtime
  • Must be willing to travel
LET'S TALK THE PERKS!
  • Free medical, prescription, dental, and vision plans ($0 premiums)
  • Virtual doctor visits with no co-pay
  • Shares of company stock at no cost starting your first day
  • 401(k) plan with a 3.5% match
  • Student loan resources
  • Weekly paychecks
  • Paid time off
  • 8 paid holidays
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) with a lump sum and matching contributions
  • Free life insurance and disability policy
  • Free access to healthcare coordinators
  • Counseling sessions with mental health professionals at no cost
  • Access to consultations with legal and financial professionals at no cost
  • Free programs assisting with weight loss, maternity health, prescriptions for chronic conditions, and more
  • 50% employee discount in the Garney apparel store
CONTACT US

If you are interested in the Excavator Operator position, please clickAPPLY NOW to submit your application. To view additional opportunities with Garney, visitcareers.garney.com 

If you have questions or would like more information, please call Anthony Martinez at 407-395-7674 or by email anthony.martinez@garney.com and include the job title and location to ensure a prompt response. Please complete an application if you are interested in the position. All openings listed are currently accepting candidates.

Garney and its subsidiaries are committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and it is our policy to provide equal opportunity to all people without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other legally protected category. Garney is a background screening, drug-free workplace. You may be required to complete a post-offer physical and a site-specific background check for this position.

Agency Disclaimer:  All vendors must have a signed Garney Agreement, authorized by the Executive Team, to receive payment for any placement. Verbal or written commitments made by anyone other than a member of the Executive Team will not be considered binding.  Any unsolicited resumes sent to Garney or submitted to employees outside of the Recruiting Team will be deemed the property of Garney. In such cases, Garney will not be obligated to pay any placement fees.

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