ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Excavator Operator Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Cardinal Civil Contracting

Operator - 1

Raleigh, NC

The ideal candidate will be proficient in operating bulldozers and trackhoe excavators to perform various civil construction tasks, including digging, grading, trenching, and laying pipe . This role ...

CARDINAL CIVIL CONTRACTING LLC

Operator - 4

Raleigh, NC · On-site

The ideal candidate will be proficient in operating bulldozers and trackhoe excavators to perform various civil construction tasks, including digging, grading, trenching, and laying pipe . This role ...

Delta Oaks Group

Construction Top Hand

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$44K - $59K/yr

Excavator Operator is preferred. * NWSA TTT-1 is preferred. * Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and be insurable under the company's standards -- employment contingent upon passing a ...

Thalle Construction Company

Fine Grade Operator

Clayton, NC · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Soil & Rock Excavation, Coal Ash Closures, DOT Highway & Bridge Construction, and on demand ... A Fine Grade Operator is responsible for producing precise finished grades for foundations ...

Thalle Construction Company

Fine Grade Operator

Clayton, NC

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Excavator * Skid steer * Compact track loader * Vibratory roller (as needed) GPS & Survey ... Proficiency operating GPS- and laser-controlled grading equipment. * Ability to read civil drawings ...

Morgan Corp.

Heavy Equipment Operator

Raleigh, NC · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Grade, level, and excavate according to project specifications * Maintain awareness of site hazards ... Proven experience operating heavy construction equipment in a civil construction environment

City of Durham, NC

Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO)

Durham, NC · On-site

$53K - $78K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Excavation: Maintains pipelines, installing new services, hydrants, valves, manholes and meters ... Operating construction equipment including, but not limited, to backhoes, excavators, dump trucks ...

City of Durham

Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO)

Durham, NC

$53K - $78K/yr

Backhoe, Track-hoe, Skid-Steer, Excavator, Rubber Tire Loader, Front-end Loader and/or tractor with ... operating difficulty. This job works in close proximity to high voltage wires & other lines often ...

Blythe Construction Inc

Back Hoe Operator

Raleigh, NC

$41K - $54K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Able to operate the excavator and backhoe on road building and heavy construction projects. * Able to operations for road bed preparation, utilities trenching, excavations, pipeline, land clearing ...

Blythe Construction Inc

Back Hoe Operator

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$41K - $54K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Able to operate the excavator and backhoe on road building and heavy construction projects. * Able ... The Operator must be able to climb on and off heavy mobile equipment safely. * Work Environment.

Delta Oaks Group

Construction Foreman

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$61K - $75K/yr

Excavator Operator. * NWSA TTT-1 is preferred. * Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and be insurable under the company's standards -- employment contingent upon passing a motor ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

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.

Operator - 5

CARDINAL CIVIL CONTRACTING LLC

Raleigh, NC

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

We are seeking a skilled and experiencedHeavy Equipment Operatorto join our team. The ideal candidate will be proficient in operatingbulldozers and trackhoe excavatorsto perform various civil construction tasks, includingdigging, grading, trenching, and laying pipe. This role requires precision, safety awareness, and the ability to work effectively in different site conditions.

Key Responsibilities:

Bulldozer Operations:

  • Performgrading and levelingto prepare job sites for construction.
  • Push, spread, and compactsoil, gravel, and other materials.
  • Assist inroad and pad constructionby cutting and shaping terrain.
  • Maintain and adjust equipment to ensure optimal performance.

Trackhoe Excavator Operations:

  • Performexcavation, trenching, and diggingfor foundations, electrical, and pipe.
  • Digging Trenches: Dig, backfill, and grade trenches of the required depth and width to lay electrical conduits or cables.
  • Precision Work:The operator ensures trenches are straight and properly aligned to match project specifications for efficient cable installation.
  • Trench refinement:Smoothing and leveling the bottom of the trench and grading for drainage.
  • Assist inlaying pipeby precisely excavating trenches and backfilling materials.
  • Operate attachments such asbuckets, hammers, and grapplesfor specialized tasks.
  • Work around existing utilities with caution and precision.

General Responsibilities:

  • Read and interpretblueprints, site plans, and grade stakesto complete tasks accurately.
  • Follow allsafety protocolsto ensure a safe work environment.
  • Conductpre-operational inspectionsand basic maintenance on equipment.
  • Communicate effectively with supervisors, crew members, and site managers.
  • Adapt to varying job site conditions and complete tasks efficiently.
  • Proven experienceoperating bulldozers and trackhoe excavators in civil construction.
  • Ability to read and understandgrading plans and site layouts.
  • Familiarity withGPS and laser grading technologyis a plus.
  • Strong understanding ofsafety regulations and equipment maintenance.
  • Physical ability tolift, climb, and work in various weather conditions.
  • A validCDL or heavy equipment operator certificationis preferred.

Work Environment & Schedule:

  • Outdoor construction sites in varying weather conditions.
  • Full-time position with potentialovertime and weekend workbased on project needs.

Apply