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Excavator Operator Jobs in Rochester, MN (NOW HIRING)

Aerotek

Travelling Gas Pump Technician

Stewartville, MN · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

... excavation, equipment installation, site preparation, and general construction tasks. * Follow all ... Experience operating skid loaders, forklifts, air compressors, power tools, or similar equipment.

New

Centuri Group, Inc.

Gas Utility Laborer

Rochester, MN · On-site

$32.97/hr

You will be led by an experienced Foreman, working alongside skilled Equipment Operators and Pipe ... This role provides the opportunity to developed specialized skills in areas such as excavating ...

DeCook Excavating

Driver - Olmsted Aggregate

Byron, MN · On-site

Communicate with equipment operators, customers and office staff to ensure correct product/delivery location * Verify products requested and loaded for accuracy * Verify weights to ensure equipment ...

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All JobsExcavator Operator JobsExcavator Operator Jobs in Rochester, MN

Excavator Operator information

See Rochester, MN salary details

$13

$26

$42

How much do excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator operator in Rochester, MN is $26.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.97 and $29.09 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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Excavator Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Excavator Operator job openings in Rochester, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,305 per year, or $26.6 per hour.

Operator I, Pultrusion 3rd shift

Strongwell Corporation

Chatfield, MN • On-site

$19.45 - $20.45/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Strongwell rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Duties and Responsibilities
The list of Duties and Responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive, and employees will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required.
  • Responsible for keeping the fiberglass creels loaded and spliced on the glass rack.
  • Learn basic procedures for operating the pultrusion machines to be able to act as backup during breaks.
  • Thread in any new lines and fix any problem lines on the glass rack when necessary.
  • Become familiar with finished product to aid in inspecting for product defects.
  • Compile data for quality control checks and for scrap management identification.
  • Assist in housekeeping in the Pultrusion Department and keep immediate work area clean.
  • Keep the batteries charged for the portable sewing machines.
  • Gather cardboard and plastic and dispose of it in the proper manner.
  • Learn and maintain ISO documentation and procedures pertinent to pultrusion.
  • Learn to enter information on the shop order for signing out and returning resin.
  • Work overtime as business needs require.
  • Perform other duties as assigned and directed.
  • Comply with Strongwell guidelines, rules, and procedures as contained in the Employee Handbook and miscellaneous memos.

Pay Range: $19.45 - $20.45 per hour

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