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Excavator Operator Jobs in Rochester, NH (NOW HIRING)

Excavator Operator

East Kingston, NH · On-site

$23.25 - $30.75/hr

Excavator Operator We are seeking a skilled and safety-focused Excavator Operator to join our team. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience operating heavy equipment, including excavators ...

Excavator Operator

Concord, NH · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Excavator Operator Compensation: $25.00 to $35.00 per hour. Job Location: All construction sites are in southern NH and within 30 minutes of our Bedford office. Job Type: This is a full-time hourly ...

Excavator Operator

Exeter, NH · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Excavator Operator Compensation: $25.00 to $35.00 per hour. Job Location: All construction sites are in southern NH and within 30 minutes of our Bedford office. Job Type: This is a full-time hourly ...

Equipment Operator - Excavator

Hooksett, NH · On-site

$27/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Equipment Operator - Excavator AMAT Hooksett, New Hampshire, United States Job ID: 519540 Pike Industries, Inc., a subsidiary and integral part of CRH, is a leading Highway Contractor and the largest ...

Equipment Operator - Excavator

Hooksett, NH

$27/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Equipment Operator - Excavator (Hooksett, NH): What you can expect * $27/hour and up based on experience, with a $10.00/hour shift differential * Annual increase potential * Overtime after 8 * Paid ...

Tipping Floor Operator

Concord, NH · On-site

$22.75 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

WIN Waste Innovations is looking for a Tipping Floor Operator who can perform duties relevant to all phases of Tipping Floor, Monofill and Ash Management Building operations (where applicable)

Tipping Floor Operator

Concord, NH

$22.75 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

WIN Waste Innovations is looking for a Tipping Floor Operator who can perform duties relevant to all phases of Tipping Floor, Monofill and Ash Management Building operations (where applicable)

EQUIPMENT OPERATOR

Portsmouth, NH · On-site

$17.81 - $23.39/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

Operating dump trucks, backhoes and excavators to find, expose, repair and return worksite back to pre-repair condition. Repairs may require heavy physical labor. Performs pre-trip vehicle ...

Vac Truck Driver - Operator - BTB

Hooksett, NH · On-site

$40/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Vac Truck Driver - Operator - BTB AQUALIS is the nationwide leading provider of comprehensive water ... Clean catch basins, manholes, hydro-excavate, and other duties as assigned and required * Properly ...

Vac Truck Driver - Operator - BTB

Hooksett, NH · On-site

$1.3K - $1.7K/wk

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Vac Truck Operator is responsible fthe successful completion of projects for stormwater ... excavate, adn other duties as assigned and required Properly prepare equipment and worksite on a ...

Vac Truck Driver - Operator - BTB

Hooksett, NH

$1.3K - $1.7K/wk

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Vac Truck Operator is responsible fthe successful completion of projects for stormwater ... Clean catch basins, manholes, hydro-excavate, adn other duties as assigned and required * Properly ...

Vac Truck Driver - Operator - BTB

Hooksett, NH

$1.3K - $1.7K/wk

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Vac Truck Operator is responsible fthe successful completion of projects for stormwater ... excavate, adn other duties as assigned and required Properly prepare equipment and worksite on a ...

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Excavator Operator information

See Rochester, NH salary details

$13

$25

$40

How much do excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator operator in Rochester, NH is $25.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.15 and $27.98 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.

What cities near Rochester, NH are hiring for Excavator Operator jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NH with the most Excavator Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Excavator Operator job openings in Rochester, NH 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 $53,250 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Excavator Operator

New Day Executive Search

East Kingston, NH • On-site

$23.25 - $30.75/hr

Other

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Excavator Operator

We are seeking a skilled and safety-focused Excavator Operator to join our team. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience operating heavy equipment, including excavators and skid steers, with a strong understanding of job site safety, grading, and excavation practices.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Operate excavators for digging, trenching, grading, and material handling
  • Perform daily equipment inspections and basic maintenance
  • Read and interpret site plans, blueprints, and grade stakes
  • Safely operate equipment around utilities, structures, and other workers
  • Load and unload materials as needed using heavy equipment
  • Maintain a clean and organized job site
  • Follow all OSHA and company safety regulations
  • Communicate effectively with site supervisors and crew members
Qualifications:
  • Minimum 3 years of excavator operating experience (5–10 years preferred)
  • Experience operating Caterpillar and/or Komatsu excavators strongly preferred
  • 2–5 years of skid steer experience (Bobcat and/or Caterpillar)
  • Knowledge of excavation techniques, grading, and trenching
  • Ability to work in varying weather and site conditions
  • Strong attention to safety and detail
  • Valid driver's license (CDL is a plus)
Preferred Skills:
  • Experience working on construction, site development, or utility projects
  • Familiarity with GPS grade control systems (if applicable)
  • Ability to perform minor mechanical troubleshooting
  • Team-oriented with strong work ethic
Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to sit, stand, and operate machinery for extended periods
  • Lift up to 50 lbs as needed
  • Work in outdoor environments in varying conditions