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Excavator Operator Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Skillforce

Heavy Equipment Operator

Woodinville, WA · Remote

$35 - $47/hr

Heavy Equipment Operator (Civil / Environmental Excavation) Pay: $3 5 - $47 /hour Location: Woodinville, WA. Skillforce is hiring an experienced Heavy Equipment Operator who can handle both mass ...

Essel

Heavy Equipment Operator

Seattle, WA · On-site

Heavy Equipment Operator at Essel Essel is seeking a reliable and skilled Heavy Equipment Operator ... Perform site preparation, excavation, grading, trenching, and backfilling. * Inspect equipment ...

Essel

Heavy Equipment Operator

Seattle, WA · On-site

Heavy Equipment Operator at Essel Essel is seeking a reliable and skilled Heavy Equipment Operator ... Perform site preparation, excavation, grading, trenching, and backfilling. * Inspect equipment ...

Essel

Heavy Equipment Operator

Seattle, WA · On-site

Heavy Equipment Operator at Essel Essel is seeking a reliable and skilled Heavy Equipment Operator ... Perform site preparation, excavation, grading, trenching, and backfilling. * Inspect equipment ...

McCallum Rock Drilling

Heavy Equipment Operator

WA · On-site

$30/hr

He or she will be responsible for operating large machinery such as loaders, excavators, haul trucks, crushers, and possibly even rock drills on a daily basis. The applicant must live within 30 ...

Badger Daylighting

Hydrovac Operator

Woodinville, WA · On-site

$38.30/hr

Are you enthusiastic about safe excavation and skilled in operating hydrovac equipment? Join the Badger team as a Hydrovac Operator! In this role, you'll use high-pressure water and vacuum systems to ...

Badger Daylighting

Hydrovac Operator

Woodinville, WA · On-site

$38.30/hr

Are you enthusiastic about safe excavation and skilled in operating hydrovac equipment? Join the Badger team as a Hydrovac Operator! In this role, you'll use high-pressure water and vacuum systems to ...

Trillium Staffing

Equipment Operator

Kent, WA · On-site

$40 - $55/hr

Will operate an excavator, forklift, use straps and tie downs, CB Radios, cell phone to communicate with crew members. Hours of Work: On call. Hours of work vary due to project timelines. Knowledge ...

Trillium Staffing

Equipment Operator

Kent, WA · On-site

$40 - $55/hr

Will operate an excavator, forklift, use straps and tie downs, CB Radios, cell phone to communicate with crew members. Hours of Work: On call. Hours of work vary due to project timelines. Knowledge ...

Badger Daylighting

Hydrovac Operator

Woodinville, WA · On-site

$38.30/hr

Are you enthusiastic about safe excavation and skilled in operating hydrovac equipment? Join the Badger team as a Hydrovac Operator! In this role, you'll use high-pressure water and vacuum systems to ...

Badger Daylighting

Hydrovac Operator

Woodinville, WA · On-site

$38.30/hr

Are you enthusiastic about safe excavation and skilled in operating hydrovac equipment? Join the Badger team as a Hydrovac Operator! In this role, you'll use high-pressure water and vacuum systems to ...

Boretech Llc

Be Seen First

Laborer

Everett, WA · On-site

$25 - $32/hr

Maintain a safe and clean work environment * Assist excavation operators with locating and identifying underground utilities * Load, unload, and organize tools and materials * Perform general labor ...

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All JobsExcavator Operator JobsExcavator Operator Jobs in Seattle, WA

Excavator Operator information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$15

$29

$47

How much do excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator operator in Seattle, WA is $29.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.62 and $32.55 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

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For Excavator Operator jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Excavator Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Excavator Operator job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $61,917 per year, or $29.8 per hour.

Septic Install Excavator Operator

A-ADVANCED SEPTIC SERVICES INC

Auburn, WA

$30 - $36/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Excavator Operator – Septic System Installation

Company: A Advanced Septic and Construction Services
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $30.00 - $36.00 per hour (based on experience)

Job Summary:

A Advanced Septic and Construction Services is seeking an experienced Excavator Operator with preferred expertise in Septic System Installation to join our team.

The Excavator Operator will be responsible for operating and maintaining excavators and other heavy equipment to assist with various Septic System Installation projects. Our ideal candidate will have a valid CDL A license (highly preferred) and be able to safely operate a wide variety of excavators to dig around existing underground utilities, cut and fill to grade, excavate, backfill to the desired compaction, and complete manual labor as needed for septic, sewer, drain field, and storm drain installations. This role requires precision, efficiency, and a strong commitment to safety.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Operate excavators to dig trenches, ditches, and foundations for septic systems, drain fields, and storm drains.
  • Perform grading, backfilling, and compaction to required specifications.
  • Load and unload materials using heavy equipment.
  • Follow project plans and supervisor instructions to ensure efficient and precise excavation work.
  • Conduct routine maintenance and basic mechanical tasks on equipment.
  • Maintain a safe work environment by adhering to company and OSHA safety guidelines.
  • Drive company trucks and trailers loaded with excavators and other heavy equipment.
Requirements:
  • Valid CDL (Class A preferred)
  • 3+ years of experience operating excavators in mainline digging and heavy equipment operation.
  • Strong understanding of excavation techniques, site preparation, and safety protocols.
  • Experience operating loaders, water trucks, dump trucks, backhoes, and tankers.
  • Ability to perform basic mechanical repairs and maintenance on equipment.
  • Must be 23+ years old (for insurance purposes).
Preferred Qualifications:
  • 5+ years of experience in Civil or Residential Construction (preferred).
  • Experience working in septic, sewer, and drainage installation projects.
  • Septic System Installation experience preferred.

Benefits:

  • Company Paid Medical for Employees ($25.00 bi-weekly employee contribution)
  • Dental Insurance – Supplemental Available (After 2 months)
  • Vision Insurance – Supplemental Available (After 2 months)
  • Company Paid $25,000 Life Insurance
  • Supplemental Life Insurance – Principal + Colonial
  • 401K - 4% Company Match
  • Paid Sick Leave - accumulate 1 hour for every 40 hours worked - Eligible to use after 90 days
  • Annual PTO Balance (after your first year)
  • Supplemental Aflac Insurance
  • Pet Insurance – Supplemental Available through United Healthcare
  • Aflac Supplemental Insurance (Short- & Long-Term Disability, Critical Illness, Accident, etc.)
  • Professional Development Opportunities
  • Retirement Plan
  • Referral Bonus Program
  • Employee Discount Program
  • 6 Paid Holidays (After 6 months of employment)
  • As a token of our gratitude, Veterans and Active Military Members Receive Veterans Day as an Additional Paid Holiday (After 6 months of employment)
Schedule:
  • 8 to 10-hour shifts
  • Monday – Friday
Requirements:
  • Valid CDL (Class A preferred)
  • 3+ years of experience operating excavators in mainline digging and heavy equipment operation.
  • Strong understanding of excavation techniques, site preparation, and safety protocols.
  • Experience operating loaders, water trucks, dump trucks, backhoes, and tankers.
  • Ability to perform basic mechanical repairs and maintenance on equipment.
  • Must be 23+ years old (for insurance purposes).
Preferred Qualifications:
  • 5+ years of experience in Civil or Residential Construction (preferred).
  • Experience working in septic, sewer, and drainage installation projects.
  • Septic System Installation experience preferred.

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