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Excavator Operator Jobs in Springfield, VA (NOW HIRING)

Excavator Operator

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$24 - $38/hr

Hazel, Inc. is now hiring an Excavator Operator who will work our Dirt Crew. This is one of numerous excavator operator jobs we are now hiring for at our office in Northern Virginia. Benefits ...

Excavator Operator

Washington, DC · On-site

$25.50 - $33.75/hr

Excavator Operator Company Name: Baker Concrete Construction, Inc Location: Washington DC, DC, US Find a greater purpose with a team that puts people first. Baker Construction is the nation's top ...

Excavator Operator

Arlington, VA · On-site

$26 - $34.25/hr

Excavator Operator Company Name: Baker Concrete Construction, Inc Location: Arlington, VA, US, 22201 Req ID : 8116 Travel: None Number of Openings: 2 Find a greater purpose with a team that puts ...

Excavator Operator

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$29 - $38/hr

Hazel, Inc. is now hiring a Excavator Operator to join our Pipe Team . Essential Duties: * Know OSHA safety and trenching regulations. * Be able to operate excavator in a safe way at all times (will ...

Excavator Operator

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$29 - $38/hr

Hazel, Inc. is now hiring a Excavator Operator to join our Pipe Team . Essential Duties: * Know OSHA safety and trenching regulations. * Be able to operate excavator in a safe way at all times (will ...

Excavator Operator

Lorton, VA

$22.75 - $30/hr

Clark Water is seeking an experienced and safety-focused Excavator Operator to support water utility construction and maintenance projects. This role involves operating heavy equipment to install ...

Excavator Operator

Lorton, VA · On-site

$22.75 - $30/hr

Clark Water is seeking an experienced and safety-focused Excavator Operator to support water utility construction and maintenance projects. This role involves operating heavy equipment to install ...

Clear career paths into senior operator, specialty excavation, or leadership roles * Long-term stability with a company that's been growing for over 40 years What You'll Be Doing * Safely operate ...

Excavator Operator

Lorton, VA · On-site

$22 - $35/hr

Operate heavy equipment such as excavators, loaders, dozers and motor graders. * Perform general maintenance including greasing, checking fluid levels, and cleaning of tracks. * Daily cleaning of ...

Excavator Operator

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$22 - $35/hr

Operate heavy equipment such as excavators, loaders, dozers and motor graders. * Perform general maintenance including greasing, checking fluid levels, and cleaning of tracks. * Daily cleaning of ...

The ideal candidate has at least three (3) years of experience operating excavators in site development, utility installation, or large-scale excavation projects. This role is essential to ensuring ...

Operate heavy equipment such as excavators, loaders, dozers and motor graders. * Perform general maintenance including greasing, checking fluid levels, and cleaning of tracks. * Daily cleaning of ...

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Excavator Operator information

See Springfield, VA salary details

$14

$27

$43

How much do excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator operator in Springfield, VA is $27.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.60 and $29.86 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 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.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Excavator Operator jobs in Springfield, VA?

The most popular types of Excavator Operator jobs in Springfield, VA are:

What are popular job titles related to Excavator Operator jobs in Springfield, VA?

For Excavator Operator jobs in Springfield, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Springfield, VA are hiring for Excavator Operator jobs?

Cities near Springfield, VA with the most Excavator Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Excavator Operator job openings in Springfield, VA 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 $56,830 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

Excavator Operator

William A. Hazel, Inc.

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$24 - $38/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago


William A. Hazel rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

William A. Hazel, Inc. is now hiring an Excavator Operator who will work our Dirt Crew. This is one of numerous excavator operator jobs we are now hiring for at our office in Northern Virginia.
Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Referral program
  • Retirement plan
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Vision insurance

If you'd like to apply to one of our excavator operator jobs, fill out the application linked to in the right-hand column and we will get back to you.
Salary: Hourly $24.00 to $38.00/hour
William A. Hazel, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.
We do not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristics protected by law.

What William A. Hazel employees say

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