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Excavator Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Martin Marietta

Excavator Operator

Homer, GA

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

Martin Marietta is seeking an Excavator Operator to join our team. The ideal individual will be safety conscious, dependable, and motivated. This individual will be responsible for safely and ...

FALL CREEK FARM & NURSERY

Excavator Operator

Anna, TX · On-site

$21 - $28/hr

An Excavator Operator position is available at Garney. To be considered for this position, you must have previous construction experience. As an Excavator Operator , you will operate machinery to ...

Solid Rock Excavation LLC

Excavator Operator

Parker, CO · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Solid Rock Excavation is looking for an Excavator Operator to join our talented team. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer in search of a strong and dedicated team member to support our growing team.

ABCI

Excavator Operator

Lubbock, TX · On-site

$19.50 - $25.75/hr

Excavator Operator ABCI, a local mid-sized heavy civil construction company has an immediate opening for a full-time, experienced Excavator Operator. An Excavator Operator is responsible for the safe ...

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Dulles, VA · On-site

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

Mass Excavator Operator Heavy Earthmoving (CAT 352) Location: Front Royal, VA Position Type: Direct Placement (Full-Time, Permanent) Primary Machine: CAT 352 (Mass Excavation Configuration) Move ...

The Grasso Companies

Excavator Operator

Stamford, CT · On-site

$24 - $31.75/hr

The Excavator Operator will work closely with the construction team to ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with all industry regulations. Key Responsibilities:

Jurgensen Companies

Excavator Operator

Walton, KY · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Excavator Operator Eaton Asphalt is seeking a skilled Excavator Operator to support our pipe crew and concrete operations. This role involves precision excavation for underground utilities, trench ...

Baranko Companies

Excavator Operator

Dickinson, ND · On-site

$21.25 - $28.25/hr

Excavator Operator As an Excavator Operator, you will be an integral member of the Baranko Brothers team, responsible for operating a hydraulic excavator to excavate, move, and grade earth on a ...

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Charles Town, WV · On-site

$21.50 - $28.25/hr

Excavator Operator - Underground Utilities Location: Charles Town, WV Position Type: Direct Placement (Full-Time, Permanent) Primary Fleet: CAT 320 CAT 336 Excavators Reports To: Team Lead About the ...

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Sterling, VA · On-site

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

Mass Excavator Operator - Heavy Earthmoving (CAT 352) Location: Front Royal, VA Position Type: Direct Placement (Full-Time, Permanent) Primary Machine: CAT 352 (Mass Excavation Configuration) Move ...

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Washington, DC · On-site

$25.50 - $33.75/hr

Mass Excavator Operator - Heavy Earthmoving (CAT 352) Location: Charles Town, WV Position Type: Direct Placement (Full-Time, Permanent) Primary Machine: CAT 352 (Mass Excavation Configuration) Move ...

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Front Royal, VA · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Mass Excavator Operator Heavy Earthmoving (CAT 352) Location: Front Royal, VA Position Type: Direct Placement (Full-Time, Permanent) Primary Machine: CAT 352 (Mass Excavation Configuration) Move ...

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Bowmansville, PA

$21.50 - $28.50/hr

As an Excavator Operator, you will play a critical role in the efficient operation of our mining operations in Bowmansville, Pennsylvania. Operating heavy equipment with precision and safety, you ...

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Bowmansville, PA · On-site

$21.50 - $28.50/hr

As an Excavator Operator, you will play a critical role in the efficient operation of our mining operations in Bowmansville, Pennsylvania. Operating heavy equipment with precision and safety, you ...

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Excavator Operator information

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How much do excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator operator in the United States is $26.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.63 and $28.61 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 the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Full Time, 50% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,408 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Excavator Operator

Loudon, TN • On-site

Hunter Recruitment Advisors
Human Resources Consulting Services • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Hunter Recruitment Advisorsexternal

$30 - $32/hr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Plumbing Excavator Operator

Bio Plumbing
Location: Loudon, TN
Pay Range: $30–32 per Hour (DOE) + Overtime + Benefits

Build More Than Trenches—Build a Career.

We're a growing, family-owned residential plumbing company looking for a skilled Excavator Operator to join our team. If you have experience operating equipment for sewer and water line installations and enjoy working alongside a hardworking crew, we'd love to meet you.

This is a hands-on position where you'll play a critical role in residential plumbing projects, ensuring excavation work is completed safely, efficiently, and with minimal disruption to homeowners' properties.

What You'll Do

  • Operate mini and full-size excavators for residential plumbing projects.
  • Working on a 2-3 man slab crew.
  • Reading blueprints.
  • Excavate for sewer line, water service, and drain installations and repairs.
  • Safely expose existing underground utilities and work around utility locates.
  • Backfill, grade, and restore job sites following excavation work.
  • Assist plumbers with underground piping, trench preparation, and other labor as needed.
  • Perform daily equipment inspections and basic preventative maintenance.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
  • Follow OSHA safety standards and company policies at all times.

Requirements

What We're Looking For

  • 3+ years of excavator operating experience
  • Residential plumbing or underground utilities background required.
  • Experience reading blueprints.
  • Experience digging around existing utilities and working from utility locates.
  • Ability to operate equipment safely and efficiently in residential neighborhoods.
  • Strong work ethic and willingness to assist the plumbing team when not operating equipment.
  • Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
  • CDL is a plus but not required.

Benefits

Why Join Our Team?

  • Competitive Pay: $30–32 per hour based on experience
  • Overtime opportunities
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Stable, year-round work
  • Modern, well-maintained equipment
  • Supportive, family-oriented work environment
  • Opportunities for advancement as our company continues to grow

Join Our Team

We're looking for someone who takes pride in their work, values safety, and enjoys being part of a team that delivers quality service to homeowners every day. If you're dependable, experienced, and ready for your next opportunity, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and help us build the infrastructure that keeps our community running!