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Excavator Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Charles Town, WV · On-site

$21.50 - $28.25/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

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

Dulles, VA

$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

Charles Town, WV · On-site

$21.50 - $28.25/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

Charles Town, WV · On-site

$21.50 - $28.25/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 ...

Muschlitz Excavating, LLC

Excavator Operator

Bath, PA · On-site

$20.75 - $27.25/hr

Job Overview Muschlitz Excavating, LLC., Eastern PA's premier sitework contractor, is seeking skilled Excavator Operators to join our sitework construction team. The ideal candidate will have ...

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 ...

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Front Royal, VA · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Excavator Operator - Underground Utilities Location: Front Royal, VA 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

Front Royal, VA · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Excavator Operator - Underground Utilities Location: Front Royal, VA 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

Front Royal, VA · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Excavator Operator - Underground Utilities Location: Front Royal, VA 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

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 ...

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

Charles Town, WV · On-site

$21.50 - $28.25/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 ...

FD.io

Excavator Operator

Aberdeen, NC · On-site

$22/hr

Excavator Operator The Excavator Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and precise operation of hydraulic excavators on heavy civil and highway construction projects. This role supports ...

Blythe Construction

Excavator Operator

Saluda, NC · On-site

$24.25 - $32/hr

General Description The Excavator Operator will work in close proximity to equipment and people and operate an excavator to remove materials in a safe manner. Key Duties * Operate a excavator in ...

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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

Corpus Christi, TX • On-site

Reytec Construction Resources Inc.
Construction • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Reytec Construction Resources Inc.external

$18.50 - $24.50/hr

Other

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Excavator Operator works on construction project sites where they are responsible for the safe and efficient operation of large excavators. The Excavator Operator is proficient in the use of excavating ditches, mass excavations, laying pipe and precast concrete structures, loading and unloading trucks. May also be equipped in a diverse range of construction equipment, including, Loaders, Dozers and other pieces of equipment. Generally, the duties performed by Excavator Operator are shown in the job description example below:

  • Capable of operating an excavator in compliance with the company's operating safety policies and procedures.
  • Operate all heavy equipment in a safe and appropriate manner.
  • Repair and maintain construction equipment and tools.
  • Perform daily safety checks of excavator equipment and report any damage or repair issues.
  • Report needs for larger repairs to the appropriate parties.
  • May be required to read and interpret construction plans.
  • Should be familiar with construction materials and soil types as related to OSHA standard
  • Maneuver heavy equipment into loading or unloading positions, following signals from loading crew as needed; check that the vehicle position is correct and any special loading equipment is properly positioned.
  • Operate equipment on public roadways, maintaining proper awareness of ones surroundings.
  • Follow all safety precautions at all times. This includes wearing protective gear and maintaining active communication with all other construction crew members.
  • Work in a safe, responsible manner to not intentionally or unintentionally injure oneself, or endanger the well being of others.
  • Promote, execute and adhere to the company's safety program.
  • Safely pack and store work materials as directed by the site supervisor.
  • Other construction related duties as required.
Requirements and Skills

Below are the major skills, abilities, and knowledge that we expect candidates for the construction laborer job to possess to be considered for an interview appointment:

  • Knowledge: must have good knowledge and understanding of construction plans and designs, of heavy equipment operation, and how to handle tasks in a construction site.
  • Work Experience: Minimum 8 years of experience.
  • Education: may not be formally educated but must have the ability to understand written and verbal instructions.
  • He/she must be willing and ready to learn new ways of handling construction tasks.
  • Communication: must be able to understand written and verbal instructions and must be willing to adhere to plans and directives.
  • Health & Safety: applicants will be required to obtain health and safety certifications to be hired.
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