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Excavator Owner Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Excavator Operator

Alexandria, MN ยท On-site

$21.75 - $28.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Excavator Operator Central Specialties, Inc. is a third generation, family owned, general road ... Family owned and operated * Best equipment and technology * Building the best roads start to finish ...

Excavator Operator

Buxton, ME ยท On-site

$22 - $29.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Dearborn Brothers Construction, a Southern Maine excavation construction company located in Buxton ... We are a family owned and operated company that has been operating in Buxton since the 1984. This ...

Excavator Operator

Buxton, ME

$22 - $29.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Dearborn Brothers Construction, a Southern Maine excavation construction company located in Buxton ... We are a family owned and operated company that has been operating in Buxton since the 1984. This ...

Excavator Operator

Alexandria, MN ยท On-site

$21.75 - $28.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Family owned and operated * Best equipment and technology * Building the best roads start to finish ... We promote from within An Excavator Operator is responsible for operating heavy machinery ...

Excavator Operator

Alexandria, MN ยท On-site

$27 - $46/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Family owned and operated * Best equipment and technology * Building the best roads start to finish ... We promote from within An Excavator Operator is responsible for operating heavy machinery ...

Excavator Operator

Alexandria, MN

$21.75 - $28.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Family owned and operated * Best equipment and technology * Building the best roads start to finish ... We promote from within An Excavator Operator is responsible for operating heavy machinery ...

EXCAVATOR OPERATOR - Underground Utilities

Naples, FL ยท On-site

$21.25 - $28/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

EXCAVATOR OPERATOR Summary: Operate an Excavator and other heavy equipment utilized in the ... Bonness Inc. is a family owned and operated contractor serving our community since 1981. Our ...

Excavator Operator

Saint Paul, MN ยท On-site

$22.75 - $30/hr

Excavator Operator The Excavator Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating an ... Family owned and operated * Paid Training * Advancement opportunities - we aim to promote within

Excavator Operator

Whitestown, IN ยท On-site

$23 - $30.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Job Title: Trackhoe/Excavator Operator - Earthwork Crews Location: Whitestown, IN Job Type ... As an employee-owned company, we believe in the value of investing in our people and providing ...

EXCAVATOR OPERATOR - Underground Utilities

Naples, FL ยท On-site

$21 - $27.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

EXCAVATOR OPERATOR Summary: Operate an Excavator and other heavy equipment utilized in the ... Bonness Inc. is a family owned and operated contractor serving our community since 1981. Our ...

EXCAVATOR OPERATOR - Underground Utilities

Naples, FL ยท On-site

$21 - $27.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

EXCAVATOR OPERATOR Summary: Operate an Excavator and other heavy equipment utilized in the ... Bonness Inc. is a family owned and operated contractor serving our community since 1981. Our ...

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Excavator Owner Operator information

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How much do excavator owner operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator owner 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.

How much do excavator owner operators earn?

Excavator owner operators typically earn between $20 and $40 per hour, with annual incomes ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 depending on experience, location, and workload. Earnings can increase with specialized skills, certifications, and the ability to operate larger or more complex equipment.

What is an excavator owner operator?

An Excavator Owner Operator is a skilled professional who owns and operates their own excavator for various construction, demolition, or earthmoving projects. They are responsible for transporting, maintaining, and using their equipment efficiently to complete tasks such as digging trenches, clearing land, and moving heavy materials. Unlike company-employed operators, owner-operators manage their own business, secure contracts, and handle expenses like fuel, repairs, and insurance. This role requires expertise in equipment operation, strong business acumen, and adherence to safety regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an excavator owner operator?

Excavator Owner Operators require strong mechanical aptitude, equipment operation skills, and a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) or heavy equipment operator certification. They must be proficient in using hydraulic excavators, GPS grade control systems, and routine maintenance tools. Excellent problem-solving, time management, and communication skills help operators coordinate with crew members and manage jobsite demands effectively. These competencies are vital for operating safely, maximizing equipment lifespan, and delivering quality results on construction and excavation projects.

Where do excavator owner operators make the most money?

Excavator owner operators tend to earn higher wages in regions with high construction activity, such as urban areas with ongoing infrastructure projects. States or provinces with strong construction industries and higher cost of living often offer better pay, especially for those with specialized skills and certifications. Income can also vary based on experience, equipment size, and the complexity of projects undertaken.

Is owning an excavator profitable?

Owning an excavator as an owner-operator can be profitable if there is consistent demand for excavation services, proper maintenance, and efficient scheduling. Profitability depends on factors such as equipment costs, project rates, and operational expenses, making it essential to manage costs and secure reliable contracts. Successful operators often have relevant skills, certifications, and a good understanding of the local construction market.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an excavator owner operator?

As an Excavator Owner Operator, your daily responsibilities generally include transporting your equipment to and from job sites, performing inspections and routine maintenance, and operating the excavator to perform digging, grading, trenching, or demolition tasks as required. You will often need to read site plans or instructions, work closely with site supervisors and other contractors, and ensure all work meets safety and project specifications. Efficient time management is important as you'll often manage your own schedule and billing. The role is hands-on and physically demanding, with a strong focus on precision, safety, and coordination with other professionals to keep projects on track.

More about Excavator Owner Operator jobs

What cities are hiring for Excavator Owner Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Excavator Owner Operator job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Excavator Owner Operator jobs?

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What states have the most Excavator Owner Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Excavator Owner Operator jobs include:

Infographic showing various Excavator Owner Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,408 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Excavator Operator

Central Specialties, Inc.

Alexandria, MN โ€ข On-site

$21.75 - $28.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Excavator Operator

Central Specialties, Inc. is a third generation, family owned, general road contracting company serving Minnesota and the Dakotas. We take pride in the reputation we have built for providing responsive customer service, on the job safety, efficient and high-quality products and services. Our skilled workforce of 425+ employees is dedicated to quality and excellence. It's the pride our employees take in their work that keeps CSI at the top of the industry.

What sets us apart!

  • Family owned and operated
  • Best equipment and technology
  • Building the best roads start to finish

Benefits of joining our team!

  • Traveling throughout Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana and Iowa
  • Winters off
  • Working outdoors
  • Company paid training opportunities
  • We promote from within

An Excavator Operator is responsible for operating heavy machinery, specifically excavators, to perform various excavation and earthmoving tasks. This role involves ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the excavator, inspecting and maintaining equipment, and adhering to project specifications and safety regulations.

Requirements:

  • Must be able to travel throughout Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana and Iowa
  • Regular, consistent attendance and regular overtime at all assigned job sites.
  • Valid Driver's License, preferably Class A.
  • Acceptable motor vehicle record.
  • Previous heavy equipment operating experience.
  • Strong mechanical skills.
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team.
  • Physical strength and endurance to perform all principal duties and responsibilities

Responsibilities:

  • Maneuver the excavator safely and accurately to avoid damage to property, underground utilities, or other equipment.
  • While operating equipment, maintain clear and effective communication with the site supervisor, team members, and ground personnel using verbal and non-verbal hand signals.
  • Prioritize safety at all times, following company and industry safety guidelines and protocols.
  • Perform routine maintenance on the excavator, such as greasing, checking fluid levels, and cleaning the equipment.
  • Operate excavators to dig trenches, and other excavations following project blueprints and instructions.
  • Adhere to proper trenching and excavation techniques to prevent cave-ins and ensure safe working conditions.
  • Performs other tasks as needed.

Benefits:

  • Group Health Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
  • 401 (k) Company Match
  • 401(k) Company Discretionary Contribution
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Basic Life Insurance
  • Employee Sick and Safe Time (Part-time and seasonal employees)
  • Per Diem
  • Electronic Direct Deposit

Central Specialties is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.