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Excavator Owner Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Roto-Rooter

Excavator Operator

Livermore, CA · On-site

$17 - $24/hr

Overview Excavator Operator Founded in 1935, Roto-Rooter is North America's largest plumbing, drain ... Roto-Rooter operates businesses in over 100 company-owned branches, independent contractor ...

Island Excavation Inc

Be Seen First

Equipment Operator

South Lake Tahoe, CA · On-site

$40 - $50/hr

Looking for an experienced equipment operator with knowledge of installing wet and dry utilities ... Company Description A Family-owned Excavation Company based in South Lake Tahoe CA. If your looking ...

Powerland Equipment

Diesel Mechanic

Valley Center, CA · On-site

$20 - $35/hr

Mini excavators * John Deere and Kioti tractors * Small engine equipment * Diesel trucks and fleet ... owned and operated business has deep roots in the region. Over the past 35 years, Powerland ...

Powerland Equipment

Diesel Mechanic

Oceanside, CA · On-site

$20 - $35/hr

Mini excavators * John Deere and Kioti tractors * Small engine equipment * Diesel trucks and fleet ... owned and operated business has deep roots in the region. Over the past 35 years, Powerland ...

Powerland Equipment

Diesel Mechanic

San Marcos, CA · On-site

$20 - $35/hr

Mini excavators * John Deere and Kioti tractors * Small engine equipment * Diesel trucks and fleet ... owned and operated business has deep roots in the region. Over the past 35 years, Powerland ...

Team Fishel

Equipment Operator

San Diego, CA · On-site

$26 - $30/hr

Responsibilities 1. Safe operation of directional drills, trenching or excavating equipment for ... handle, materials and equipment owned by Team Fishel Customers 4. Working on sensitive ...

Team Fishel

Equipment Operator

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

Responsibilities 1. Safe operation of directional drills, trenching, or excavating equipment for ... materials and equipment owned by Team Fishelâ€'s Customers 4. Working on sensitive ...

Island Excavation Inc

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Equipment Operator and Supervisor

South Lake Tahoe, CA · On-site

$45 - $55/hr

Company Description A Family-owned Excavation Company based in South Lake Tahoe CA. If your looking to live and work where people vacation, this is the spot.

Cass Arrieta

Equipment Operator

San Bernardino, CA

$20 - $27.25/hr

We can provide the security and benefits of a large corporation yet still embrace our family owned culture. Cass Arrieta is seeking EXPERIENCED Underground Loader and Excavation Operators . Minimum 2 ...

Ram Jack

Foundation Repair Crew Hand

El Cajon, CA · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Must be able to operate machinery, like a mini excavator * Must have valid DL Compensation: $20.00 ... This franchise is independently owned and operated by a franchisee. Your application will go ...

DP Nicoli

Yard Operator

San Jose, CA · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Yard Operator Salary Range $25.00 - $28.00 Hourly Position Type Full Time Job Shift Day Description ... In person We Are 100% Employee Owned We are experts in the field of underground excavating, shoring ...

Sierra Snowcats Inc

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Operations & Business Manager

Truckee, CA · On-site

$6.0K - $8.0K/mo

We are a growing excavation and seasonal snow removal company operating in the Truckee/Lake Tahoe and Northern Nevada corridor. While our owner and field crews focus on heavy equipment operation and ...

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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 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator owner operator in California is $25.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.35 and $28.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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.

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 additional certifications, specialized skills, and the ability to handle larger or more complex equipment.

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 steady work. Successful operators often combine technical skills with business management to maximize earnings.

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, and the complexity of projects undertaken.

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

The most popular types of Excavator Owner Operator jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Excavator Owner Operator jobs in California?

For Excavator Owner Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Excavator Owner Operator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Excavator Owner Operator jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Excavator Owner Operator jobs?

Cities in California with the most Excavator Owner Operator job openings:

Excavator Owner Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Excavator Owner Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, and 96% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,695 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Excavator Operator

Roto-Rooter

Livermore, CA • On-site

$17 - $24/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Roto-Rooter rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 74 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

201st of 281 rated repair and maintenance companies

Job description

Overview
Excavator Operator
Founded in 1935, Roto-Rooter is North America's largest plumbing, drain cleaning, and water cleanup services provider. Roto-Rooter operates businesses in over 100 company-owned branches, independent contractor territories, and approximately 400 independent franchise operations, serving approximately 90% of the U.S. population and parts of Canada.
If job security, top pay, excellent benefits, and career advancement representing a well-known national brand are what you're looking for, Roto-Rooter is the company for you. We pride ourselves on being a great place to work, providing excellent pay, flexible work schedules and top benefits.
We are growing and have an excellent opportunity for a Skilled Heavy Equipment Operator, especially backhoe and/mini excavator for sewer & water service repairs/replacements at our East Bay branch, located in Livermore, CA. The average earnings for this position are between $75,000-$100,000, depending on experience.
Responsibilities
  • Operates back-hoe, mini-excavator, skid steers, and/or other excavation machinery equipped with scoops, shovels, or buckets to excavate and load loose materials on residential and commercial job sites.
  • Load, unload and secure equipment on transport trailers according to guidelines.
  • Follow OSHA and Roto-Rooter safety procedures.
  • Work collaboratively with a crew to efficiently complete excavation work on various projects.
  • Interact with customers as needed, providing excellent customer service and addressing their requirements professionally.
  • Maintain excavation equipment and gather all necessary equipment from the branch and/or rental companies to ensure smooth operations during excavation tasks.
  • Perform excavation work in confined spaces and open trenches, adhering to safety protocols and guidelines.
  • Locate and arrive at job sites promptly, ensuring safe driving and operation of service vehicles between locations.
Requirements
  • Essential requirement: Construction experience in both residential and commercial projects.
  • Mandatory requirement: Possession of a current CDL Class A license for this position.
  • Trenchless water, sewer & gas experience is a plus.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights and weekends, as required for the role.
  • Complete jobs within specified timelines.
Service technicians are paid an hourly rate of $17.00 to $24.00 during training. After training, they are paid an hourly rate at or above the minimum wage for all hours worked. The hourly pay rate may vary, depending on whether the pay is for base pay paid at the employee's base hourly rate (minimum wage), or administrative pay for administrative hours worked (between minimum wage and $77.92) . Service technicians also have the potential to earn commissions at the rate of 16-22% of revenue depending on the revenue category. Commissions ranging from $10 to $139 can also be earned for selling products and treatments.
Benefits
At Roto-Rooter we believe our greatest investment is in our employees. We prioritize the health and well-being of our team and their families. That's why we offer an extensive employee benefit package including:
  • Medical insurance with a Prescription Drug Card
  • Accident and Critical Illness Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Training
  • Life Insurance
  • Matching 401K Retirement Savings Plan
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Profit Sharing

Roto-Rooter offers excellent career paths for military veterans and personnel transitioning to civilian professions. Throughout our 86 years in business, we've found that military training and structure are a great fit at our company.
EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender, age, national origin, veteran status, military status, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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