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Excavator Owner Operator Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

PRIM

Backhoe and Mini Excavator Operator (CDL)

Denver, CO · On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

Q3 Contracting (Q3C), a division of Primoris Services Corporation, is a publicly owned and operated ... Must be able to operate Backhoe and Mini Excavator. * Ability to drive on a stop and start basis ...

Prim

Backhoe and Mini Excavator Operator (CDL)

Denver, CO

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

Q3 Contracting (Q3C), a division of Primoris Services Corporation, is a publicly owned and operated ... Must be able to operate Backhoe and Mini Excavator. * Ability to drive on a stop and start basis ...

Tasman Inc

Surface Land Representative

Wheat Ridge, CO · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

Coordinate with property owners, operators, utility representatives, and field personnel to ... Support excavation and construction planning efforts by identifying access and utility-related ...

Prim

Potholer/Laborer

Denver, CO

$17 - $20.75/hr

Q3 Contracting (Q3C), a division of Primoris Services Corporation , is a publicly owned ... Experience operating vacuum trucks or hydro-excavation equipment. * OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 ...

ERL LLC

DEN HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR

Denver, CO · On-site

Competitive wages * 100% Employee Owned and Operated * Career growth potential * Comprehensive ... Operates light and heavy equipment including skid steers, forklifts, dozer, excavators, backhoes

Ram Jack

Construction Laborer

Centennial, CO · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Straight Line Construction is a family owned and operated business, founded in Pueblo, CO in the ... On the Job Training - Learn to operate skid loaders, hydraulic drive heads, mini-excavators and ...

Levy

Equipment Operator, Schmidt

Fountain, CO · On-site

$27/hr

The Operator will operate heavy equipment, specifically Excavator and Dozer. Pay: Starting at $27 ... We are a unique, 100-year-old family-owned company that transforms our recycled products into ...

HDD CACTUS

Hydrovac / CDL Driver

Ignacio, CO · On-site

$22 - $35/hr

Paid time off Job Summary HDD Cactus is a small family-owned business out of Ignacio, CO in the ... We specialize in directional drilling, telecom, traffic control, aerial installation, excavation ...

HDD CACTUS

Hydrovac / CDL Driver

Ignacio, CO

$22 - $35/hr

Job Summary HDD Cactus is a small family-owned business out of Ignacio, CO in the Southwest part of ... We specialize in directional drilling, telecom, traffic control, aerial installation, excavation ...

HDD CACTUS

Hydrovac CDL Driver

Ignacio, CO · On-site

Vacation 401(k) Paid time off Job Summary HDD Cactus is a small family-owned business out of ... We specialize in directional drilling, telecom, traffic control, aerial installation, excavation ...

HDD CACTUS

Hydrovac / CDL Driver

Ignacio, CO

$22 - $35/hr

Job Summary HDD Cactus is a small family-owned business out of Ignacio, CO in the Southwest part of ... We specialize in directional drilling, telecom, traffic control, aerial installation, excavation ...

Pro-Vac

Hydrovac Technician*

Greeley, CO · On-site

... owners, utility companies, municipalities, and government agencies. We have proudly served ... Safely operating high pressure wands and flexible vacuum hose for excavation needs. * Assisting ...

New

Saturn Five

Project Manager/Estimator

Denver, CO

$95K - $105K/yr

All Demo, a Saturn Five company, is a trusted Denver-based demolition and excavation contractor ... Act as the primary, turnkey liaison for GCs, owners, and municipal engineers from contract award to ...

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All JobsExcavator Owner Operator JobsExcavator Owner Operator Jobs in Colorado

Excavator Owner Operator information

See Colorado salary details

$14

$27

$43

How much do excavator owner operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator owner operator in Colorado is $27.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.74 and $30.10 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Excavator Owner Operator jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Excavator Owner Operator jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Excavator Owner Operator jobs in Colorado? For Excavator Owner Operator jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Excavator Owner Operator jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Excavator Owner Operator jobs in Colorado are:
Excavator Owner Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Excavator Owner Operator job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,211 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Backhoe and Mini Excavator Operator (CDL)

PRIM

Denver, CO • On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Equipment Operator

Primoris Services Corporation is a leading provider of critical infrastructure services to the utility, energy, and renewables markets throughout the United States and Canada.

Q3 Contracting (Q3C), a division of Primoris Services Corporation, is a publicly owned and operated construction contracting company that provides both specific and turnkey services for its customers in the gas, oil, electric and telecommunications industry. We are headquartered in Minnesota, with branch offices in Colorado, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

We are actively hiring for an Equipment Operator who will be responsible for safely and effectively operating equipment, specifically the backhoe and mini excavator, for the installation of underground utilities. This position will also perform equipment inspections and may be required to perform daily maintenance of equipment. Frequent travel throughout the Denver Metro area is required. Fleets are located at our Commerce City, Colorado and Dove Valley, Colorado offices.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Capable of tolerating sitting for long periods of time (up to entire workday) while operating equipment, including the constant use of hand and foot controls.
  • Must be able to maneuver under and over the equipment, as well as climb vertical steps into the cabs of machinery.
  • Must be able to operate Backhoe and Mini Excavator.
  • Ability to drive on a stop and start basis daily and continually.
  • Lifting, placing materials, standing, walking, turning, stooping, kneeling, crawling, reaching, crouching, speaking and hearing are required continuously.
  • Close vision is required for some functions and distance, and peripheral vision is required for safety.
  • Must be willing to work overtime as dictated by workload volumes.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • High School diploma or GED
  • Working experience in the utility distribution industry

Job Requirements:

  • CDL A
  • Fed Med Card
  • Requires technical thinking, and the ability to read standards and schematics.
  • Ability to follow company policies and procedures.
  • Must possess and maintain an appropriate and valid driver's license
  • Willing to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other safety regulations.
  • Previous construction experience in any of the following areas: natural gas distribution/pipeline, electric, transmission, telecommunications, water, sewer, landscaping, concrete/asphalt, or agricultural.
  • Able to work outside in various weather conditions such as extreme heat and cold temperatures.
  • Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 LBS and safely perform other physical work.
  • Travel to job locations within the Denver Metro area is required.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Q3 Contracting is a drug-free environment, and all candidates are subject to drug testing.

Compensation and Benefits:

This is a union position, which means additional benefits may be offered directly through the union. Some benefits may include health insurance, apprenticeship and skilled training, continuing education, pension plans, and other resources. For more information, contact the local union.

  • Pay and benefits determined by union contract
  • Competitive compensation paid weekly
  • Company vehicle provided
  • Paid sick leave as required by Colorado's Healthy Families and Workplaces Act

Qualified Veterans, Minorities and Women encouraged to apply.

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