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Excavator Owner Operator Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Carrigan Excavating

Construction Foreman

Mcclave, CO

$23 - $28/hr

Who We Are Carrigan Excavating is a family-owned excavation company serving Southeastern Colorado ... Ensure all equipment is operated safely and responsibly * Report injuries or job disruptions ...

New

Carrigan Excavating

Construction Foreman

Wiley, CO

$23 - $28/hr

Who We Are Carrigan Excavating is a family-owned excavation company serving Southeastern Colorado ... Ensure all equipment is operated safely and responsibly * Report injuries or job disruptions ...

New

Carrigan Excavating

Construction Foreman

Lamar, CO

$23 - $28/hr

Who We Are Carrigan Excavating is a family-owned excavation company serving Southeastern Colorado ... Ensure all equipment is operated safely and responsibly * Report injuries or job disruptions ...

New

Prim

Potholer/Laborer

Denver, CO · On-site

$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 ...

Primoris Services Corporation

Potholer/Laborer

Denver, CO · On-site

$16.50 - $20.50/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 ...

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 ...

The Contractor Consultants

Construction Foreman

Lamar, CO · On-site

$23 - $28/hr

Who We Are Carrigan Excavating is a family-owned excavation company serving Southeastern Colorado ... Ensure all equipment is operated safely and responsibly * Report injuries or job disruptions ...

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 ...

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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 Sep 3, 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.

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 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 45% Full Time, 52% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,211 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Demolition Superintendent (Independence Demolition)

Independence Excavating

Denver, CO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Independence Excavating rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Demolition Superintendent

Independence Demolition is looking for a Demolition Superintendent to join our expanding team! As the Demolition Superintendent, you will manage industrial and/or commercial demolition projects and supervise the day-to-day activities involved with a particular project. The Superintendent will assess the resources needed for each assignment and generate cost estimates based on their assessment to inform the project's budget.

From breaking ground to the finished project, our team has been laying the groundwork for excellence on heavy civil construction and demolition projects for over 65 years. We combine innovations of industry with decades of successfully completed projects, proving we are a value-added partner from the ground up! Over six decades, Independence Excavating has established a team of construction professionals that sets us apart from other contractors.

PEOPLE:

Provide a safe, family-oriented environment. Commitment to integrity. Protect our most valuable assets.

PERFORMANCE:

Always deliver the highest quality. Find solutions. Provide value to our partners.

COMMUNITY:

Positively impact the communities we serve. Give back. Leave the world a better place than we found it.

A typical day looks like...

  • Assisting estimating department with pre-bid planning, productions, and field experience related to upcoming projects as requested
  • Assisting Project Manager in preparing a detailed schedule and maintaining schedule throughout the project
  • Preparing work sequence with a detailed plan of attack utilizing work crews as efficiently as possible before mobilization
  • Reading, understanding, and interpreting drawings and specifications
  • Monitoring production, resource utilization, and overall job cost vs. estimated cost to maintain profit margin on projects
  • Performing project close-out activities such as punch list coordination, furnishing as-built drawings, providing O & M manuals, and compiling final estimate/retainer billing
  • Responsible for general and specific safety practices, following company safety manual procedures, and cooperating with our safety representative in a positive proactive manner

Do you have what it takes?

  • High School Diploma or equivalent is required. Additional construction certifications or training preferred
  • 5+ years of previous industrial demolition experience preferred
  • Must have strong organizational skills to handle the variety of tasks assigned
  • Must develop positive working relationships with owners and project engineers as well as local government offices
  • Must effectively manage union workforces
  • Must be able to effectively communicate verbally with employees, external vendors, owners, and general contractors

Why IX?

  • Weekly Competitive Pay!
  • Excellent Benefits:
    • Medical
    • Dental
    • Vision
    • FSA & HSA
    • Life Insurance + Optional Family Life Insurance
    • Short-term and Long-term Disability
    • Wellness Incentive Program
  • Paid Holidays and PTO
  • 401(k) + Company match
  • Paid corporate training program
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Stability and a variety of different roles that provide a path to career advancement
  • Family-owned and operated since 1956

Independence Excavating, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we value workplace diversity and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state, or local protected class.

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