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Excavator Owner Operator Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Excavation Laborer

Columbus, OH ยท On-site

$23 - $28/hr

EXCAVATION LABORERLayton Services is a family-owned and operated excavation & underground utilities contractor located in Newark, Ohio. We execute a wide range of sitework around Central Ohio from ...

EXCAVATION LABORER Layton Services is a family-owned and operated excavation & underground utilities contractor located in Newark, Ohio. We execute a wide range of sitework around Central Ohio from ...

Excavation Laborer

Columbus, OH ยท On-site

$23 - $28/hr

EXCAVATION LABORER Layton Services is a family-owned and operated excavation & underground utilities contractor located in Newark, Ohio. We execute a wide range of sitework around Central Ohio from ...

Excavator Operator/Laborer

Columbus, OH ยท On-site

$21.75 - $28.75/hr

Monitoring, Control and Compliance, Inc. (MCC) is a privately owned small business providing ... Various manual labor tasks, including excavation, pipe handling, and site preparation, to ensure ...

Excavator Operator/Laborer

Columbus, OH ยท On-site

$21.75 - $28.75/hr

Description Monitoring, Control and Compliance, Inc. (MCC) is a privately owned small business ... Various manual labor tasks, including excavation, pipe handling, and site preparation, to ensure ...

Experience operating heavy equipment (skid steer, excavator, etc.) preferred * Experience working ... ESOP: Employee Owned Company Schedule: * Full-time, with potential for overtime and occasional ...

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Excavator Owner Operator information

See Ohio salary details

$13

$24

$39

How much do excavator owner operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator owner operator in Ohio is $24.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.58 and $27.21 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 Ohio?

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

Infographic showing various Excavator Owner Operator job openings in Ohio as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 49% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,725 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Excavation Laborer

Layton Services

Columbus, OH โ€ข On-site

$23 - $28/hr

Full-time

Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

EXCAVATION LABORERLayton Services is a family-owned and operated excavation & underground utilities contractor located in Newark, Ohio. We execute a wide range of sitework around Central Ohio from small-scale projects to large scale multi-family development projects. Our services primarily include earthwork, site development (mass excavation, building pads, sub-grade prep) and underground utilities (water main, fire line, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, and detention systems). Located in Newark, Ohio with a majority of work in Columbus, Ohio. Summary of Role: Responsible for performing physical labor on construction sites. May operate hand and power tools of all types. May clean and prepare sites, dig trenches, set braces to support sides of excavations, and clean up debris. May assist other craft workers by laying pipes and operating heavy equipment as needed.Job Duties & Responsibilities:Measure, mark, and record openings and distances to lay out areas where work will be performed. Clean and prepare sites to eliminate possible hazards. Control traffic passing near, in, and around work zones. Signal equipment operators to facilitate alignment, movement, and adjustment of machinery, equipment, and materials. Load, unload, and identify building materials, machinery, and tools, and distribute them to the appropriate locations, according to project plans and specifications. Lubricate, clean, and fuel equipment, and tools. Role Qualifications:Industry-related experience is preferred.Trenching + Excavating Certification (can obtain once hired)10 Hour OSHA Certification in Construction (can obtain once hired)Reliable TransportationAbility to relate well to others, a positive attitude + willingness to learn.Benefits:Competitive Wage (based on individual skills + experience)Paid WeeklyMedical, Dental, Vision + Life Insurance401(k) Investment with 2% Company MatchUniform ProgramOn-the-job Training, Paid Time-Off + Paid HolidaysOvertime + Prevailing Wage Pay OpportunitiesOpportunity to grow in this position with the company