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Excavator Owner Operator Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Hunter Recruitment Advisors

Excavator Operator

Loudon, TN · On-site

$30 - $32/hr

We're a growing, family-owned residential plumbing company looking for a skilled Excavator Operator to join our team. If you have experience operating equipment for sewer and water line installations ...

Levy

Heavy Equipment Operator, SMS

Memphis, TN · On-site

Water Trucks, 988K Front End Loaders, Excavators, 777 Haul Trucks, D8/9 Dozers, Pot Haulers ... We are a unique, 100-year-old family-owned company that transforms our recycled products into ...

EnSafe Inc.

Equipment Operator

Memphis, TN · On-site

$18.50 - $25.25/hr

... excavation (dig and haul), demolition, and site grading. This role requires the safe and efficient ... GR2 is a wholly owned subsidiary of EnSafe* DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES In this position, you will:

Bartley Corp

Concrete Footing Foreman

Greenbrier, TN · On-site

... family owned and operated business. Bartley Corp is based in Silver Spring, Maryland and employs over 200. Bartley Corporation's services include Residential Concrete Foundations, Excavation ...

Bartley Corp

Concrete Footing Foreman

Antioch, TN · On-site

$24 - $35/hr

... family owned and operated business. Bartley Corp is based in Silver Spring, Maryland and employs over 200. Bartley Corporation's services include Residential Concrete Foundations, Excavation ...

MasTec Civil

Heavy Equipment Operator

Nashville, TN · On-site

If you have a proven track record operating excavators, dozers, and loaders safely and efficiently ... MasTec, a minority-owned Fortune 500 company, has shaped the construction industry for more than 90 ...

MasTec Inc

Heavy Equipment Operator

Nashville, TN · On-site

If you have a proven track record operating excavators, dozers, and loaders safely and efficiently ... MasTec, a minority-owned Fortune 500 company, has shaped the construction industry for more than 90 ...

MasTec Inc

Heavy Equipment Operator

Nashville, TN

If you have a proven track record operating excavators, dozers, and loaders safely and efficiently ... MasTec, a minority-owned Fortune 500 company, has shaped the construction industry for more than 90 ...

MasTec Inc

Heavy Equipment Operator

Nashville, TN

If you have a proven track record operating excavators, dozers, and loaders safely and efficiently ... MasTec, a minority-owned Fortune 500 company, has shaped the construction industry for more than 90 ...

MasTec Inc

Heavy Equipment Operator

Nashville, TN

If you have a proven track record operating excavators, dozers, and loaders safely and efficiently ... MasTec, a minority-owned Fortune 500 company, has shaped the construction industry for more than 90 ...

MasTec Inc

Heavy Equipment Operator

Nashville, TN · On-site

If you have a proven track record operating excavators, dozers, and loaders safely and efficiently ... MasTec, a minority-owned Fortune 500 company, has shaped the construction industry for more than 90 ...

MasTec Inc

Heavy Equipment Operator

Nashville, TN · On-site

... Operators to run excavators, bulldozers, backhoes, and loaders on major highway projects in ... MasTec, a minority-owned Fortune 500 company, has shaped the construction industry for more than 90 ...

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All JobsExcavator Owner Operator JobsExcavator Owner Operator Jobs in Tennessee

Excavator Owner Operator information

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$12

$23

$37

How much do excavator owner operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator owner operator in Tennessee is $23.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.62 and $25.96 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 Tennessee?

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

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

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

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

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

Excavator Owner Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Excavator Owner Operator job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,381 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Excavator Operator

Hunter Recruitment Advisors

Loudon, TN • On-site

$30 - $32/hr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Plumbing Excavator Operator

Bio Plumbing
Location: Loudon, TN
Pay Range: $30–32 per Hour (DOE) + Overtime + Benefits

Build More Than Trenches—Build a Career.

We're a growing, family-owned residential plumbing company looking for a skilled Excavator Operator to join our team. If you have experience operating equipment for sewer and water line installations and enjoy working alongside a hardworking crew, we'd love to meet you.

This is a hands-on position where you'll play a critical role in residential plumbing projects, ensuring excavation work is completed safely, efficiently, and with minimal disruption to homeowners' properties.

What You'll Do

  • Operate mini and full-size excavators for residential plumbing projects.
  • Working on a 2-3 man slab crew.
  • Reading blueprints.
  • Excavate for sewer line, water service, and drain installations and repairs.
  • Safely expose existing underground utilities and work around utility locates.
  • Backfill, grade, and restore job sites following excavation work.
  • Assist plumbers with underground piping, trench preparation, and other labor as needed.
  • Perform daily equipment inspections and basic preventative maintenance.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
  • Follow OSHA safety standards and company policies at all times.

Requirements

What We're Looking For

  • 3+ years of excavator operating experience
  • Residential plumbing or underground utilities background required.
  • Experience reading blueprints.
  • Experience digging around existing utilities and working from utility locates.
  • Ability to operate equipment safely and efficiently in residential neighborhoods.
  • Strong work ethic and willingness to assist the plumbing team when not operating equipment.
  • Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
  • CDL is a plus but not required.

Benefits

Why Join Our Team?

  • Competitive Pay: $30–32 per hour based on experience
  • Overtime opportunities
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Stable, year-round work
  • Modern, well-maintained equipment
  • Supportive, family-oriented work environment
  • Opportunities for advancement as our company continues to grow

Join Our Team

We're looking for someone who takes pride in their work, values safety, and enjoys being part of a team that delivers quality service to homeowners every day. If you're dependable, experienced, and ready for your next opportunity, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and help us build the infrastructure that keeps our community running!