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Excavator Owner Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

SIX ARROWS LLC

Equipment Operator/Laborer

Beaverdam, VA · On-site

$22 - $30/hr

... excavation, grading, and site preparation for new construction, as well as driveway grading and other site prep needs. As an agile, owner-operated company with an aggressive growth trajectory, we ...

SIX ARROWS LLC

Equipment Operator/Laborer

Beaverdam, VA · On-site

$22 - $30/hr

... excavation, grading, and site preparation for new construction, as well as driveway grading and other site prep needs. As an agile, owner-operated company with an aggressive growth trajectory, we ...

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All JobsExcavator Owner Operator JobsExcavator Owner Operator Jobs in Virginia

Excavator Owner Operator information

See Virginia salary details

$13

$25

$41

How much do excavator owner operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator owner operator in Virginia is $25.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.44 and $28.37 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 popular job titles related to Excavator Owner Operator jobs in Virginia?

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

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

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

Excavator Owner Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Excavator Owner Operator job openings in Virginia 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 $53,941 per year, or $25.9 per hour.

Mini Excavator Operator

NextGen Global Resources

Smithfield, VA • On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Hiring Mini Excavator Operator for Smithfield, VA and Hampton, VA


The Mini Excavator Operator will work alongside the Foreman and field crew to safely and efficiently complete projects according to customer specifications, quality standards, and schedules.

Responsibilities

  • Safely operate a John Deere 35 mini excavator and other utility construction equipment.
  • Haul and transport equipment, materials, cable reels, steel plates, tools, and other jobsite supplies.
  • Assist crews with excavation, utility installation, and restoration.
  • Perform manual labor as needed, including cable pulling, cleanup, restoration, and general jobsite support.
  • Follow company safety procedures and applicable DOT regulations.
  • Perform daily equipment inspections and help maintain equipment in safe operating condition.
  • Communicate effectively with the Foreman and crew.
  • Follow instructions and work productively as part of a team.
  • Travel to and work at various job sites as required.

Qualifications

  • 3+ years of experience operating utility construction equipment safely and productively.
  • Experience with equipment such as:
    • Excavators
    • Backhoes
    • Directional drills
    • Trenchers
    • Skid steers
    • Cranes
    • Digger derricks
    • Bucket trucks
    • Crane trucks
  • Experience operating mole/missile boring equipment is a plus.
  • Valid CDL-A is a plus.
  • Familiarity with DOT enforcement and compliance regulations.
  • Ability to meet applicable DOT requirements, including physical and drug-testing requirements.
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills.
  • Dependable, safety-conscious, and willing to follow directions.
  • Ability to perform physically demanding outdoor work.
  • Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus.

Company Description

• What you didn’t know about us:
• Competitive salary
• Health, Dental and Vision Benefits
• Short/Long Term Disability and Critical Care/Illness Protection
• Life Insurance and Retirement Plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• With this position, you will get the opportunity to work with our game changing clients and further advance your already valuable experience in the telecom industry!

• We are Connectors. We thrive on ‘quality over quantity’ and put in the work building strong relationships. We create connections, discover qualities, uncover skills, and place people with accuracy. We are your true partner!

• We are Collaborators. You’ll be working with a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kelly and part of the Kelly Telecom division. It allows us to be as nimble and fiercely competitive as a startup while having the backing of a multibillion dollar publicly traded company which has been in business for 75 years. With direct access to hiring managers, services don’t stop at standard recruiting processes. We use our expertise to improve your application skills and provide ongoing career support.

• We give 24/7 Support. We are in this together. We provide around the clock availability, competitive employee benefits, and continuously check-in to make sure things are going smoothly. Check out our Glassdoor page!
• Kelly Telecom is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, genetic information, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.
• For more information click Equal Employment Opportunity is the law.
• You should know: Your safety matters! Vaccination against COVID-19 may be a requirement for this job in compliance with current client and governmental policies. A recruiter will confirm and share more details with you during the interview process.

#JobsAtKellyTelecom