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Excavator Owner Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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How much do excavator owner operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 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.

Heavy Civil Project Manager (Independence Excavating)

DiGeronimo Companies

Roanoke, VA • On-site

$100K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 hours ago

Job description

Heavy Civil Project Manager

Independence Excavating is looking for an accomplished and ambitious Project Manager to join our growing team. As a Project Manager, you will manage all aspects of the assigned project, including budgets, schedules, submittals, RFI's, contracts, purchase orders as well as being comfortable and professional with owner interaction. This position will report to the Senior Project Manager.

Who is IX?

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 70 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. To learn more, visit our website: https://www.indexc.com/

What do we believe in?

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:

  • Preparing, reviewing, and returning submittals for items to be manufactured or provided
  • Working with Superintendent/Operation Manager to determine equipment & crew needs
  • Assembling job cost codes for projects and regularly update
  • Coordinating subcontractors and material deliveries on major items
  • Reviewing and approving subcontractor/supplier estimates & invoices
  • Negotiating, closing, and coordinating all Extra Work Orders and COR's for changes in project scope
  • Monitoring production, resource utilization and overall job cost versus estimated cost to maintain profit margin on projects
  • Preparing monthly job cost/profit projections

Do you have what it takes?

  • High School Diploma or equivalent is required and Associates or Bachelor's degree in related field is preferred
  • At least 5 years' experience working primarily in the management of large commercial construction projects
  • Must have strong organizational skills in order to handle the variety of tasks assigned
  • Must develop positive working relationships with owners and project engineers as well as local government offices
  • Demonstrated ability to manage people, budget, schedule, and quality of work at multiple construction sites
  • Must be competent to perform complete and accurate project take-offs and estimates
  • Must be willing and able to travel up to 25%

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.