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Excavator Pay Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Equipment Operator

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

Responsibilities 1. Safe operation of directional drills, trenching, or excavating equipment for ... Competitive pay and benefits, including health insurance, 401k, and a company profit sharing plan!

Diesel/CNG Truck Mechanic

Perris, CA · On-site

$24.41 - $30.51/hr

This role focuses on excavators, grizzlies, backhoes, loaders, pavers, and related heavy machinery ... pay and benefits • Growth opportunities About Us CR&R Incorporated is one of Southern California ...

This role focuses on excavators, grizzlies, backhoes, loaders, pavers, and related heavy machinery ... pay and benefits • Growth opportunities About Us CR&R Incorporated is one of Southern California ...

Operator

Brea, CA · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Coordinate with vac truck operators and support crews during excavation and installation activities ... Must pass a Drug Test & Background Check Additional Information Pay range: $25-$28/hr. DOE Pramira ...

Operator

Brea, CA · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Coordinate with vac truck operators and support crews during excavation and installation activities ... Must pass a Drug Test & Background Check Additional Information Pay range: $25-$28/hr. DOE Pramira ...

Operator

Brea, CA · On-site

Coordinate with vac truck operators and support crews during excavation and installation activities ... Must pass a Drug Test & Background Check Additional Information Pay range: $25-$28/hr. DOE Pramira ...

Operating Engineer

Chino, CA

$70K - $95K/yr

This includes work on highways, bridges, dams, water pipeline, tunnel work, grading, excavation ... We offer competitive pay, union benefits, safetyfocused culture, and room for advancement. Schedule ...

Union Landscape Lborer

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$16.75 - $20.75/hr

Manually excavate with shovel * Hand tool use including wheelbarrow * General mechanical knowledge ... Compensation Pay Range: 20-22 BrightView offers a suite or health, wellness, and financial benefits ...

... excavation. The successful candidate(s) can be based out of Northern, Central, or Southern ... Compensation The pay range for this position is $24 to $30 per hour. The compensation offer will be ...

Enhancement Crew Leader

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$20 - $26/hr

Experience running equipment (skid steer, excavator, backhoe, etc.) * Able to read architectural ... Compensation Pay Range: $20-26 BrightView offers a suite or health, wellness, and financial ...

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Excavator Pay information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$14

$27

$43

How much do excavator pay jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator pay in Riverside, CA is $27.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.55 and $29.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is Excavator Operator a stressful job?

Excavator operators often work in physically demanding environments that require attention to safety and precision, which can contribute to stress. Factors such as tight deadlines, weather conditions, and the need for focus can also impact stress levels, but proper training and safety protocols help manage these challenges.

What are some common challenges faced by excavator operators on a typical job site?

Excavator operators often encounter challenges such as working in confined or uneven spaces, dealing with varying soil conditions, and maintaining clear communication with other site workers to ensure safety. Managing equipment maintenance and troubleshooting minor mechanical issues on the job are also frequent responsibilities. Additionally, operators must constantly adapt to changing project requirements and weather conditions, which can impact both productivity and safety.

How much money can you make with an excavator?

Excavator operators typically earn between $20 and $35 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from $40,000 to $70,000 depending on experience, location, and certifications. Skilled operators with specialized equipment knowledge and safety training tend to earn higher wages.

How much do they pay an excavator?

Excavator operators typically earn between $20 and $35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the work. Entry-level positions may start lower, while skilled operators with certifications can earn higher wages, especially in specialized or high-demand environments.

What is the top pay for an Excavator Operator?

The top pay for an excavator operator can reach $30 to $50 per hour or more, depending on experience, certifications, location, and the complexity of the projects. Skilled operators with specialized training and experience in large-scale or high-demand areas tend to earn higher wages.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Excavator Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Excavator Operator, you need proficiency in operating heavy machinery, understanding of construction site safety, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with equipment such as excavators, loaders, and GPS-guided systems, as well as certifications like OSHA or NCCER, are commonly required. Strong attention to detail, spatial awareness, and effective communication make someone stand out in this role. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and precise work on construction sites, minimizing errors and hazards.

What is the difference between Excavator Pay vs Backhoe Loader Operator?

AspectExcavator PayBackhoe Loader Operator
Required CertificationsOSHA safety training, equipment-specific certificationsOSHA safety training, equipment-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, heavy-duty projectsConstruction sites, utility work
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction, demolition, miningConstruction, landscaping, utility companies

Both excavator operators and backhoe loader operators require similar certifications and work in construction environments. However, excavator pay typically reflects larger equipment and more specialized tasks, often leading to higher wages compared to backhoe loader operators. Understanding these differences can help job seekers target the right roles and salary expectations in the construction industry.

What are Excavator Pay rates and what factors influence them?

Excavator pay refers to the wages earned by individuals who operate excavators, which are heavy construction machines used for digging and earthmoving. The pay rate for excavator operators can vary widely depending on factors such as location, level of experience, type of employer, and the complexity of the job. In the United States, the average hourly wage typically ranges from $18 to $35 per hour, with experienced operators and those working in high-demand areas earning more. Unionized jobs and large infrastructure projects may also offer higher pay and additional benefits. To get the most accurate information, it's best to consult local job postings or salary surveys.
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Excavator Pay jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Excavator Pay job openings:
Infographic showing various Excavator Pay job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 52% Locum Tenens, 41% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 15% Physical, and 85% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $56,762 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

$17.81/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Roto-Rooter rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 72 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

191st of 278 rated repair and maintenance companies


Job description

Excavation Technician/Laborer

Founded in 1935, Roto-Rooter is North America's largest plumbing, drain cleaning, and water cleanup services provider. Roto-Rooter operates businesses in over 100 company-owned branches, independent contractor territories, and approximately 400 independent franchise operations, serving approximately 90% of the U.S. population and parts of Canada.

Roto-Rooter, America’s premier provider of plumbing and drain cleaning company is the name that homeowners and businesses turn to for select quality services.  We are proud of our 90-year history of success, but it’s our future that has us so excited!

We have an excellent opportunity for an Excavation Technician for sewer & water services repairs/replacements. The primary role of the Excavation Technician is to perform residential and commercial excavations that resolve plumbing issues resulting from compromised or broken plumbing lines. 


  • Prioritize safety by strictly adhering to OSHA and Roto-Rooter safety protocols
  • Interact with customers as needed
  • Perform excavation tasks followed by pipe repairs or new pipe installations as an Excavation Technician
  • Operates back-hoe, mini-excavator, skid steers, and/or other excavation machinery equipped with scoops, shovels, or buckets to excavate and load loose materials
  • Work in confined spaces and open trenches
  • Locates and arrives at job sites in a timely manner; safely drives and operates service vehicle between job sites in a professional manner
  • Collect monetary payment and move on to the next service call. 
  • Direct interaction with vulnerable populations such as children or elderly.
  • Entering customers’ residence providing trustworthy service while solving the problem.

  • Hands-on experience in excavation projects for both residential and commercial construction settings is required.
  • Must have a valid driver's license. Depending on the vehicle driven, a Commercial driver's license may be required.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in navigating excavation environments, including confined spaces and trench operations, with efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Complete jobs within specified time lines
  • Current CDL or ability to obtain within 90 days if necessary for the vehicle driven
  • Trenchless water, sewer & gas experience a plus
  • Be willing to work a flexible schedule, including nights and weekends, to meet the demands of the position.

Service technicians are paid an hourly rate of $17.81 during training. After training, they are paid an hourly rate at or above the minimum wage for all hours worked. The hourly pay rate may vary, depending on whether the pay is for base pay paid at the employee’s base hourly rate (minimum wage), or administrative pay for administrative hours worked (between minimum wage and $70.19). Service technicians also have the potential to earn commissions at the rate of 16-22% of revenue depending on the revenue category.  Commissions ranging from $10 to $155 can also be earned for selling products and treatments.

Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Change Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.


At Roto-Rooter, we believe our most significant investment is in our employees.  We prioritize the health and well-being of our team and their families. That’s why we offer an extensive employee benefit package including:

  • Medical insurance with a Prescription Drug Card
  • Accident and Critical Illness Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Training
  • Life Insurance
  • Matching 401K Retirement Savings Plan
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Profit Sharing

Roto-Rooter offers excellent career paths for military veterans and personnel transitioning to civilian professions. Throughout nearly 100 years in business, we've found that military training and structure are an excellent fit for our company.


We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender, age, national origin, veteran status, military status, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.


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