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Excavator Pay Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Excavator Operator

Fishers, IN

$20.25 - $26.75/hr

Overview Excavator Operator Founded in 1935, Roto-Rooter is North America's largest plumbing, drain ... If job security, top pay, excellent benefits, and career advancement representing a well-known ...

Excavator Operator

Omaha, NE ยท On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Overview Excavator Operator Founded in 1935, Roto-Rooter is North America's largest plumbing, drain ... If job security, top pay, excellent benefits, and career advancement representing a well-known ...

Excavator Operator

Newark, DE ยท On-site

$22.25 - $29.25/hr

Excavator Operator Founded in 1935, Roto-Rooter is North America's largest plumbing, drain cleaning ... If job security, top pay, excellent benefits, and career advancement representing a well-known ...

Excavator Operator

Buffalo, NY ยท On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Overview Excavator Operator Founded in 1935, Roto-Rooter is North America's largest plumbing, drain ... If job security, top pay, excellent benefits, and career advancement representing a well-known ...

Excavator Operator

Springfield, VA ยท On-site

$23.50 - $31/hr

Overview Excavator Operator/General Laborer Founded in 1935, Roto-Rooter is North America's largest ... If job security, top pay, excellent benefits, and career advancement representing a well-known ...

Excavator Operator

Fishers, IN ยท On-site

$20.25 - $26.75/hr

Overview Excavator Operator Founded in 1935, Roto-Rooter is North America's largest plumbing, drain ... If job security, top pay, excellent benefits, and career advancement representing a well-known ...

Excavator Operator

Glendale, AZ

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

Excavator Operator Founded in 1935, Roto-Rooter is North America's largest plumbing, drain cleaning ... If job security, top pay, excellent benefits, and career advancement representing a well-known ...

Excavator Operator

Deale, MD ยท On-site

$26 - $32/hr

Excavate for utility installation, including water, sewer, and storm drainage systems (Mainline ... We pay well and provide generous benefits. We offer extensive training and promote from within. If ...

Excavator Operator

Louisa, VA

$20.50 - $27/hr

Excavate for utility installation, including water, sewer, and storm drainage systems (Mainline ... We pay well and provide generous benefits. We offer extensive training and promote from within. If ...

Excavator Operator

Louisa, VA

$20.50 - $27/hr

Excavate for utility installation, including water, sewer, and storm drainage systems (Mainline ... We pay well and provide generous benefits. We offer extensive training and promote from within. If ...

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Excavator Pay information

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$13

$26

$41

How much do excavator pay jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator pay in the United States is $26.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.63 and $28.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

High-paying jobs related to excavator work are rare, with most salaries for experienced heavy equipment operators reaching six figures, but few surpass $500,000 annually. Roles such as construction company owners, specialized heavy equipment consultants, or executives in construction firms may earn this level of income, often requiring extensive experience, business ownership, or advanced skills. Typically, such earnings are associated with entrepreneurship or executive positions rather than standard operator roles.

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 can I make with an excavator?

Excavator operators typically earn between $20 and $35 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $40,000 to $70,000 depending on experience, location, and certification. Skilled operators with specialized equipment knowledge and safety training tend to earn higher wages, especially in construction, mining, or heavy infrastructure projects.

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.

Can you make 100K a year as a heavy equipment operator?

Heavy equipment operators, including excavator operators, can earn $100,000 or more annually with experience, specialized skills, and working in high-demand industries or locations. Achieving this income often requires overtime, certifications, and working in construction, mining, or infrastructure projects. Salary varies based on region, employer, and level of expertise.

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 jobs pay $300,000 a year in Canada?

In Canada, high-paying roles such as senior executives, specialized medical professionals, and certain engineering managers can earn $300,000 or more annually. Skilled trades like experienced heavy equipment operators, including excavator operators with extensive experience and certifications, may also reach this level, especially in resource extraction or construction sectors. These positions often require advanced skills, certifications, and significant experience.
More about Excavator Pay jobs
What cities are hiring for Excavator Pay jobs? Cities with the most Excavator Pay job openings:
What states have the most Excavator Pay jobs? States with the most job openings for Excavator Pay jobs include:
Excavator Operator

$20 - $26.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Excavator Operator
Hughes Brothers Construction is now hiring! We are a heavy civil contractor specializing in large site infrastructure, underground utilities and roadway construction throughout Central Florida. HBC offers competitive pay, a robust benefits package and the chance to join a legacy built on hard work, trust and pride in every project!
Excavator Operators are responsible for safely and efficiently operating excavators and related heavy equipment to perform tasks such as trenching, grading, digging, site preparation and material handling all while following instructions from the Foreman or other construction supervisor.
Responsibilities:
  • Operate the Excavator and other heavy equipment in a safe and appropriate manner.
  • Work safely in trenches and on excavation sites.
  • Perform finishing of catch basins, inlets and manholes.
  • Perform daily maintenance and safety checks of equipment as well as routine cleaning to ensure smooth operation of the Excavator
  • Operate tools such as cut saws, plate tampers, generators, water pumps and other hand tools.
  • Understand and follow directions from supervisors as to required work area.
  • Perform job tasks in an outdoor setting which could include inclement weather, heat and humidity and exposure to dust and asphalt.
Desired Qualifications:
  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Ability to physically stand, bend, squat, and lift to 40 pounds
  • 2+ years' experience in similar position
  • Knowledge of construction materials, processes and industry requirements
  • Knowledge of Excavator and other heavy equipment and understanding of computerized controls and electronics
  • Able to work independently or as an active member of a team
  • Out-of-town travel and/or overtime is a possibility
  • English and Spanish fluency a plus, but is not required
  • High school diploma/GED preferred
Benefits:
  • Paid Holidays
  • Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) package
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, and Supplemental Insurances with employer contributions
  • 401K with employer match
  • Long-Term Incentives

Submit your application by clicking on the "apply" button for the position desired. Walk-in applications are accepted at our main office in Wildwood, Florida.
Hughes Brothers Construction is an equal opportunity employer and a drug-free workplace.