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Excavator Pay Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sterling Infrastructure, Inc.

Excavator Operator

Boise, ID · On-site

$21.50 - $28.25/hr

Competitive Pay * Paid Time Off (PTO) * Holiday Pay * Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance ... The Large Excavator Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of CAT 395 ...

Roto-Rooter

Excavator Operator

Farmingdale, NY · On-site

$75K - $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 ...

Roto-Rooter Services Company

Excavator Operator

Omaha, NE · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Overview Excavator Operator If job security, top pay, excellent benefits, and career advancement representing a well-known national brand are what you're looking for, Roto-Rooter is the company for ...

Roto-Rooter Services Company

Excavator Operator

Fishers, IN · On-site

$20.25 - $26.75/hr

Overview Excavator Operator If job security, top pay, excellent benefits, and career advancement representing a well-known national brand are what you're looking for, Roto-Rooter is the company for ...

Roto-Rooter

Excavator Operator

Omaha, NE · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Overview Excavator Operator If job security, top pay, excellent benefits, and career advancement representing a well-known national brand are what you're looking for, Roto-Rooter is the company for ...

TeamSoft

Excavator Operator

Houston, TX · On-site

$18 - $28/hr

Travel to different construction sites throughout the Houston area Pay : $18 - $28/Hr Depending on experience Hours : 40-50 hours per week Qualifications * Minimum 1 year of excavator experience

Aerotek

Excavator Operator

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$24 - $32/hr

This position offers competitive pay, steady hours, and the opportunity to transition into a long-term role with a growing construction team. What You'll Do * Safely operate excavators, dozers, and ...

Hunter Recruitment Advisors

Excavator Operator

Loudon, TN · On-site

$30 - $32/hr

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 ...

Roto-Rooter Services Company

Excavator Operator

Buffalo, NY · 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 ...

Roto-Rooter Services Company

Excavator Operator

Fishers, IN

$20.25 - $26.75/hr

Excavator Operator If job security, top pay, excellent benefits, and career advancement representing a well-known national brand are what you're looking for, Roto-Rooter is the company for you. We ...

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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 Sep 1, 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 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 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 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.

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.

Do excavator operators make good money?

Excavator operators typically earn competitive wages that vary by experience, location, and industry. They often receive benefits and may need certifications or specialized skills to increase earning potential. Overall, the job can provide a solid income within the construction and heavy equipment fields.
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Excavator Pay jobs near you
Infographic showing various Excavator Pay job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,408 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Excavator Operator

Sterling Infrastructure, Inc.

Boise, ID • On-site

$21.50 - $28.25/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Application Instructions
NOW HIRING EXPERIENCED EQUIPMENT OPERATORS TO JOIN OUR TEAM!
With over 50 years of delivering complex, high-impact infrastructure and mission critical projects, we bring the experience, resources, and proven execution needed to complete our work safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards of quality.
RLW offers challenging career opportunities, extensive training and employee development to grow your career and thrive under the Ralph L. Wadsworth reputation for excellence. We offer amazing benefits and supply you with the tools needed to maximize your growth and potential.
Benefits include:
    • Competitive Pay
    • Paid Time Off (PTO)
    • Holiday Pay
    • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
    • Retirement Plan - 401K, employees will receive a company contribution up to 5%
    • Tuition Reimbursement
    • Growth and Career Advancement
Position Description
  • The Large Excavator Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of CAT 395 excavators (or equivalent large production excavators) on heavy civil construction projects. This position will primarily perform mass excavation, rock excavation, and truck loading operations to support project production goals.
  • Operators will work closely with haul truck drivers, dozer operators, and other heavy equipment personnel to efficiently excavate, load, and move large volumes of earth and rock material. Responsibilities include maintaining proper truck loading procedures, achieving production targets, performing pre- and post-operation equipment inspections, and ensuring safe operation in a fast-paced construction environment.
  • The ideal candidate will have experience operating large production excavators in heavy civil construction, mining, quarry, mass grading, data center, roadway, or large earthwork projects. Candidates must be capable of loading haul trucks efficiently while maintaining equipment safety, productivity, and material control.
  • Operators may be required to perform general labor duties as needed and must be willing to work overtime, weekends, and varying shifts to support project demands.
Position Requirements
Required Qualifications:
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience operating large production excavators, including CAT 395, CAT 390, CAT 374, or equivalent equipment in heavy civil, mining, quarry, mass excavation, or large earthwork environments
  • Proven experience loading haul trucks and maintaining production goals in high-volume excavation operations
  • Experience performing mass excavation, rock excavation, and large-scale earthmoving activities
  • Willingness to perform laborer duties when equipment operation is not required
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a team while maintaining a professional attitude and strong work ethic
  • Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment
  • Ability to work safely under pressure and adapt to changing jobsite conditions and production demands
  • Strong hand-eye coordination, depth perception, and situational awareness around active heavy equipment operations
  • Ability to climb in and out of heavy equipment, walk uneven terrain, bend, stoop, kneel, balance, and lift up to 75 pounds as required
  • Ability to work around active excavation areas, haul trucks, heavy equipment traffic, and other potentially hazardous jobsite conditions
  • Flexible availability, including overtime, weekends, and extended work schedules as project needs require
  • Valid driver's license required
  • High School Diploma or GED preferred
  • OSHA 10 certification preferred
  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively to understand job assignments, safety requirements, production expectations, and emergency situations

Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunity employer: We do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, genetic information, marital status, military status, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or status with regard to public assistance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. #LI-SC1

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