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Excavator Pay Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Excavator Operator

Chester, VA · On-site

$21 - $27.75/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

Chester, VA · On-site

$21 - $27.75/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

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 ...

$80K - $100K/yr

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

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Excavator Operator

Chester, VA · On-site

$21 - $27.75/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

Buford, GA · On-site

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

Virtual doctor visits with no co-pay * Shares of company stock at no cost starting your first day ... Excavator Operator position, please click APPLY NOW to submit your application. To view ...

Excavator Operator

Fishers, IN · On-site

$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 ...

Excavator Operator

Louisa, VA · On-site

$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 ...

Showing results 41-60

Excavator Pay information

See salary details

$13

$26

$41

How much do excavator pay jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 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 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 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.
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:
Infographic showing various Excavator Pay job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,408 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Excavator Operator

Roto-Rooter Services Company

Salt Lake City, UT • On-site

$21.75 - $29/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Roto-Rooter rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 74 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

198th of 278 rated repair and maintenance companies


Job description

Overview
Excavator Operator
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.
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 pride ourselves on being a great place to work, providing excellent pay, flexible work schedules and top benefits.
We are growing and have an excellent opportunity for a Skilled Heavy Equipment Operator, especially backhoe and/mini excavator for sewer & water service repairs/replacements.
Responsibilities
  • Operates back-hoe, mini-excavator, skid steers, and/or other excavation machinery equipped with scoops, shovels, or buckets to excavate and load loose materials on residential and commercial job sites.
  • Load, unload and secure equipment on transport trailers according to guidelines.
  • Follow OSHA and Roto-Rooter safety procedures.
  • Work collaboratively with a crew to efficiently complete excavation work on various projects.
  • Interact with customers as needed, providing excellent customer service and addressing their requirements professionally.
  • Maintain excavation equipment and gather all necessary equipment from the branch and/or rental companies to ensure smooth operations during excavation tasks.
  • Perform excavation work in confined spaces and open trenches, adhering to safety protocols and guidelines.
  • Locate and arrive at job sites promptly, ensuring safe driving and operation of service vehicles between locations.

Requirements
  • Essential requirement: Construction experience in both residential and commercial projects.
  • Mandatory requirement: Possession of a current CDL Class A license for this position.
  • Trenchless water, sewer & gas experience is a plus.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights and weekends, as required for the role.
  • Complete jobs within specified timelines.

Benefits
At Roto-Rooter we believe our greatest 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 our 86 years in business, we've found that military training and structure are a great fit at our company.
EEO Statement
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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