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Excavator Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Drain Werks

Plumber/Excavator Operator

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$28/hr

The Plumber/Excavator Operator is responsible for diagnosing and repairing plumbing equipment in both residential and commercial environments. This position will inspect the effectiveness and safety ...

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How much do excavator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator in Alabama is $21.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.24 and $22.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an excavator?

Excavators are heavy construction machines used for digging, lifting, and moving large objects or materials like soil, rocks, and debris. They typically consist of a boom, stick, bucket, and a cab mounted on a rotating platform. Excavators are widely used in construction, mining, landscaping, and demolition projects due to their versatility and efficiency. Their hydraulic systems allow for precise control and powerful digging capabilities. Different attachments can be fitted to excavators for specialized tasks, making them essential equipment on many job sites.

What does an excavator operator do?

An excavator operator controls and maintains an excavator, which is a piece of heavy machinery used to dig trenches and other holes necessary for laying piping and other infrastructure. In this career, you typically work in the civil engineering or commercial construction field. In addition to digging trenches, your responsibilities include laying the piping, maintaining and inspecting your equipment, and performing routine safety checks on the vehicles. As an excavator operator, your duties may include including operating other heavy equipment as needed on the construction site as well.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an excavator?

To thrive as an Excavator, you need a solid understanding of heavy machinery operation, construction site safety, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hydraulic systems, GPS machine control, and certifications such as OSHA safety training or a heavy equipment operator license are typically required. Strong attention to detail, communication skills, and the ability to work well in a team help an excavator excel on complex job sites. These skills and qualifications ensure safe, efficient, and precise work, minimizing risks and supporting project success.

What are some common challenges faced by excavators on construction sites, and how can they be addressed?

Excavators frequently encounter challenges such as working in confined spaces, dealing with varying soil conditions, and coordinating with other equipment operators and site personnel. These challenges can be addressed by thorough site assessment, effective communication with the team, and adherence to safety protocols. Additionally, ongoing training in equipment operation and hazard recognition helps excavators adapt to changing site conditions and maintain productivity.

What is the difference between Excavator vs Backhoe Operator?

AspectExcavatorBackhoe Operator
CertificationsOperator license, safety trainingOperator license, safety training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, demolition projectsConstruction sites, utility work
EquipmentLarge tracked excavatorsBackhoe loaders with front bucket and rear excavator arm
Primary UseDigging large trenches, heavy liftingExcavation, loading, small to medium digging tasks

While both excavators and backhoe operators work in construction and excavation, excavators are larger machines used for heavy-duty digging and lifting, often on large projects. Backhoe operators handle smaller, versatile equipment suitable for utility work and smaller excavations. The choice depends on project size and scope.

How do you get an excavator job?

To get an excavator job, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant experience, and a valid commercial driver's license if operating heavy equipment on public roads. Many employers also require OSHA safety training and certification in operating excavators, along with physical fitness and the ability to work outdoors in various conditions.
More about Excavator jobs

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The most popular types of Excavator jobs in Alabama are:

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For Excavator jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Excavator jobs in Alabama are:

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Cities in Alabama with the most Excavator job openings:

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Excavator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Excavator job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,536 per year, or $21.4 per hour.

Excavator Operator (Birmingham, Alabama)

National Salvage & Service

Birmingham, AL • On-site

$21 - $28/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Excavator Operator

National Salvage & Service Corporation is an industry leader and a growing company. We are seeking an experienced Excavator Operator for our Fuel Yard in Birmingham, Alabama.

National assists Class One Railroads in their track renewal and maintenance programs. If you enjoy working outside, this is the career for you. This position entails following a procedure and using an established method to ensure safety and accuracy. Our operators are detail oriented, and safety oriented. At National, we focus on completing each job the right way, the first time. To be considered you MUST have previous experience of operating an excavator. Class A or Class B CDL is preferred.

Duties, Tasks, and Responsibilities

  • Ability to safely dig with an Excavator
  • Ability to operate and control attachments such as shears, blades, buckets and more
  • Able to operate other types of heavy equipment such as backhoes, pavers, dozers and graders to perform various takes (excavating, moving, grading dirt, etc...)
  • Make judgments regarding the most efficient operation of equipment and attachments
  • Perform daily safety and maintenance checks on equipment
  • Aid other crew members on the ground
  • Dig ditches or trenches, backfill excavations, or compact and level earth to grade specifications, using picks, shovels, pneumatic tampers, or rakes
  • Must be reliable and responsible
  • Filling out daily paperwork using a smartphone, laptop or computer device

Position-Specific Competencies

  • Able to work long hours in all weather conditions.
  • Hold valid driver's license.
  • Ability to lift 25 pounds.
  • Completely and accurately fill out daily paperwork.
  • Able to use a smartphone.
  • Basic mechanical knowledge to make small repairs.
  • Follow all Safety Programs, Policies and Procedures

Minimum Requirements

  • Class A or B CDL is preferred. MUST be able to drive standard transmission.
  • Three to five years' experience preferred.

Benefits of National

  • Competitive hourly pay
  • Stable work through all seasons, with full time work through the winter
  • Full health benefits including medical, vision, dental, life insurance, and more
  • 401(K) retirement plan, with company contributions
  • Flexible dates for paid time off

This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position. Duties and responsibilities may change without notice.

This is a non-exempt position.

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