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Excavator Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Gator Dredging

Excavator Operator

Melbourne, FL · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Gator Dredging Excavator Operator Position This is a great opportunity for an experienced Excavator Operator to join our growing team! Excellent benefits, vacation, sick and holiday paid time off.

W. Gardner LLC

Excavator Operator

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

Excavator Operator on a Pipe Crew We are seeking an experienced Excavator Operator to join our team in Jacksonville, FL. The ideal candidate will have experience working with pipe crews and ...

W. Gardner, LLC

Excavator Operator

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

Excavator Operator on a Pipe Crew We are seeking an experienced Excavator Operator to join our team in Jacksonville, FL. The ideal candidate will have experience working with pipe crews and ...

W. Gardner LLC

Excavator Operator

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Excavator Operator On A Pipe Crew We are seeking an experienced excavator operator to join our team in Jacksonville, FL. The ideal candidate will have experience working with pipe crews and ...

RIPA & Associates

Be Seen First

Excavator Operator

Tampa, FL · On-site

$20 - $27/hr

Excavate trenches to the specified depth and width for pipe laying, ensuring proper grade and alignment. * Assist with the installation of pipes, including positioning, leveling, and joining.

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How much do excavator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator in Florida is $17.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.68 and $18.70 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 Florida are:

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

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Cities in Florida with the most Excavator job openings:

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Excavator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Excavator job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,719 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

Excavator Operator

Hughes Brothers Construction, Inc.

Poinciana, FL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 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.

Apply