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Excavator Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Central Specialties, Inc.

Excavator Operator

Alexandria, MN · On-site

$21.75 - $28.50/hr

Excavator Operator Central Specialties, Inc. is a third generation, family owned, general road contracting company serving Minnesota and the Dakotas. We take pride in the reputation we have built for ...

Central Specialties

Excavator Operator

Alexandria, MN · On-site

$21.75 - $28.50/hr

We promote from within An Excavator Operator is responsible for operating heavy machinery, specifically excavators, to perform various excavation and earthmoving tasks. This role involves ensuring ...

Central Specialties, Inc.

Excavator Operator

Alexandria, MN · On-site

$21.75 - $28.50/hr

We promote from within An Excavator Operator is responsible for operating heavy machinery, specifically excavators, to perform various excavation and earthmoving tasks. This role involves ensuring ...

Knife River Corporation

EXCAVATOR

Cold Spring, MN · On-site

$27 - $35/hr

This position is responsible to safely operate excavating equipment to excavate, move and grade earth. The typical schedule is Monday - Friday with one Saturday per month. DUTIES AND/OR ...

Knife River

EXCAVATOR

Cold Spring, MN · On-site

$27 - $35/hr

This position is responsible to safely operate excavating equipment to excavate, move and grade earth. The typical schedule is Monday - Friday with one Saturday per month. DUTIES AND/OR ...

Bituminous Roadways

Excavator Operator

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$22.75 - $30/hr

Excavator Operator The Excavator Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating an excavator to achieve proper trench depth, grade, and finished cross-section for construction ...

McGough Construction

Excavator Operator

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$46.25 - $47.24/hr

The Excavator Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating an excavator to achieve proper trench depth, grade, and finished cross-section for construction activities. This role ...

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Excavator information

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$20

$23

$26

How much do excavator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator in Minnesota is $23.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.88 and $24.47 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 Minnesota are:

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

What job categories do people searching Excavator jobs in Minnesota look for?

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

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Cities in Minnesota with the most Excavator job openings:

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

Excavator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Excavator job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 93% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,124 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Excavator Operator

Central Specialties, Inc.

Alexandria, MN • On-site

$21.75 - $28.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Excavator Operator

Central Specialties, Inc. is a third generation, family owned, general road contracting company serving Minnesota and the Dakotas. We take pride in the reputation we have built for providing responsive customer service, on the job safety, efficient and high-quality products and services. Our skilled workforce of 425+ employees is dedicated to quality and excellence. It's the pride our employees take in their work that keeps CSI at the top of the industry.

What sets us apart!

  • Family owned and operated
  • Best equipment and technology
  • Building the best roads start to finish

Benefits of joining our team!

  • Traveling throughout Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana and Iowa
  • Winters off
  • Working outdoors
  • Company paid training opportunities
  • We promote from within

An Excavator Operator is responsible for operating heavy machinery, specifically excavators, to perform various excavation and earthmoving tasks. This role involves ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the excavator, inspecting and maintaining equipment, and adhering to project specifications and safety regulations.

Requirements:

  • Must be able to travel throughout Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana and Iowa
  • Regular, consistent attendance and regular overtime at all assigned job sites.
  • Valid Driver's License, preferably Class A.
  • Acceptable motor vehicle record.
  • Previous heavy equipment operating experience.
  • Strong mechanical skills.
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team.
  • Physical strength and endurance to perform all principal duties and responsibilities

Responsibilities:

  • Maneuver the excavator safely and accurately to avoid damage to property, underground utilities, or other equipment.
  • While operating equipment, maintain clear and effective communication with the site supervisor, team members, and ground personnel using verbal and non-verbal hand signals.
  • Prioritize safety at all times, following company and industry safety guidelines and protocols.
  • Perform routine maintenance on the excavator, such as greasing, checking fluid levels, and cleaning the equipment.
  • Operate excavators to dig trenches, and other excavations following project blueprints and instructions.
  • Adhere to proper trenching and excavation techniques to prevent cave-ins and ensure safe working conditions.
  • Performs other tasks as needed.

Benefits:

  • Group Health Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
  • 401 (k) Company Match
  • 401(k) Company Discretionary Contribution
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Basic Life Insurance
  • Employee Sick and Safe Time (Part-time and seasonal employees)
  • Per Diem
  • Electronic Direct Deposit

Central Specialties is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

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