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Excavator Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Green Acres Excavating INC

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Excavator Operator Residential Basement Excavation

Fairfield, OH · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

We are looking for an experienced and dependable Excavator Operator to join our team. The primary responsibility will be operating excavators for residential basement excavation , including digging ...

J. Blanton Plumbing

Excavator Lead

Columbus, OH

$21.75 - $28.75/hr

The Excavation Lead will operate equipment, oversee excavation activities, and work alongside the crew on residential sewer and water line installations and repairs. The ideal candidate has at least ...

J. Blanton Plumbing

Excavator Lead

Columbus, OH · On-site

$21.75 - $28.75/hr

The Excavation Lead will operate equipment, oversee excavation activities, and work alongside the crew on residential sewer and water line installations and repairs. The ideal candidate has at least ...

J Blanton Plumbing

Excavator Lead

Columbus, OH · On-site

$21 - $27.75/hr

The Excavation Lead will operate equipment, oversee excavation activities, and work alongside the crew on residential sewer and water line installations and repairs. The ideal candidate has at least ...

J. Blanton Plumbing

Excavator Lead

Columbus, OH · On-site

$21.75 - $28.75/hr

The Excavation Lead will operate equipment, oversee excavation activities, and work alongside the crew on residential sewer and water line installations and repairs. The ideal candidate has at least ...

Thomas & Galbraith

Lead Excavator Operator

Fairfield, OH · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Our Excavation Leads are responsible for the full scope of the job, including operating equipment, trenching, pipe installation, sewer replacements, pipe bursting, restoration, and ensuring the job ...

Thomas & Galbraith

Lead Excavator Operator

Fairfield, OH · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Our Excavation Leads are responsible for the full scope of the job, including operating equipment, trenching, pipe installation, sewer replacements, pipe bursting, restoration, and ensuring the job ...

Thomas & Galbraith

Lead Excavator Operator

Fairfield, OH · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

Our Excavation Leads are responsible for the full scope of the job, including operating equipment, trenching, pipe installation, sewer replacements, pipe bursting, restoration, and ensuring the job ...

Thomas & Galbraith

Lead Excavator Operator

Fairfield, OH · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Our Excavation Leads are responsible for the full scope of the job, including operating equipment, trenching, pipe installation, sewer replacements, pipe bursting, restoration, and ensuring the job ...

Clean Harbors

Excavator Operator

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$34/hr

Clean Harbors in Cincinnati, OH is looking for a Equipment Operator will be operating an Excavator and Backhoe for our Mix Pit operations. Up to $34 per hour, based on experience and qualification s.

CleanHarbors

Excavator Operator

Cincinnati, OH

$34/hr

Clean Harbors in Cincinnati, OH is looking for a Equipment Operator will be operating an Excavator and Backhoe for our Mix Pit operations. Up to $34 per hour, based on experience and qualification s.

Safety-Kleen

Excavator Operator

Saint Bernard, OH · On-site

$34/hr

Operate excavators and backhoes safely and efficiently * Assists with moving drums as necessary; * Assures unit is never operated in an unsafe manner or in a manner which is inconsistent with ...

Clean Harbors

Excavator Operator

Cincinnati, OH

$34/hr

Clean Harbors in Cincinnati, OH is looking for a Equipment Operator will be operating an Excavator and Backhoe for our Mix Pit operations. Up to $34 per hour, based on experience and qualification s.

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All JobsExcavator JobsExcavator Jobs in Ohio

Excavator information

See Ohio salary details

$19

$22

$26

How much do excavator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator in Ohio is $22.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.25 and $23.75 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

What are the most commonly searched types of Excavator jobs in Ohio?

The most popular types of Excavator jobs in Ohio are:

What are popular job titles related to Excavator jobs in Ohio?

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

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

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

What cities in Ohio are hiring for Excavator jobs?

Cities in Ohio with the most Excavator job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Excavator jobs in OH?

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

Excavator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Excavator job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,713 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

Excavator Operator Residential Basement Excavation

Green Acres Excavating INC

Fairfield, OH • On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

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Job description

We are looking for an experienced and dependable Excavator Operator to join our team. The primary responsibility will be operating excavators for residential basement excavation, including digging foundations, footers, stripping topsoil, grading, and preparing sites for construction.

The ideal candidate is an experienced equipment operator who understands excavation work, works safely and efficiently, and can operate equipment around existing structures, utilities, and tight residential lots.


Responsibilities

  • Operate excavators and other heavy equipment safely and efficiently.
  • Excavate residential basements to specified depths, dimensions, and grades.
  • Dig for foundations, footings, drainage, utilities, and other site work.
  • Load and move excavated soil into trucks or designated areas.
  • Work carefully around houses, driveways, utilities, and other structures.
  • Perform rough grading and site preparation as needed.
  • Conduct daily equipment inspections and report mechanical issues.
  • Follow job-site safety procedures and instructions.
  • Communicate effectively with the site supervisor and crew.
  • Keep equipment and work areas clean and organized.

Requirements

  • Previous excavator operating experience required.
  • Residential excavation or basement digging experience preferred.
  • Ability to read basic site plans, elevations, and excavation layouts.
  • Knowledge of safe excavation practices and job-site safety.
  • Ability to accurately dig to required depths and grades.
  • Valid driver's license.
  • Reliable transportation to job sites.
  • Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
  • Strong work ethic and dependable attendance.

Preferred Experience

  • Basement excavation
  • Foundation excavation
  • Residential construction
  • Finish grading
  • Utility trenching
  • Operating skid steers, loaders, or other heavy equipment

What We Offer

  • Competitive pay based on experience.
  • Consistent work for qualified operators.
  • Opportunities for overtime.
  • Quality equipment and a professional work environment.
  • Opportunity for long-term employment and advancement.

Schedule:

  • Full-time
  • Monday–Friday, with occasional weekend overtime as needed

This position is ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on work, learning a skilled trade, and being part of a growing team in the septic and excavation industry.