ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Excavator Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Ultimate LLC

Excavator Operator

Murfreesboro, TN · On-site

$30 - $32/hr

Excavator Operator - Murfreesboro, TN Pay Range: $30.00 - $32.00 per hour We are looking for skilled craftsmen to add to our team of dedicated, safe, productive, and proven craftsmen. Ultimate LLC ...

Aerotek

Traveling Excavator Operator

Knoxville, TN

$21.50 - $28.50/hr

Traveling Excavator Operator This traveling Excavator Operator role focuses on underground utilities, with a strong emphasis on gravity sewer and mainline installation. You will operate heavy ...

Garney Construction

Lead Excavator Operator

Nashville, TN

$21.75 - $28.75/hr

GARNEY An Excavator Operator job is available at Garney. To be considered for this position you must have previous construction experience. As an Excavator Operator , you will operate machinery to ...

Garney Construction

Lead Excavator Operator

Nashville, TN

$21.75 - $28.75/hr

GARNEY An Excavator Operator job is available at Garney. To be considered for this position you must have previous construction experience. As an Excavator Operator , you will operate machinery to ...

Garney Construction

Lead Excavator Operator

Nashville, TN · On-site

$21.75 - $28.75/hr

GARNEY An Excavator Operator jobis available at Garney. To be considered for this position you must have previous construction experience. As an Excavator Operator , you will operate machinery to ...

USA Hometown Experts

Excavation Lead

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Running an excavator on sewer and septic jobs * Digging for sewer line installs, repairs, and replacements * Excavating for septic system installs and repairs * Leading a small excavation crew on the ...

Metro Plumbing and HVAC

Excavation Tech

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Excavation Crew Member - Be a Part of the Dig Team at Metro! Description: Ready to work hard, learn fast, and build something real? At Metro Plumbing, Heating & Air, we're growing our Excavation Crew ...

Metro Plumbing and HVAC

Excavation Lead

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Running an excavator on sewer and septic jobs * Digging for sewer line installs, repairs, and replacements * Excavating for septic system installs and repairs * Leading a small excavation crew on the ...

USA Hometown Experts

Excavation Tech

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Job Type Full-time Description Excavation Crew Member - Be a Part of the Dig Team at Metro! Description: Ready to work hard, learn fast, and build something real? At Metro Plumbing, Heating & Air, w ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsExcavator JobsExcavator Jobs in Tennessee

Excavator information

See Tennessee salary details

$18

$21

$24

How much do excavator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator in Tennessee is $21.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.29 and $22.69 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 Tennessee?

The most popular types of Excavator jobs in Tennessee are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Excavator jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Excavator job openings:

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

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

Excavator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Excavator job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,597 per year, or $21.4 per hour.

Excavator Operator

Ultimate LLC

Murfreesboro, TN • On-site

$30 - $32/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Excavator Operator – Murfreesboro, TN

Pay Range: $30.00 - $32.00 per hour

We are looking for skilled craftsmen to add to our team of dedicated, safe, productive, and proven craftsmen. Ultimate LLC provides weekly pay for all employees and optional direct deposit.

Responsibilities:

  • Excavation operations

  • Trenching and grading

  • Utility installation

  • Site preparation

  • Reading site plans

  • Operating excavators

  • Digging foundations

  • Backfilling trenches

  • Soil movement

  • Equipment inspections

  • Working with crews

  • Following safety procedures

Requirements:

  • Excavator operating experience

  • Heavy equipment knowledge

  • Valid driver's license

  • Background check

  • Drug screen

Benefits:

  • Weekly pay

  • Direct deposit

  • Health insurance

  • Dental and vision coverage

  • 401k

  • Paid time off

  • Referral bonus program

  • Pay increase based on craftsmanship

  • Tool purchase program

  • PPE reimbursement program

  • Paid OSHA training

  • Long term work

  • ID theft protection

Apply