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Excavator Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Garney Construction

Lead Excavator Operator- Pipe

Apex, NC · On-site

$17.25 - $22.75/hr

GARNEY CONSTRUCTION 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 ...

Garney Construction

Lead Excavator Operator- Pipe

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$21.75 - $29/hr

GARNEY CONSTRUCTION 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 ...

Garney Construction

Lead Excavator Operator- Pipe

Durham, NC · On-site

$20.50 - $27/hr

GARNEY CONSTRUCTION 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 ...

Garney Construction

Lead Excavator Operator- Pipe

Cary, NC

$22 - $29.25/hr

GARNEY CONSTRUCTION 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 ...

Garney Construction

Lead Excavator Operator- Pipe

Cary, NC · On-site

$22 - $29.25/hr

GARNEY CONSTRUCTION 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 ...

Garney Construction

Lead Excavator Operator- Pipe

Cary, NC · On-site

$23 - $30.25/hr

GARNEY CONSTRUCTION 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 ...

Garney Construction

Lead Excavator Operator- Pipe

Apex, NC · On-site

$17.25 - $22.75/hr

GARNEY CONSTRUCTION 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 ...

Morgan Corp.

Pipe Excavator Operator

Raleigh, NC

$21.75 - $29/hr

Description We are currently searching for a Utility Excavator Operator to work with our utility crews in Raleigh, NC. Work Environment: Work is performed outside in all types of environmental ...

Carolina Conduit Systems

Operator

Garner, NC · On-site

$20 - $26.50/hr

Utilities Excavator Operator We are seeking a skilled Excavator Operator with experience in underground utility installation. This position involves operating excavators and loaders to perform trench ...

Flatiron Construction Corp

Excavator Operator

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$22 - $30/hr

Overview Thank you for your interest in FlatironDragados! Please make sure you visit our New 540 Office. Employment applications will be available at the front and a drop box will be available in the ...

FD.io

Excavator Operator

Morrisville, NC · On-site

$22/hr

Job Title Drive, maneuver, or control the heavy machinery used to construct roads and other structures Cleans and maintains equipment, making basic repairs as necessary. Moves levers, pushes pedals ...

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Excavator information

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How much do excavator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator in Raleigh, NC is $22.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.73 and $24.28 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 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.

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 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.

How do you get an excavator job?

To get an excavator job, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant experience operating heavy machinery, and often a certification such as OSHA safety training or a commercial driver's license. Applying through construction companies, staffing agencies, or online job boards, and demonstrating knowledge of equipment and safety procedures, can improve chances of employment.
More about Excavator jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Excavator jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Excavator jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Excavator jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Excavator jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Excavator jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Excavator jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Excavator jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Excavator job openings:
Excavator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Excavator job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,764 per year, or $23 per hour.

Excavator Operator for Grading Operations

Sanford Contractors

Raleigh, NC • On-site

$21.75 - $29/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Sanford Contractors rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Sanford Contractors has Excavator Operator for Grading Operations positions available for dedicated, experienced, and efficient team members. You'll safely and efficiently operate excavators for earth-moving operations. Join for great benefits, family owned, and a friendly team.
Are you an experienced excavator operator looking for a company with steady work and great benefits? We're looking for a hardworking, experienced team member! Apply today!
Excavator Operator for Grading Operations: Team member is responsible for the efficient and safe operation of Excavators for the purposes of earth-moving operations
Core Competencies:
Effective communication skills; must be able to understand and speak English
Working knowledge of all applicable OSHA standards
Attention to detail and accuracy
Willingness to react to changes in priorities
Core Duties:
Be a mentor to other team members by teaching them proper techniques of Excavator operation for grading operations
Be punctual, dependable, and professional at all times
Work with cost effectiveness, profitability, and safety in mind
Lead by example
Lead the safety effort by recognizing and correcting hazards as soon as they are present
Arrive at work prior to designated work start time
Attend daily safety and project coordination meeting
Proficient in safe operation of CAT Excavators (CAT 345, 346, 349)
Check fluid levels daily before use
Use correct lifting devices to maintain safety for all team members within the equipment radius
Unload delivered construction materials
Assist in locating existing utilities to avoid damage
Ensure equipment stays in clean working order and report any issues to Pipe/Grade Foreman
Restore post construction work to original condition or better
Communicate time away from work with your team leader and other team members with sufficient notice to make plans for changing personnel to focus on the priorities
Willingness to work hours as required
Education/Training/Certification (Preferred not required):

  • OSHA Training
  • MSHA Part 46 Training
  • Trenching and Shoring Competent Person
  • Rigging
  • First Aid/CPR

Benefits:
At the heart of Sanford Contractors Inc. core principles, is the commitment to make a positive difference in the lives of our team members. Our comprehensive benefits package is custom designed to achieve that goal through access to the following:
Medical, Dental and Vision plans
Health Savings Account (HSA)
401K
Short- and long-term disability
Team Member Referral Program
Life insurance
Company Paid Holidays and PTO (Paid time off)
Direct Deposit
*Sanford Contractors is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer
* Labor Activities- Physical Requirements
Must be able to lift more than 50 lbs, bend, stoop, kneel, and climb ladders regularly. Work involves frequent shoveling, raking, using hand tools and handling materials in and around trenches or uneven terrain. Requires standing or walking for extended periods and working outdoors in various weather conditions.

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