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Excavator Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Blythe Construction

Excavator Operator

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$21.75 - $29/hr

General Description The Excavator Operator will work in close proximity to equipment and people and operate an excavator to remove materials in a safe manner. Key Duties * Operate a excavator in ...

Fred Smith Company

Excavator Operator

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$21.75 - $29/hr

Excavator Operator The Excavator Operator will work in close proximity to equipment and people and operate an excavator to remove materials in a safe manner. Key Duties * Operate a excavator in close ...

Heidelberg Materials

Excavator Operator

Holly Springs, NC · On-site

$25 - $33.01/hr

Aggregates Long Reach Excavator Operator About Us Heidelberg Materials is one of the world's largest suppliers of building materials. Heidelberg Materials North America operates over 450 locations ...

Blythe Construction Inc

Excavator Operator

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$21.75 - $29/hr

General Description The Excavator Operator will work in close proximity to equipment and people and operate an excavator to remove materials in a safe manner. Key Duties * Operate a excavator in ...

Blythe Construction Inc

Excavator Operator

Raleigh, NC

$21.75 - $29/hr

General Description The Excavator Operator will work in close proximity to equipment and people and operate an excavator to remove materials in a safe manner. Key Duties * Operate a excavator in ...

SMITH ROWE, LLC

Excavator Operator

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$21.75 - $29/hr

Excavator Operator The Excavator Operator will work in close proximity to equipment and people and operate an excavator to remove materials in a safe manner. Key Duties * Operate a excavator in close ...

Heidelberg Materials

Excavator Operator

Holly Springs, NC · On-site

$25 - $33.01/hr

Aggregates Long Reach Excavator Operator About Us Heidelberg Materials is one of the world's largest suppliers of building materials. Heidelberg Materials North America operates over 450 locations ...

Morgan Corp.

Excavator Operator

Raleigh, NC

$21.75 - $29/hr

The Excavator Operator is responsible for operating heavy equipment to perform excavation, grading, and site preparation activities in support of construction projects. Responsibilities * Comply with ...

Garney Construction

Lead Excavator Operator- Pipe

Cary, NC · On-site

$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

Apex, NC

$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 ...

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

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

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 · 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 ...

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All JobsExcavator JobsExcavator Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Excavator information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

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$26

How much do excavator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 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 are excavators?

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, and why are they important?

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.
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $47,761 per year, or $23 per hour.
Excavator Operator

Excavator Operator

Blythe Construction

Raleigh, NC • On-site

$21.75 - $29/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

General Description
The Excavator Operator will work in close proximity to equipment and people and operate an excavator to remove materials in a safe manner.
Key Duties
  • Operate a excavator in close proximity to equipment and the public safely.
  • Perform daily fluid level checks on oil, water and fuel; Visual inspection for obvious leaks and damage to machine before operation of equipment as well as safety equipment checks.
  • Responsible for daily maintenance of equipment to remain in proper and safe working order. Responsible for notifying supervisor if equipment needs to be repaired.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Qualification Requirements
  • General. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each Key Duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Education and Experience. This position typically is not an entry-level job, as it requires demonstrable previous experience as an Excavator Operator.
    • A high school diploma or general education degree (GED) is preferred.
    • Must be able to understand work directions and communicate effectively with job site supervisors and fellow employees.
    • Three (3) to Five (5) years or more of industry related experience is required for this position, with an emphasis on roads, highways, and bridges.
    • At least three (3) years of experience with Cat 249 size or bigger excavator.
    • Experience in placing rock plating and embarkments and working steep slopes in mountain areas or rock quarries, minimum 3 years preferred.
  • Physical Demands. The following physical demands are representative of those that must be met by a Excavator Operator to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
  • Constant physical effort, including standing, is required during a regular work shift of at least eight hours per day. Employee must be able to stand for extended periods of time, and to stoop, bend, and crouch as required to perform Key Duties.
  • Ability to lift and carry, on a frequent basis, at least 50 pounds and, at times, as much as 90 pounds, as may be assigned.
  • Manual dexterity to hand-carry generators, lumber and other construction materials, forms, power tools, and hand tools.
  • Physical dexterity involving stretching, proper placement of legs, and use of arms and hands in repetitive motions.
  • Maintain constant alertness to the multiple concurrent activities of the construction site, including the activities of other employees and contractors, the operation of stationary equipment, and the movement of mobile equipment.
  • Frequently walk on uneven surfaces, including natural ground in varying weather conditions.
  • Capable of being certified to enter confined spaces, including climbing into and out of excavations up to 20 feet in depth, using ladders or crawling, as required.
  • Sufficient skill and visual acuity, under varying degrees of light, darkness, and weather conditions, to provide direction and flagging for operators of cranes with rated capacities of up to 300 tons.
  • The Excavator Operator must be able to climb on and off heavy mobile equipment safely.
  • Work Environment. The work environment characteristics described below are representative of those that a Excavator Operator encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
  • Work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions.
  • Work environment periodically exposes the employees to high levels of noise, grease, and dust that are typically associated with a construction project.
  • Employee regularly works near heavy equipment and moving machinery.
  • Work may involve a variety of substances commonly found on construction sites such as form oil, grease, curing compounds, gasoline, diesel fuel and ready mixed concrete.
Company Benefits:
  • Company Paid Basic Life Insurance
  • Company Paid Long Term Disability Policy
  • Company Paid Vacation & Holiday Pay
  • Company Paid Parental Leave
  • Company Paid Maternity Leave
  • Company Paid Employee/Family Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Voluntary Medical & Vision Insurance
  • Voluntary Dental Insurance
  • Voluntary Short Term Disability
  • Voluntary Supplemental Term Life
  • Voluntary Accident, Legal, Hospital, Critical Illness Policies
  • 401(k) Plan w/Employer Match
  • Annual Company Stock Purchase Opportunities
  • Discount Partnerships: Verizon, Ford, Perkspot
  • Health and Wellness Benefits, including Monthly Gym/Fitness Incentives

We promote a Drug-Free Workplace.
EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability are encouraged to apply.
Blythe Construction, Inc. - Hubbard Construction Company - Northeast Paving - Sunmount Paving - Virginia Paving Company, are hereby referred to as Vinci Construction USAAccessibility: If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process please contact Human Resources atBlythe Construction, Inc.: Phone: 704-375-8474Hubbard Construction Company: Phone: 407-645-5500Eurovia Atlantic Coast, LLC:Phone: 704-375-8474
Vinci Construction USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.Vinci Construction USA is committed to providing a fair and equal employment opportunity workplace. All hiring and promotional decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status that is protected by federal, state, or local law.
If you want to view the Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal poster, please choose your language: English - Spanish - Arabic - Chinese
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