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Excavator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Baranko Companies

Excavator Operator

Dickinson, ND

$21.25 - $28.25/hr

As an Excavator Operator, you will be an integral member of the Baranko Brothers team, responsible for operating a hydraulic excavator to excavate, move, and grade earth on a variety of earthwork and ...

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Bowmansville, PA · On-site

$21.50 - $28.50/hr

As an Excavator Operator, you will play a critical role in the efficient operation of our mining operations in Bowmansville, Pennsylvania. Operating heavy equipment with precision and safety, you ...

FD.io

Excavator Operator

Aberdeen, NC · On-site

$22/hr

Excavator Operator The Excavator Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and precise operation of hydraulic excavators on heavy civil and highway construction projects. This role supports ...

Roto-Rooter

Excavator Operator

Elkridge, MD · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Overview Excavator Operator Founded in 1935, Roto-Rooter is North America's largest plumbing, drain cleaning, and water cleanup services provider. Roto-Rooter operates businesses in over 100 company ...

Muschlitz

Excavator Operator

Bath, PA · On-site

$20.75 - $27.25/hr

Job Overview Muschlitz Excavating, LLC., Eastern PA's premier sitework contractor, is seeking skilled Excavator Operators to join our sitework construction team. The ideal candidate will have ...

Roto-Rooter Services Company

Excavator Operator

Fishers, IN · On-site

$20.25 - $26.75/hr

Excavator Operator If job security, top pay, excellent benefits, and career advancement representing a well-known national brand are what you're looking for, Roto-Rooter is the company for you. We ...

E.S. Wagner Co., LLC

Excavator Operator

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$22.25 - $29.25/hr

Wagner Company, LLC is looking for an Excavator Operator to join its team of construction professionals on our multi-year Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) project in Charlotte, NC . E.S.

Roto-Rooter

Excavator Operator

Englewood, CO · On-site

$85K - $103K/yr

Overview Excavator Operator Founded in 1935, Roto-Rooter is North America's largest plumbing, drain cleaning, and water cleanup services provider. Roto-Rooter operates businesses in over 100 company ...

Gr concrete llc

Be Seen First

Excavator Operator

Rochester, NY · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Job Summary We are seeking a skilled Excavator Operator to join our team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for operating excavators & bulldozers to perform various excavation tasks in a safe ...

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Chester, VA

$21 - $27.75/hr

Excavate for utility installation, including water, sewer, and storm drainage systems (Mainline Pipe Crew). * Perform bulk earthmoving, slope work, and grading in large-scale excavation projects ...

Allan Myers, Inc.

Excavator Operator

Chester, VA · On-site

$21 - $27.75/hr

Excavate for utility installation, including water, sewer, and storm drainage systems (Mainline Pipe Crew). * Perform bulk earthmoving, slope work, and grading in large-scale excavation projects ...

Martin Marietta Materials

Excavator Operator

New Bern, NC

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

Martin Marietta is seeking an Excavator Operator to join our team. The ideal individual will be safety conscious, dependable, and motivated. This individual will be responsible for safely and ...

Caton's Plumbing

Excavator Operator

Catonsville, MD · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Overview Excavator Operator Catons Plumbing & Drain Service, located in Catonsville, has been providing the greater Baltimore area with the best plumbing maintenance and repair services for more than ...

Midlands Contracting Inc

Excavator Operator

Kearney, NE · On-site

$27/hr

We are currently seeking a skilled Excavator Operator to join our growing construction company. A strong work ethic, attention to detail, willingness to travel, and dependability are a must. Job ...

Midlands Contracting

Excavator Operator

Kearney, NE

$27/hr

We are currently seeking a skilled Excavator Operator to join our growing construction company. A strong work ethic, attention to detail, willingness to travel, and dependability are a must. Job ...

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Excavator information

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How much do excavator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator in the United States is $23.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.36 and $25.00 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.
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Excavator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Excavator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 95% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $49,136 per year, or $23.6 per hour.
Excavator Operator

Excavator Operator

Baranko Companies

Dickinson, ND

$21.25 - $28.25/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

As an Excavator Operator, you will be an integral member of the Baranko Brothers team, responsible for operating a hydraulic excavator to excavate, move, and grade earth on a variety of earthwork and construction projects across western North Dakota and surrounding areas. The ideal candidate will have experience working on active construction sites, following supervisor direction and project plans to dig trenches for utilities, excavate foundations, and support site preparation activities while maintaining equipment to ensure safe and efficient operations.

RESPONSIBLITIES

  • Operate excavator (trackhoe) equipment to excavate, trench, load, grade, and shape roadways, utilities, and work sites, adjusting boom, stick, and bucket positions to achieve precise depths, slopes, and project specifications.
  • Perform routine inspections and preventive maintenance on equipment, including checking fluid levels, greasing components, and identifying mechanical issues.
  • Follow all safety protocols and maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free work area.
  • Collaborate with supervisors and crew members to meet project goals, timelines, and quality standards.
  • Complete additional related duties as assigned to support overall job site operations, including operating other heavy equipment when required.

REQUIREMENTS

  • Proficient in operating excavators and related earthmoving equipment
  • Extensive knowledge of excavation techniques, trenching, grading, routine equipment maintenance, and basic troubleshooting
  • Ability to read and interpret site plans, grade stakes, instructions, and blueprints
  • Physical stamina and ability to work safely in various weather and job site conditions
  • Must pass a pre-employment urine drug test and comply with company drug and alcohol policies during employment
  • Must have reliable transportation to and from job sites
  • Must be 18 years of age or older to be considered for this position

BENEFITS*

  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Volunteer Time Off (VTO)
  • Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with Match
  • Generous Years of Service Awards
  • Referral Bonus up to $2500
  • Sign-on Bonus up to $3000

*Terms + Conditions Apply.

Founded in 1967 and headquartered in Dickinson, North Dakota, Baranko Companies is a family-owned organization consisting of multiple business entities, each with their own area of expertise. Baranko Brothers, Inc. performs heavy highway/civil construction, Baranko Environmental, LLC focuses on environmental services and waste disposal management, Baranko Services, LLC provides oilfield swabbing services, and Center Coal Company is a stoker and lump coal retailer. Together, they serve a broad range of clients across North Dakota and beyond.

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