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Excavator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Allan Myers, Inc.

Excavator Operator

Deale, MD · On-site

$26 - $32/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 ...

Jurgensen Companies

Excavator Operator

Walton, KY · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Eaton Asphalt is seeking a skilled Excavator Operator to support our pipe crew and concrete operations. This role involves precision excavation for underground utilities, trench boxes, manholes, and ...

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Louisa, VA

$20.50 - $27/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

Excavator Operator

Louisa, VA

$20.50 - $27/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

Excavator Operator

Louisa, VA

$20.50 - $27/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 ...

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Bowmansville, PA

$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 ...

Roto-Rooter Services Company

Excavator Operator

Glendale, AZ · On-site

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

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

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 ...

Southeastern Site Development

Excavator Operator

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$21.75 - $28.50/hr

The Opportunity as an Excavator Operator This is a strong opportunity for an experienced equipment operator who wants steady, meaningful field work on roadway, utility, and public infrastructure ...

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 ...

Roto-Rooter Services Company

Excavator Operator

Bristol, PA · On-site

$22 - $29/hr

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 ...

Garney Construction

Excavator Operator

Buford, GA

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

GARNEY As a Marine Excavator Operator in Buford, GA at Garney Construction, you will be an integral part of the crew, responsible for underwater excavation utilizing a long reach excavator with GPS ...

Martin Marietta Materials

Excavator Operator

Raleigh, NC

$21.75 - $29/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 ...

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Excavator information

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How much do excavator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 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.
More about Excavator jobs
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Excavator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Excavator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 96% Full 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

Roto-Rooter Services Company

Elkridge, MD • On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

Roto-Rooter rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 71 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

150th of 217 rated repair and maintenance companies

Job description

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-owned branches, independent contractor territories, and approximately 400 independent franchise operations, serving approximately 90% of the U.S. population and parts of Canada.
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 pride ourselves on being a great place to work, providing excellent pay, flexible work schedules and top benefits.
We are growing and have an excellent opportunity for a Skilled Heavy Equipment Operator, especially backhoe and/mini excavator for sewer & water service repairs/replacements.
The average yearly pay range for this position is between $75,000-$95,000.
Responsibilities
  • Operates back-hoe, mini-excavator, skid steers, and/or other excavation machinery equipped with scoops, shovels, or buckets to excavate and load loose materials on residential and commercial job sites.
  • Load, unload and secure equipment on transport trailers according to guidelines.
  • Follow OSHA and Roto-Rooter safety procedures.
  • Work collaboratively with a crew to efficiently complete excavation work on various projects.
  • Interact with customers as needed, providing excellent customer service and addressing their requirements professionally.
  • Maintain excavation equipment and gather all necessary equipment from the branch and/or rental companies to ensure smooth operations during excavation tasks.
  • Perform excavation work in confined spaces and open trenches, adhering to safety protocols and guidelines.
  • Locate and arrive at job sites promptly, ensuring safe driving and operation of service vehicles between locations.

Requirements
  • Essential requirement: Construction experience in both residential and commercial projects.
  • Mandatory requirement: Possession of a current CDL Class A license for this position.
  • Trenchless water, sewer & gas experience is a plus.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights and weekends, as required for the role.
  • Complete jobs within specified timelines.

Benefits
At Roto-Rooter, we believe our most significant investment is in our employees. We prioritize the health and well-being of our team and their families. That's why we offer an extensive employee benefit package including:
  • Medical insurance with a Prescription Drug Card
  • Accident and Critical Illness Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Training
  • Life Insurance
  • Matching 401K Retirement Savings Plan
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Profit Sharing

Roto-Rooter offers excellent career paths for military veterans and personnel transitioning to civilian professions. Throughout nearly 100 years in business, we've found that military training and structure are an excellent fit for our company.
EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender, age, national origin, veteran status, military status, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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