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Excavator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Deale, MD

$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 ...

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Deale, MD

$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 ...

Roto-Rooter Services Company

Excavator Operator

Fishers, IN

$20.25 - $26.75/hr

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 ...

Martin Marietta

Excavator Operator

Dallas, GA

$17 - $22.50/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 ...

Roto-Rooter Services Company

Excavator Operator

Omaha, NE · On-site

$60K - $70K/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 ...

Roto-Rooter Services Company

Excavator Operator

Omaha, NE · On-site

$60K - $70K/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 ...

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 Services Company

Excavator Operator

Fishers, IN

$20.25 - $26.75/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 ...

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 ...

Martin Marietta

Excavator Operator

Dallas, GA

$17 - $22.50/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 ...

Martin Marietta

Excavator Operator

Fountain, NC

$21.50 - $28.50/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 13, 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.

Is Excavator Operator a stressful job?

Excavator operators often work in physically demanding environments that require attention to safety and precision, which can contribute to stress. Factors such as tight deadlines, equipment maintenance, and working outdoors in various weather conditions may also impact stress levels, but proper training and safety protocols help manage these challenges.

How much does an excavator make?

An excavator operator's average salary varies by experience, location, and employer, but typically ranges from $40,000 to $70,000 annually. Skilled operators with certifications and experience in heavy equipment often earn higher wages, especially in regions with high construction activity.

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.

How much is the salary for an excavator?

The average salary for an excavator operator in the United States ranges from $40,000 to $70,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Skilled operators with specialized equipment knowledge or union membership may earn higher wages, and some work on a seasonal or hourly basis.

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 certifications such as a crane or excavator operator license. Gaining experience through apprenticeships or entry-level positions can improve job prospects in this field.
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Excavator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Excavator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 97% Full Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $49,136 per year, or $23.6 per hour.
Excavator Operator

Excavator Operator

Allan Myers

Deale, MD

$26 - $32/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Allan Myers rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Responsibilities

Allan Myers is looking for a highly skilled and experienced Excavator Operator to join our Mainline Pipe Crew or Mass Excavation Crew on heavy civil construction projects. The ideal candidate has at least three (3) years of experience operating excavators in site development, utility installation, or large-scale excavation projects. This role is essential to ensuring safe and efficient operations on our job sites.

Key Responsibilities

  • Operate hydraulic excavators (e.g., Cat 330, 336, 349, or similar) to perform precise digging, trenching, and grading.
  • 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 (Mass Excavation Crew).
  • Read and interpret construction plans, grade stakes, and laser levels.
  • Ensure safe and efficient operation of equipment, following company and OSHA safety standards.
  • Perform daily equipment inspections, routine maintenance, and report mechanical issues.
  • Work collaboratively with crew members, site supervisors, and project managers.

Hourly Range:

  • $26.00 - $32.00, based on experience.

Benefits:

  • We offer competitive industry-leading benefits (including Medical, Vision and Dental), vacation, paid holidays, annual performance bonus program and 401k.
Qualifications
  • Minimum 3 years of experience operating excavators in heavy civil construction.
  • Experience in mainline pipe installation or mass excavation preferred.
  • Ability to work with GPS machine control systems is a plus.
  • Strong knowledge of excavation techniques, trenching safety, and soil conditions.
  • Must be able to work in a physically demanding environment and in various weather conditions.
  • Valid driver's license required; CDL is a plus.
  • Must pass pre-employment drug screening and background check.
Overview

Our Company Does Work That Matters

Allan Myers is a leading self-performing heavy civil construction and construction materials company with a strategic network of offices, quarries and asphalt plants covering the Mid-Atlantic from New Jersey to Virginia Beach. We build infrastructure: the highways and bridges that connect cities and towns, the public water and wastewater systems that provide clean water to your home and keep our streams clean. We take pride in meeting the highest quality standards because it ensures our work will have a long-lasting positive impact on the community. When you get home safe each night, you know that what you did that day matters. At Allan Myers, you are part of a team dedicated to making things better, including your career. We pay well and provide generous benefits. We offer extensive training and promote from within. If you have the drive, we will help you build a career in the thriving construction industry and reach your full potential.

Allan Myers is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Notice to External, Third Party, Agency Recruiting Firms:Allan Myers maintains a preferred vendor list and does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies not under contract. Any resume submitted without a signed agreement and prior written authorization from our Talent Acquisition team will be deemed the property of Allan Myers. We reserve the right to engage with such candidates (contact, interview and hire) without financial obligation. No other employee is authorized to approve resume submissions or bind Allan Myers to any fee arrangement.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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