ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Excavator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

E.S. Wagner Co., LLC

Excavator Operator

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$22 - $29/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.

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 ...

Urban Infraconstruction

Excavator Operator

Dallas, TX · On-site

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

Urban Infraconstruction is seeking an experienced Excavator Operator to support underground utility construction projects. The ideal candidate will have at least 1 year of experience operating ...

Caton's Plumbing

Excavator Operator

Catonsville, MD · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

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 60 years.

Caton's Plumbing

Excavator Operator

Catonsville, MD

$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 ...

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 ...

Central Specialties, Inc.

Excavator Operator

Alexandria, MN · On-site

$21.75 - $28.50/hr

Excavator Operator Central Specialties, Inc. is a third generation, family owned, general road contracting company serving Minnesota and the Dakotas. We take pride in the reputation we have built for ...

Caton's Plumbing

Excavator Operator

Catonsville, MD

$75K - $95K/yr

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 60 years.

Flatiron Construction Corp

Excavator Operator

Aberdeen, NC · On-site

$22 - $30/hr

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 excavation, trenching ...

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 ...

Midlands Contracting

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 ...

RIPA & Associates

Be Seen First

Excavator Operator

Tampa, FL · On-site

$20 - $27/hr

Excavate trenches to the specified depth and width for pipe laying, ensuring proper grade and alignment. * Assist with the installation of pipes, including positioning, leveling, and joining.

Roto-Rooter

Excavator Operator

Fishers, IN · On-site

$21 - $27.75/hr

Overview 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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsExcavator Jobs

Excavator information

See salary details

$20

$23

$27

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.
More about Excavator jobs
What cities are hiring for Excavator jobs? Cities with the most Excavator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Excavator jobs? The most popular types of Excavator jobs are:
What states have the most Excavator jobs? States with the most job openings for Excavator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Excavator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Excavator jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Excavator jobs? For Excavator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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

E.S. Wagner Co., LLC

Charlotte, NC • On-site

$22 - $29/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

E.S. 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. Wagner offers competitive salary and benefits, including medical, dental, vision, STD and LTD, life insurance, paid time off, and 401(k) plan.
Company Profile
E.S. Wagner Company, LLC, is a heavy civil and highway construction company serving clients in both the public and private sectors. With offices in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Piedmont, South Carolina, E.S. Wagner Company, LLC has the people and resources necessary to complete the most challenging and complex projects in various geographical areas. Through innovative engineering and construction, combined with the latest in construction technology and equipment, E.S. Wagner Company, LLC has built its reputation as a safe, capable, and expert general contractor. These capabilities, coupled with the values of integrity, reliability, and pride in a job well done, make E.S. Wagner Company, LLC an industry leader and employer of choice.
Check us out at www.eswagner.com
Position Summary:
E.S. Wagner Company, LLC has an excellent opportunity for an Excavator Operator. A sample of the position's duties and responsibilities include:
  • Operate excavator to place fills, dig, load and move material according to digging plans
  • Manipulate hand and/or foot controls to operate equipment for mass excavation
  • Observe hand signals, grade stakes, or other markings when operating excavator
  • Take actions to avoid potential hazards or obstructions and follow all safety procedures
Qualifications:
  • Experience with a 349 or larger excavator preferred
  • Previously loaded 4000+ CY or more in a day
  • Experience in silt pond excavation
  • Successfully pass pre-employment drug screening
  • Charlotte-Douglas International Airport does not allow individuals to work on this jobsite if they have been convicted of a felony within the previous 10 years

No phone calls, please.
Accessibility: If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process please contact Human Resources at
Phone: (419) 691-8651Email: HR@eswagner.com
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.
If you want to view the Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal poster, please choose your language: English - Spanish - Arabic - Chinese

Apply