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Freelance Demolition Excavator Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Smith Rowe, LLC

Excavator Operator

Mount Airy, NC · On-site

$19.50 - $25.75/hr

... demolition, crushing, logging, clearing and grubbing and marine construction. Benefits ... The position of an Crushing Excavator/Heavy Equipment Operator in the Crushing Department moves ...

Diplomat Demolitions

Demolition Laborer

West Chester, PA

$16.75 - $21.50/hr

... Operators & Foreman - Great Pay, Paid Training! Join the team at Diplomat Demo - Building the future, safely and professionally. Diplomat Demo is a full-service demolition, excavation, and site work ...

Smith Rowe, LLC

Crushing - Excavator Operator

Asheville, NC · On-site

$21.25 - $28.25/hr

... demolition, crushing, logging, clearing and grubbing and marine construction. Benefits ... The position of an Crushing Excavator/Heavy Equipment Operator in the Crushing Department moves ...

Veitusa

Demolition Highreach Operator

Rogers, MN

Operates large sized specialty excavators and heavy equipment of various sizes and weights used in ... Five years+ experience operating specialty demolition excavators is required. * At least five years ...

Veitusa

Demolition Highreach Operator

Festus, MO

Operates large sized specialty excavators and heavy equipment of various sizes and weights used in ... Five years+ experience operating specialty demolition excavators is required. * At least five years ...

Veit

Demolition Highreach Operator

Festus, MO · On-site

Operates large sized specialty excavators and heavy equipment of various sizes and weights used in ... Five years+ experience operating specialty demolition excavators is required. * At least five years ...

Smith Rowe, LLC

Crushing - Excavator Operator

Mount Airy, NC · On-site

$19.50 - $25.75/hr

... demolition, crushing, logging, clearing and grubbing and marine construction. Benefits ... The position of an Crushing Excavator/Heavy Equipment Operator in the Crushing Department moves ...

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Freelance Demolition Excavator Operator information

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How much do freelance demolition excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance demolition excavator operator in the United States is $26.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.63 and $28.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Freelance Demolition Excavator Operator vs Construction Excavator Operator?

AspectFreelance Demolition Excavator OperatorConstruction Excavator Operator
CertificationsOSHA, CPCS, or NCCCO certifications often requiredSimilar certifications required, depending on project
Work EnvironmentDemolition sites, often urban or industrial areasConstruction sites, including residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects
EmployerIndependent contractors, demolition companiesConstruction firms, general contractors
Job FocusDemolishing structures, debris removalExcavation, grading, site preparation

While both roles operate excavators and require similar certifications, Freelance Demolition Excavator Operators specialize in demolition projects, focusing on tearing down structures and debris removal. Construction Excavator Operators work on building and infrastructure projects, performing excavation and site preparation tasks. The choice depends on your interest in demolition versus general construction work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance demolition excavator operator?

To thrive as a Freelance Demolition Excavator Operator, you need proven experience operating heavy machinery, knowledge of demolition techniques, and typically a valid equipment operator license or certification. Familiarity with specific excavator models, hydraulic attachments, and adherence to OSHA safety standards are crucial. Strong spatial awareness, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively with project teams set top operators apart. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and precise demolition work that meets project timelines and regulatory requirements.

What is a freelance demolition excavator operator?

Freelance Demolition Excavator Operators are heavy equipment professionals who specialize in operating excavators to demolish structures, clear debris, and prepare job sites on a contract or project-by-project basis. Unlike full-time employees, they work independently, often managing their own clients, schedules, and equipment. Their expertise includes safely handling demolition machinery, understanding site safety protocols, and efficiently removing materials from various types of construction and demolition sites.

How to be a freelance demolition excavator operator?

To become a freelance demolition excavator operator, gain experience operating heavy machinery such as excavators, obtain relevant certifications like OSHA safety training, and develop a strong understanding of demolition techniques and safety protocols. Building a network of clients and maintaining reliable equipment are essential for success in freelancing in this field.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance demolition excavator operators, and how can they be managed?

Freelance demolition excavator operators often face challenges such as adapting to different job sites, working with varying teams, and ensuring compliance with strict safety regulations. Each project may present unique obstacles, including limited space, hazardous materials, and unpredictable structures. To manage these challenges, operators should stay current with safety certifications, maintain open communication with site supervisors, and be proactive in assessing risks before starting each task. Building a strong reputation for reliability and adaptability can also lead to more consistent job opportunities.
What cities are hiring for Freelance Demolition Excavator Operator jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Demolition Excavator Operator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Demolition Excavator Operator jobs? The most popular types of Demolition Excavator Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Demolition Excavator Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Demolition Excavator Operator jobs include:
Freelance Demolition Excavator Operator jobs near you

Utilities - Excavator Operator

Fred Smith Company

High Point, NC • On-site

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Fred Smith Company rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Excavator/Heavy Equipment Operator

Want to be part of a company who gives back to their employees? You've stopped at the right ad! We expect a lot from our employees, but we also give a lot in return.

We care about our employees by providing an exceptional benefits package. We also work to further our employees' careers by doing our best to promote within the company. If you care about job performance, work well with others, can be accountable, have a positive attitude, can follow company/safety guidelines, are dependable, punctual, respond positively to supervision, you will be a great fit for our company!

Operating since 1983, the Smith-Rowe Team has grown and developed into a formidable construction company. Our organization employs teams with capabilities in structures, grading, utilities, storm drain, retaining walls, sound walls, signage, demolition, crushing, logging, clearing and grubbing and marine construction.

Benefits:

  • Competitive Salary
  • Employee Paid Premiums for Medical Insurance
  • Health Reimbursement Account
  • Telemedicine
  • Paid Life Insurance
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan with Matching Contributions
  • Sign On/Referral Bonuses

Position Overview: This position requires relocation or a local candidate. The company does not offer relocation benefits. The position of an Excavator/Heavy Equipment Operator in the Utilities Department moves mass excavation and digs trenches in an off-road environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Conduct pre-shift and post-shift daily inspections of equipment for safety and mechanical defects.
  • Operate/drive construction type equipment to excavate, move, and grade earth, concrete, asphalt, or other hard surface pavement on road beds and dirt/earth surfaces in a safe manner.
  • May perform minor repairs and maintain equipment as needed.
  • General labor as needed.

Education and/or Experience:

3 – 5 years' experience preferred. High school diploma/GED, preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

Valid driver's license preferred. Must be safety oriented. Ability to understand and follow oral instructions, communicate tactfully and effectively with supervisors, co-workers and the public. Able to learn and comply with all safety policies and procedures and OSHA regulations. Able to learn and comply with all company policies and procedures. Ability to travel and to work overtime when required. Must be able to pass a drug screen. Must have a strong work ethic. Must be 18 years of age.

Physical Demands: The physical demands below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Able to push and pull with hands, arms, and feet repetitively. Must have good visual and auditory physical capabilities in order to manage sights and sounds in a hazardous construction environment. Able to be alert and cognitive of multiple concurrent activities of the construction site, including awareness of other employees, subcontractors, machinery, equipment, and moving traffic when applicable. Coordination between hand, eyes, feet to guide equipment and objects is required. Must be able to mount and dismount off of vehicles and equipment. Must be able to wear appropriate personal protective equipment. Must be able to walk on uneven terrain. Able to lift up to 70 pounds.

Environmental Working Conditions:

All work is performed outside in heat, cold, and inclement weather. Exposure to all elements of nature. Exposure to all types of terrain.

NOTE: This job description indicates in general the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities and other essential functions expected of an employee. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of an employee. An employee may be asked to perform other duties as required.

Equal Opportunity Employer - Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

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