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Freelance Excavator Owner Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ... Family owned and operated * Best equipment and technology * Building the best roads start to finish ...

Dearborn Brothers Construction

Excavator Operator

Buxton, ME · On-site

$22 - $29.25/hr

Dearborn Brothers Construction, a Southern Maine excavation construction company located in Buxton ... We are a family owned and operated company that has been operating in Buxton since the 1984. This ...

Dearborn Brothers Construction

Excavator Operator

Buxton, ME · On-site

$22 - $29.25/hr

Dearborn Brothers Construction, a Southern Maine excavation construction company located in Buxton ... We are a family owned and operated company that has been operating in Buxton since the 1984. This ...

Central Specialties, Inc.

Excavator Operator

Alexandria, MN

$21.75 - $28.50/hr

Family owned and operated * Best equipment and technology * Building the best roads start to finish ... We promote from within An Excavator Operator is responsible for operating heavy machinery ...

Gibson's Heating

Excavator & Jetter Operator

Waterloo, IN · On-site

$18 - $27/hr

We are a family-owned and operated company. What does this mean? * We have goals to strive for ... Operate excavator & jetter truck safely and efficiently at worksites * Maintain communication with ...

New

Bituminous Roadways

Excavator Operator

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$22.75 - $30/hr

Excavator Operator The Excavator Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating an ... Family owned and operated * Paid Training * Advancement opportunities - we aim to promote within

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Freelance Excavator Owner Operator information

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

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance excavator owner 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.

Is owning an excavator profitable?

Owning a freelance excavator can be profitable if the operator maintains high productivity, secures consistent contracts, and manages expenses such as maintenance and fuel. Profitability depends on market demand, project size, and the operator’s skills in bidding and project management.

How much does an Excavator Operator cost per hour?

The hourly rate for a freelance excavator owner-operator typically ranges from $50 to $150, depending on factors such as equipment size, project complexity, location, and experience. Rates may also include additional costs for fuel, maintenance, and insurance, and operators often charge more for specialized skills or certifications.

How much do owner-operator excavators make?

Owner-operator excavators typically earn between $50,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on factors such as experience, equipment, location, and workload. Successful operators often have specialized skills, reliable equipment, and may work full-time or part-time schedules.

What type of owner operators make the most money?

The most profitable freelance excavator owner operators typically have extensive experience, operate larger or specialized equipment, and work on high-demand projects such as infrastructure or commercial construction. They often possess strong skills, certifications, and a good reputation, allowing them to command higher rates and secure lucrative contracts.

What is the difference between Freelance Excavator Owner Operator vs Excavator Operator?

AspectFreelance Excavator Owner OperatorExcavator Operator
CredentialsValid excavator operator license, certifications, and ownership of equipmentTypically requires a valid excavator operator license or certification
Work EnvironmentSelf-employed, working on various projects and sitesEmployed by construction companies or contractors, working on specific sites
Employer/Industry UsageIndependent contractor serving multiple clientsEmployee or subcontractor within a company or firm
Search/Comparison IntentFreelance Excavator Owner Operator vs Excavator Operator

The main difference is that a Freelance Excavator Owner Operator owns their equipment and works independently, managing multiple projects. An Excavator Operator is typically employed by a company, working on specific sites without owning the equipment. Both roles require similar certifications, but the freelance owner operator has more control over their work and clients.

More about Freelance Excavator Owner Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Excavator Owner Operator jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Excavator Owner Operator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Excavator Owner Operator jobs? The most popular types of Excavator Owner Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Excavator Owner Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Excavator Owner Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Excavator Owner Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Excavator Owner Operator jobs are:
Freelance Excavator Owner Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Excavator Owner Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,408 per year, or $26.2 per hour.
Excavator Operator

Excavator Operator

Central Specialties, Inc.

Alexandria, MN • On-site

$21.75 - $28.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

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 providing responsive customer service, on the job safety, efficient and high-quality products and services. Our skilled workforce of 425+ employees is dedicated to quality and excellence. It's the pride our employees take in their work that keeps CSI at the top of the industry.

What sets us apart!

  • Family owned and operated
  • Best equipment and technology
  • Building the best roads start to finish

Benefits of joining our team!

  • Traveling throughout Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana and Iowa
  • Winters off
  • Working outdoors
  • Company paid training opportunities
  • We promote from within

An Excavator Operator is responsible for operating heavy machinery, specifically excavators, to perform various excavation and earthmoving tasks. This role involves ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the excavator, inspecting and maintaining equipment, and adhering to project specifications and safety regulations.

Requirements:

  • Must be able to travel throughout Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana and Iowa
  • Regular, consistent attendance and regular overtime at all assigned job sites.
  • Valid Driver's License, preferably Class A.
  • Acceptable motor vehicle record.
  • Previous heavy equipment operating experience.
  • Strong mechanical skills.
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team.
  • Physical strength and endurance to perform all principal duties and responsibilities

Responsibilities:

  • Maneuver the excavator safely and accurately to avoid damage to property, underground utilities, or other equipment.
  • While operating equipment, maintain clear and effective communication with the site supervisor, team members, and ground personnel using verbal and non-verbal hand signals.
  • Prioritize safety at all times, following company and industry safety guidelines and protocols.
  • Perform routine maintenance on the excavator, such as greasing, checking fluid levels, and cleaning the equipment.
  • Operate excavators to dig trenches, and other excavations following project blueprints and instructions.
  • Adhere to proper trenching and excavation techniques to prevent cave-ins and ensure safe working conditions.
  • Performs other tasks as needed.

Benefits:

  • Group Health Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
  • 401 (k) Company Match
  • 401(k) Company Discretionary Contribution
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Basic Life Insurance
  • Employee Sick and Safe Time (Part-time and seasonal employees)
  • Per Diem
  • Electronic Direct Deposit

Central Specialties 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 origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

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