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Freelance Excavator Owner Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sinacola

Excavator Operator - Excavation

Dallas, TX

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

We are a 100% employee-owned organization, fostering a strong team atmosphere where everyone shares ... Excavator Operator Job Summary: The Excavator Operator operates or tends machinery equipped with ...

Sinacola

Excavator Operator - Excavation

Dallas, TX · On-site

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

We are a 100% employee-owned organization, fostering a strong team atmosphere where everyone shares ... Excavator Operator Job Summary: The Excavator Operator operates or tends machinery equipped with ...

Sinacola

Excavator Operator - Excavation

Dallas, TX

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

We are a 100% employee-owned organization, fostering a strong team atmosphere where everyone shares ... Excavator Operator Job Summary: The Excavator Operator operates or tends machinery equipped with ...

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 ... Founded in 1967 and headquartered in Dickinson, North Dakota, Baranko Companies is a family-owned ...

Baranko Companies

Excavator Operator

Dickinson, ND · On-site

$42 - $48/hr

As an Excavator Operator, you will be an integral member of the Baranko Brothers team, responsible ... Founded in 1967 and headquartered in Dickinson, North Dakota, Baranko Companies is a family-owned ...

Sinacola Inc

Excavator Operator - Excavation

Dallas, TX · On-site

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

We are a 100% employee-owned organization, fostering a strong team atmosphere where everyone shares ... Excavator Operator Job Summary: The Excavator Operator operates or tends machinery equipped with ...

Hunter Recruitment Advisors

Excavator Operator

Loudon, TN · On-site

$30 - $32/hr

We're a growing, family-owned residential plumbing company looking for a skilled Excavator Operator to join our team. If you have experience operating equipment for sewer and water line installations ...

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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 29, 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 98% Full Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $54,408 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Mini Excavator Operator Underground Sewer and Water Repair

Mr. Rooter of Cook County

Elk Grove Village, IL • On-site

$22.25 - $29.25/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Benefits:

Competitive salary

Dental insurance

Employee discounts

Free uniforms

Health insurance

Paid time off

Training & development

Wellness resources

Bonus based on performance

Job Title: Lead Excavation Specialist / Plumbing Team Lead Company: Mr. Rooter Plumbing Location: [Elk Grove Village and soon to add Crystal Lake]

Job Type: Full-Time

About the Role Are you a skilled equipment operator who knows how to run a job site efficiently? Do you take pride in delivering top-tier plumbing solutions and leading a crew to success?

Mr. Rooter Plumbing is looking for a powerhouse Lead Excavation Specialist to join our team. In this role, you won't just be operating machinery—you will be the go-to leader on-site, managing projects from the initial dig to the final line repair, ensuring safety, speed, and structural integrity every step of the way.

Key Responsibilities Lead & Mentor: Oversee and direct on-site helper technicians, ensuring projects are completed efficiently, safely, and up to the highest quality standards.

Precision Operation: Expertly operate a mini excavator and other heavy machinery for trenching, digging, and line access with minimal property disruption.

Damaged Line Repair: Diagnose, replace, and repair damaged sewer, water, and drain lines (including spot repairs, full replacements, and structural solutions).

Site Management: Establish site safety protocols, manage workflow, and communicate effectively with dispatch and management regarding job progress.

Customer Excellence: Represent the Mr. Rooter brand with professionalism, explaining processes clearly to residential or commercial clients when needed.

What We’re Looking For Proven Leadership: Experience managing or leading a small team on residential or commercial job sites.

Machine Mastery: Demonstrated proficiency operating a mini excavator in tight or challenging environments.

Technical Plumbing Expertise: Solid experience in underground plumbing, drain systems, and line repair/replacement procedures.

Safety First Mindset: Strong knowledge of excavation safety, utility marking regulations (811), and trench shoring.

Requirements: Valid driver’s license with a clean record; ability to pass a background check and drug screening.

Why Work for Mr. Rooter? Top-Tier Pay: Competitive compensation based on experience.

Great Benefits

Premium Fleet & Equipment: Work with well-maintained, modern machinery and tools.

Career Growth: We invest in our leaders. Opportunities for advancement and ongoing technical training.

Culture: A supportive, team-driven environment where your hard work is recognized and rewarded.

How to Apply Ready to take the driver's seat in your career?

Apply today! Send your resume to [mrrooter1@gmail.com] or call [847-519-1122] to schedule an interview.

Mr. Rooter Plumbing is an equal opportunity employer.

*All independently owned and operated franchised businesses operate under the service brands’ marks, trademarks, trade names, logos, emblems, slogans, or other indicia of origin in connection with the Mr. Rooter Plumbing® franchise system within a specified geographical area. Only the independently owned and operated franchised business shall have any interaction with or authority for its business and make all employment related decisions related to its franchised business.

Apply