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Hydraulic Excavator Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 for operating a hydraulic excavator to excavate, move, and grade earth on a variety of earthwork and ...

Baranko Companies

Excavator Operator

Dickinson, ND · On-site

$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 ...

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 for operating a hydraulic excavator to excavate, move, and grade earth on a variety of earthwork and ...

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Louisa, VA · On-site

$20.50 - $27/hr

Excavator Operator Job Locations US-VA-Louisa ID 2026-14910 # of Openings 1 Category (For search on ... Key Responsibilities Operate hydraulic excavators (e.g., Cat 330, 336, 349, or similar) to perform ...

Sterling Infrastructure, Inc.

Excavator Operator

El Paso, TX · On-site

$20.25 - $27/hr

As an Excavator Operator, you'll be hands-on in the field-performing precision excavation ... Connect hydraulic hoses, belts, mechanical linkage, or power takeoff shaft to tractor to provide ...

Sterling Infrastructure, Inc.

Excavator Operator

El Paso, TX · On-site

$20.25 - $27/hr

As an Excavator Operator, you'll be hands-on in the field-performing precision excavation ... Connect hydraulic hoses, belts, mechanical linkage, or power takeoff shaft to tractor to provide ...

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Suffolk, VA · On-site

$20 - $26.25/hr

Excavator Operator Job Locations US-VA-Suffolk ID 2026-14854 # of Openings 1 Category (For search on portal) Heavy Equipment Operator Responsibilities Operate hydraulic excavators (e.g., Cat 330, 336 ...

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$21.75 - $28.75/hr

Excavator Operator Job Locations US-VA-Norfolk ID 2026-14752 # of Openings 1 Category (For search on portal) Heavy Equipment Operator Responsibilities Operate hydraulic excavators (e.g., Cat 330, 336 ...

S B Cox, Inc.

Excavator Operator - Demo

Henrico, VA · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Excavator Operator - DemolitionPosition SummaryThe Excavator Operator is responsible for the safe ... Experience operating multiple attachments including grapples, shears, and hydraulic hammers.Valid ...

S B Cox Inc

Excavator Operator - Demo

Henrico, VA · On-site

$20.50 - $27/hr

Excavator Operator - Demolition The Excavator Operator is responsible for the safe and productive ... Experience operating multiple attachments including grapples, shears, and hydraulic hammers.

S B Cox Inc

Excavator Operator - Demo

Richmond, VA · On-site

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

Excavator Operator - Demolition Position Summary The Excavator Operator is responsible for the safe ... Experience operating multiple attachments including grapples, shears, and hydraulic hammers.

S B Cox, Inc.

Excavator Operator - Demo

Richmond, VA

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

Excavator Operator - DemolitionPosition Summary The Excavator Operator is responsible for the safe ... Experience operating multiple attachments including grapples, shears, and hydraulic hammers.

S B Cox, Inc.

Excavator Operator - Demo

Richmond, VA · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Excavator Operator - Demolition Position Summary The Excavator Operator is responsible for the safe ... Experience operating multiple attachments including grapples, shears, and hydraulic hammers.

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator (Pipe Crew)

Chester, VA · On-site

$21 - $27.75/hr

Operate hydraulic excavators (e.g., Cat 320, 330, 336 or similar) to excavate trenches for storm ... Minimum of 2 years of equipment operating experience required. * Valid driver's license required.

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator (Pipe Crew)

Chester, VA · On-site

$21 - $27.75/hr

Operate hydraulic excavators (e.g., Cat 320, 330, 336 or similar) to excavate trenches for storm ... Minimum of 2 years of equipment operating experience required. * Valid driver's license required.

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Hydraulic Excavator Operator information

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How much do hydraulic excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for hydraulic 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hydraulic excavator operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hydraulic Excavator Operator, you need practical experience in operating heavy machinery, a high school diploma or equivalent, and typically a commercial driver’s license or other relevant operator certification. Familiarity with hydraulic systems, GPS machine control systems, and preventative maintenance checklists is essential. Strong communication, problem-solving abilities, and attention to safety help operators excel in both solo and team environments. These skills are crucial to ensure efficiency, machine longevity, and safety in construction or industrial sites.

Is a hydraulic excavator operator a stressful job?

Hydraulic excavator operators often work in physically demanding environments that require attention to safety and precision, which can contribute to job stress. Factors such as tight schedules, equipment maintenance, and safety protocols may also impact stress levels, but proper training and experience help manage these challenges.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a hydraulic excavator operator on a construction site?

A Hydraulic Excavator Operator’s daily tasks usually include inspecting and preparing the machine, safely excavating and moving materials, following site plans, and maintaining communication with site supervisors and ground crews. Operators often adjust to changing site conditions, ensure routine maintenance is performed, and may assist with loading and unloading heavy equipment. Collaborative work is common, as operators coordinate their activities with laborers, truck drivers, and other machine operators to ensure smooth workflow. This variety in daily responsibilities makes the role engaging and critical to project success.

How much do they pay a hydraulic excavator operator?

Hydraulic excavator operators typically earn an average hourly wage ranging from $20 to $30, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the equipment. Skilled operators with certifications and experience in large or specialized machinery may earn higher wages or additional benefits.

What is a hydraulic excavator operator?

A Hydraulic Excavator Operator is responsible for operating heavy machinery equipped with a hydraulic system to dig, move, and grade earth, rocks, or other materials on construction, mining, or excavation sites. They ensure safe and efficient operation while following site plans, safety regulations, and maintenance procedures. Operators must have strong hand-eye coordination, attention to detail, and knowledge of equipment controls. They may also be responsible for conducting routine inspections and minor maintenance to keep the excavator in good working condition.

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Hydraulic Excavator Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hydraulic Excavator Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,408 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Excavator Operator

Baranko Companies

Dickinson, ND • On-site

$42 - $48/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

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 construction projects across western North Dakota and surrounding areas. The ideal candidate will have experience working on active construction sites, following supervisor direction and project plans to dig trenches for utilities, excavate foundations, and support site preparation activities while maintaining equipment to ensure safe and efficient operations.RESPONSIBLITIESOperate excavator (trackhoe) equipment to excavate, trench, load, grade, and shape roadways, utilities, and work sites, adjusting boom, stick, and bucket positions to achieve precise depths, slopes, and project specifications.Perform routine inspections and preventive maintenance on equipment, including checking fluid levels, greasing components, and identifying mechanical issues.Follow all safety protocols and maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free work area.Collaborate with supervisors and crew members to meet project goals, timelines, and quality standards.Complete additional related duties as assigned to support overall job site operations, including operating other heavy equipment when required.REQUIREMENTSProficient in operating excavators and related earthmoving equipmentExtensive knowledge of excavation techniques, trenching, grading, routine equipment maintenance, and basic troubleshootingAbility to read and interpret site plans, grade stakes, instructions, and blueprintsPhysical stamina and ability to work safely in various weather and job site conditionsMust pass a pre-employment urine drug test and comply with company drug and alcohol policies during employmentMust have reliable transportation to and from job sitesMust be 18 years of age or older to be considered for this positionBENEFITS*Paid Time Off (PTO)Volunteer Time Off (VTO) Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with MatchGenerous Years of Service AwardsReferral Bonus up to $2500Sign-on Bonus up to $3000*Terms + Conditions Apply.  Founded in 1967 and headquartered in Dickinson, North Dakota, Baranko Companies is a family-owned organization consisting of multiple business entities, each with their own area of expertise. Baranko Brothers, Inc. performs heavy highway/civil construction, Baranko Environmental, LLC focuses on environmental services and waste disposal management, Baranko Services, LLC provides oilfield swabbing services, and Center Coal Company is a stoker and lump coal retailer. Together, they serve a broad range of clients across North Dakota and beyond.
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