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Hydraulic Excavator Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Excavator Operator

Oklahoma City, OK · On-site

$21 - $27.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Application Instructions NOW HIRING FOR LARGE EXCAVATOR OPERATORS TO JOIN OUR TEAM! Must be willing ... Connects hydraulic hoses, belts, mechanical linkage, or power takeoff shaft to tractor to provide ...

Excavator Operator

Oklahoma City, OK · On-site

$21 - $27.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Application Instructions NOW HIRING FOR LARGE EXCAVATOR OPERATORS TO JOIN OUR TEAM! Must be willing ... Connects hydraulic hoses, belts, mechanical linkage, or power takeoff shaft to tractor to provide ...

Excavator Operator

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$21 - $26/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

POSITION SUMMARY The Excavator Operator performs trenching, grading, and material handling for ... Use attachments such as buckets, compaction wheels, hydraulic hammers, and lifting rigs. * Install ...

Utility Pipe Excavator Operator

Largo, MD · On-site

$28 - $35/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Operate hydraulic excavators (e.g., Cat 330, 336, 349, or similar) to perform precise digging ... Minimum 3 years of experience operating excavators in heavy civil construction (water mains, storm ...

Excavator Operator

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$21.75 - $29/hr

Operate hydraulic excavators (e.g., Cat 330, 336, 349, or similar) to perform precise digging ... Minimum of 5 years of experience operating excavators in heavy civil construction. * Experience in ...

Excavator Operator

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$22 - $29/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Application Instructions NOW HIRING LARGE EXCAVATOR OPERATORS TO JOIN OUR TEAM! Must be willing to ... Connects hydraulic hoses, belts, mechanical linkage, or power takeoff shaft to tractor to provide ...

Excavator Operator

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$22 - $29/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Application Instructions NOW HIRING LARGE EXCAVATOR OPERATORS TO JOIN OUR TEAM! Must be willing to ... Connects hydraulic hoses, belts, mechanical linkage, or power takeoff shaft to tractor to provide ...

Excavator Operator

Newport News, VA · On-site

$20.50 - $27/hr

Operate hydraulic excavators (e.g., Cat 330, 336, 349, or similar) to perform precise digging ... Minimum of 5 years of experience operating excavators in heavy civil construction. * Experience in ...

Excavator Operator

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$21.75 - $29/hr

Operate hydraulic excavators (e.g., Cat 330, 336, 349, or similar) to perform precise digging ... Minimum of 5 years of experience operating excavators in heavy civil construction. * Experience in ...

Excavator Operator

Suffolk, VA · On-site

$20 - $26.25/hr

Operate hydraulic excavators (e.g., Cat 330, 336, 349, or similar) to perform precise digging ... Minimum of 5 years of experience operating excavators in heavy civil construction. * Experience in ...

Excavator Operator

Newport News, VA

$20.50 - $27/hr

Operate hydraulic excavators (e.g., Cat 330, 336, 349, or similar) to perform precise digging ... Minimum of 5 years of experience operating excavators in heavy civil construction. * Experience in ...

Experienced Excavator Operator

Pearl, MS · On-site

$19 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Excavator Operator AJ Construction Inc. is seeking an experienced excavator operator for our gravel ... Check fluid levels, tracks, undercarriage, hydraulic lines, hoses, buckets, teeth, pins, and safety ...

Excavator Operator

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$20.50 - $27/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

POSITION SUMMARY The Excavator Operator performs trenching, grading, and material handling for ... Use attachments such as buckets, compaction wheels, hydraulic hammers, and lifting rigs. * Install ...

Utility Pipe Excavator Operator

Largo, MD · On-site

$28 - $35/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Operate hydraulic excavators (e.g., Cat 330, 336, 349, or similar) to perform precise digging ... Minimum 3 years of experience operating excavators in heavy civil construction (water mains, storm ...

Excavator Operator

Newport News, VA · On-site

$20.50 - $27/hr

Operate hydraulic excavators (e.g., Cat 330, 336, 349, or similar) to perform precise digging ... Minimum of 5 years of experience operating excavators in heavy civil construction. * Experience in ...

Excavator Operator

Suffolk, VA · On-site

$20 - $26.25/hr

Operate hydraulic excavators (e.g., Cat 330, 336, 349, or similar) to perform precise digging ... Minimum of 5 years of experience operating excavators in heavy civil construction. * Experience in ...

Excavator Operator

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

Operate hydraulic excavators (e.g., Cat 330, 336, 349, or similar) to perform precise digging ... Minimum of 5 years of experience operating excavators in heavy civil construction. * Experience in ...

Utility Pipe Excavator Operator

Upper Marlboro, MD · On-site

$28 - $35/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Operate hydraulic excavators (e.g., Cat 330, 336, 349, or similar) to perform precise digging ... Minimum 3 years of experience operating excavators in heavy civil construction (water mains, storm ...

Showing results 41-60

Hydraulic Excavator Operator information

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$13

$26

$41

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Hydraulic Excavator Operator jobs?

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States with the most job openings for Hydraulic Excavator Operator jobs include:

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

Sterling Infrastructure, Inc.

Oklahoma City, OK • On-site

$21 - $27.75/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted just now


Job description

Application Instructions
NOW HIRING FOR LARGE EXCAVATOR OPERATORS TO JOIN OUR TEAM!
Must be willing to travel, the project is located in Tulsa, OK.
With over 50 years of delivering complex, high-impact infrastructure and mission critical projects, we bring the experience, resources, and proven execution needed to complete our work safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards of quality.
RLW offers challenging career opportunities, extensive training and employee development to grow your career and thrive under the Ralph L. Wadsworth reputation for excellence. We offer excellent benefits and supply you with the tools needed to maximize your potential and growth.
Benefits include:
    • Competitive Pay
    • Paid Time Off (PTO)
    • Holiday Pay
    • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
    • Retirement Plan - 401K, employees will receive a company contribution up to 5%
    • Tuition Reimbursement
    • Growth and Career Advancement
Position Description
Equipment Operators responsibilities and abilities include but are not limited to the list below. Other duties may be assigned.
  • Ability to proficiently operate three or more types of heavy equipment such as a backhoe, trackhoe, scrapers, dozer, excavator, loader, rock trucks, compactors, articulated trucks, crushers, and/or motor graders with or without GPS in a manner to prepare the job site to meet the required grades.
  • Fastens attachments to tractor with clevis or wedge pin hitches.
  • Connects hydraulic hoses, belts, mechanical linkage, or power takeoff shaft to tractor to provide power to raise, lower, or tilt attachment.
  • Moves levers to control tool bars, carriers, and disks.
  • Moves hand and foot levers to control hydraulic shovel.
  • Uses shovel to dig trenches and holes of specified length, depth and width, remove loosened material and put in piles or transport trucks.
  • Moves levers and depresses pedals to maneuver equipment and raise, lower, and tilt attachment to clear right-of-way.
  • Feels lever and listens for stalling action of engine to estimate depth of cut.
  • Drives bulldozer in successive passes over terrain to raise or lower terrain to specified grade following markings on grade stakes or hand signals.
  • Responsible to construct/grade new roadways, base courses, building pads, footing excavation and water ponds and to properly slope and grade to specifications.
  • Responsible to load, move, level and grade dirt, rocks, demoed concrete and other materials in a safe and efficient manner all in a high paced environment to maintain production goals.
  • Ability to maintain the initiative to maintain the flow of work under minimal supervision.
  • Responsible of demolition of bridges and other structures with excavators and hydraulic hoe rams.
  • Responsible to operate equipment within a Pipe Crew environment such as an excavator or loader.
  • Responsible for general housekeeping, light maintenance of equipment, proper care of equipment, operating the equipment without damaging it along with maintenance checks of equipment including reporting usage/utilization hours on a daily basis.
  • May work with GPS installed devices on dozers and motor graders.
  • Learn, follow and promote all safety standards of Ralph L Wadsworth and its projects.
  • Work weekend, holiday, and/or overtime work as the project needs require.
  • Perform Laborer work as required
  • Performs other duties as assigned by immediate supervisor.
Position Requirements
  • Have a minimum of 4 years of Heavy Equipment Operating Experience with multiple types of equipment or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Willing to do laborer work
  • Ability to work safely under pressure with time constraints in a changing environment.
  • Frequent gross body movements such as bending, climbing into equipment, lifting (up to 75lbs), twisting, standing, balancing, stooping, handling materials, moving around hazardous sites.
  • Good Eye to Hand coordination a must. Depth perception required.
  • High School diploma/GED preferred.
  • Flexible availability to include overtime and possible weekends and nights.

Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunity employer: We do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, genetic information, marital status, military status, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or status with regard to public assistance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. #LI-KM1