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Hydro Vac Operator Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Norsk Hydro

Maintenance Repairman A

North Liberty, IN · On-site

$33K - $42K/yr

Hydro Extrusions is a world-leading aluminium extrusion business counting around 100 production ... Troubleshoot and construct 120 VAC control circuit wiring. * Work independently and efficiently ...

Norsk Hydro

Maintenance Repairman A

North Liberty, IN · On-site

$33K - $42K/yr

Hydro Extrusions is a world-leading aluminium extrusion business counting around 100 production ... Troubleshoot and construct 120 VAC control circuit wiring. * Work independently and efficiently ...

Eco Infrastructure Solutions

Laborer

Whitestown, IN

$17 - $20.75/hr

... Vac Truck and T.V. Truck Operators at job sites. As part of a field crew, you will support a variety of industrial services, including hydro excavation and pipe cleaning. This role requires ...

hth companies

Industrial Cleaning Labor

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Operating a vac-truck and hydro blasting. * Assist in organizing inventory and equipment. * Promote safe workplace by participating in safety training, identifying job hazards, wearing correct PPE ...

HTH Companies

Industrial Cleaning Labor

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$14 - $17.50/hr

Operating a vac-truck and hydro blasting. * Assist in organizing inventory and equipment. * Promote safe workplace by participating in safety training, identifying job hazards, wearing correct PPE ...

HTH Companies

Industrial Cleaning Labor

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$14 - $17.50/hr

Operating a vac-truck and hydro blasting. * Assist in organizing inventory and equipment. * Promote safe workplace by participating in safety training, identifying job hazards, wearing correct PPE ...

All JobsHydro Vac Operator JobsHydro Vac Operator Jobs in Indiana

Hydro Vac Operator information

See Indiana salary details

$13

$19

$26

How much do hydro vac operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for hydro vac operator in Indiana is $19.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $21.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Hydro Vac Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hydro Vac Operator, you generally need a commercial driver's license (CDL), knowledge of safe excavation practices, and experience operating hydro excavation equipment. Familiarity with GPS or mapping systems, vacuum and high-pressure water systems, and adherence to OSHA and local safety certifications are typically required. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and teamwork skills help operators coordinate safely with crews and clients. These skills are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient excavation and preventing damage to underground utilities or harm to personnel.

How much can you make with a hydrovac truck?

Hydro Vac Operators typically earn between $20 and $35 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $40,000 to $70,000 depending on experience, location, and job complexity. Skilled operators with certifications and experience in the field can earn higher wages, especially when working overtime or in specialized environments.

How do I become a hydrovac operator?

To become a hydrovac operator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with on-the-job training or a certification in hydro excavation. Experience operating trucks and understanding safety protocols are important, and some employers may require a commercial driver's license (CDL).

What are some common challenges faced by Hydro Vac Operators during excavation projects?

Hydro Vac Operators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, navigating tight or congested job sites, and ensuring underground utilities are exposed safely without causing damage. Adhering to strict safety protocols and coordinating closely with site supervisors and utility locators is essential to prevent accidents. Additionally, managing the maintenance and operation of specialized equipment can be demanding, requiring attention to detail and proactive problem-solving.

What is the difference between Hydro Vac Operator vs Vacuum Truck Operator?

AspectHydro Vac OperatorVacuum Truck Operator
CertificationsCPR, OSHA, equipment-specific trainingCPR, OSHA, equipment-specific training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, utility work, environmental cleanupIndustrial sites, waste removal, sewer cleaning
Job FocusUsing high-pressure water and vacuum to excavate or cleanUsing vacuum systems to transport materials or waste

Both Hydro Vac Operators and Vacuum Truck Operators require similar certifications and often work in construction, environmental, or industrial settings. The main difference lies in their primary equipment and tasks: Hydro Vac Operators specialize in using high-pressure water combined with vacuum systems for excavation and cleaning, while Vacuum Truck Operators focus on transporting materials using vacuum trucks. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are Hydro Vac Operators?

Hydro Vac Operators are professionals who operate hydro excavation trucks and equipment to safely excavate soil using high-pressure water and a powerful vacuum. They are commonly employed in construction, utility, and oil and gas industries to dig around sensitive underground infrastructure, such as pipelines and cables, without causing damage. Hydro Vac Operators are responsible for maintaining equipment, following safety protocols, and ensuring efficient and precise excavation work. Their role is essential for projects that require non-destructive digging methods.

Is a CDL required for hydrovac work?

Hydro Vac Operators typically need a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) because they often operate large trucks and equipment on public roads. Having a CDL ensures compliance with transportation regulations and is often a job requirement, especially for driving and transporting hydrovac equipment. Additional certifications or training may also be necessary depending on the employer and job scope.

Is there demand for hydrovac operators?

Hydro vac operators are in demand in industries such as construction, excavation, and utility work due to the need for precise digging and excavation. The job often requires operating specialized equipment and safety certifications, and employment opportunities are generally steady in regions with ongoing infrastructure projects.
What are popular job titles related to Hydro Vac Operator jobs in Indiana? For Hydro Vac Operator jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Hydro Vac Operator jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Hydro Vac Operator jobs in Indiana are:
Hydro Vac Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hydro Vac Operator job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,276 per year, or $19.4 per hour.
Driver / Operator

Driver / Operator

Moran Environmental Recovery

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Vacuum Truck Operator

Department: Operations

Reports To: Logistics Manager


JOB SUMMARY:

The Vacuum Truck Operator must be able to work in compliance in the delivery of MER’s four core service lines (Emergency Response, Industrial and Marine Services, Facility Decontamination, and Site Remediation). Drivers must adhere to and maintain strict compliance with corporate/office policies and procedures, established health and safety protocols, and all applicable local, state, and federal regulations.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Execution of field work encompassed in remediation and industrial maintenance projects while under direct or indirect supervision.
  • Drive an average of 30% of the time as well as work onsite as part of a team. Depending on location, drivers may be asked to perform the duties of a Field Technician if business needs warrant it.
  • Correct completion of all job-specific, employee-related and equipment-related MER paper work including Timesheets, Daily Work Reports, Driver’s Logs, Pre and Post Vehicle Inspection and Daily Tailgate Safety Meeting Forms.
  • Understand and enforce project’s detailed scope-of-work to maintain strict compliance with contract documents, project schedules, and corporate policies and procedures.
  • Work safely during all phases of performing the job duties required in the field.
  • Ability to perform work inside areas of varying dimensions, involving squatting and crawling for possible extended periods.
  • Ability to follow directions; read/speak and understand English; read and understand common danger placards / labels and hazardous warning literature including site safety plans.
  • The ability to safely drive and perform safety checks on all vehicles for which licensed.
  • Operate various vehicles safely, including but not limited to Vacuum Truck, Vacuum Trailer, Turbo-Vac, Roll-Off Truck and Hydro Vac.
  • Project work may require out of town travel for two weeks or more
  • Must be able to understand and comply with company and client safety standards.
  • Due to the diversity of both scheduled and non-scheduled projects, physical demands, and environmental conditions vary significantly depending on the project.
  • Work outside year-round in all types of weather.
  • May work in environments that are extreme in nature like environmental conditions such as heat, cold, heights, hazardous chemicals, loud noises, dangerous equipment, long hours etc.
  • May be exposed to varying levels of physical activities and physical extremes such as long periods of standing, walking, crouching, use of hands, and heavy lifting of up to 50 pounds or more.
  • Must be clean shaven at all times to allow immediate donning and seal of respirator.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Must be able to effectively operate a manual transmission.
  • Requires High School Diploma or GED (or equivalent reading, writing and reasoning skills) and2-3 years of experience operating vacuum trucks (or similar equipment).
  • Additional experience in related work (emergency response, manual labor, general construction, industrial cleaning) is preferred.
  • A valid Class “B” or “A” Commercial Driver’s License with Hazmat and Tanker endorsements is required.
  • TWIC Preferred.
  • OSHA 40-HR HAZWOPER and Confined Space Entry certifications are required to complete within the first 30 days of employment.
  • Successful completion of a pre-employment background and substance screening process including, but not limited to, employment verifications, criminal search and Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) search as well continued verifications throughout employment to ensure that all records meet company policy standards.

BENEFITS:

• Competitive Salary

• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance

• 401k with Company Match

• PTO

• Paid Holidays


MER is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in a drug free work environment to all employees and applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, uniform service member status, marital status, pregnancy, age, protected medical condition, genetic information, disability or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws.

Moran Environmental Recovery is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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