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Independent Contractor Backhoe Loader Operator Jobs

Backhoe Loader Operator Combo

Orlando, FL · On-site

$43K - $57K/yr

General Summary Operates backhoe (hydraulic shovel attached to tractor or train) which digs holes ... contractors and construction materials producers. Granite is a Drug-Free Workplace and Equal ...

Loader Operator

Wildwood, FL · On-site

$15.25 - $20/hr

Loader/Backhoe Operator Hughes Brothers Construction is now hiring! We are a heavy civil contractor ... Able to work independently or as an active member of a team * Out-of-town travel and/or overtime is ...

Loader Operator

Wildwood, FL · On-site

$15.25 - $20/hr

Loader/Backhoe Operator Hughes Brothers Construction is now hiring! We are a heavy civil contractor ... Able to work independently or as an active member of a team * Out-of-town travel and/or overtime is ...

Loader Operator

Wildwood, FL · On-site

$15.25 - $20/hr

Loader/Backhoe Operator Hughes Brothers Construction is now hiring! We are a heavy civil contractor ... Able to work independently or as an active member of a team * Out-of-town travel and/or overtime is ...

Loader Operator

Davenport, FL · On-site

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

Loader/Backhoe Operator Hughes Brothers Construction is now hiring! We are a heavy civil contractor ... Able to work independently or as an active member of a team * Out-of-town travel and/or overtime is ...

Loader Operator

Davenport, FL · On-site

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

Loader/Backhoe Operator Hughes Brothers Construction is now hiring! We are a heavy civil contractor ... Able to work independently or as an active member of a team * Out-of-town travel and/or overtime is ...

PP OPERATOR - BACKHOE

Allen, TX · On-site

$43K - $57K/yr

PP Operator - Backhoe We are a leading Texas-based design and construction company specializing in ... Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required * 1-3 years Loader Operator experience * A ...

PP OPERATOR - BACKHOE

Mckinney, TX · On-site

$43K - $57K/yr

You might be the one we are looking for Backhoe Operator ! Duties and Responsibilities * Performs ... Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required * 1-3 years Loader Operator experience * A ...

Description Nelson Pipeline is seeking a highly motivated Tractor Backhoe Loader who will be responsible for digging trenches, loading trucks with excavated material, backfilling excavated area, and ...

PP OPERATOR - BACKHOE

Mckinney, TX · On-site

$43K - $57K/yr

You might be the one we are looking for Backhoe Operator ! Duties and Responsibilities * Performs ... Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required * 1-3 years Loader Operator experience * A ...

Tractor Backhoe Operator

Fort Lupton, CO · On-site

$51K - $67K/yr

Description Nelson Pipeline is seeking a highly motivated Tractor Backhoe Loader who will be responsible for digging trenches, loading trucks with excavated material, backfilling excavated area, and ...

Backhoe * Rough Loader * Rough Dozer * Material Transfer Vehicle Physical Demands * Climb ladder 8 ... Bettis Asphalt & Construction, Mid-States Materials, Capital Trucking, Bettis Contractors, Bettis ...

Backhoe * Rough Loader * Rough Dozer * Material Transfer Vehicle Physical Demands * Climb ladder 8 ... Bettis Asphalt & Construction, Mid-States Materials, Capital Trucking, Bettis Contractors, Bettis ...

... Bettis Contractors, Inc., Bettis Fabrication, Capital Ready-Mix, Capital Crane, LLC, Koss ... Backhoe * Rough Loader * Rough Dozer * Material Transfer Vehicle Physical Demands * Climb ladder 8 ...

... Bettis Contractors, Inc., Bettis Fabrication, Capital Ready-Mix, Capital Crane, LLC, Koss ... Backhoe * Rough Loader * Rough Dozer * Material Transfer Vehicle Physical Demands * Climb ladder 8 ...

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Independent Contractor Backhoe Loader Operator information

See salary details

$33K

$57K

$88K

How much do independent contractor backhoe loader operator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for independent contractor backhoe loader operator in the United States is $56,952.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,500.00 and $61,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much money can I make with a backhoe?

An independent contractor backhoe loader operator can typically earn between $20 and $35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and project complexity. Annual income can range from $40,000 to over $80,000, especially with additional certifications or specialized skills. Earnings may also vary based on the number of jobs completed and the equipment used.

Do I need a license to operate a backhoe?

In most regions, a valid operator's license or certification is required to operate a backhoe loader professionally. Employers often prefer or require completion of training programs and adherence to safety regulations, especially for commercial or heavy equipment operation.

What is the difference between Independent Contractor Backhoe Loader Operator vs Equipment Rental Company Backhoe Loader Operator?

AspectIndependent Contractor Backhoe Loader OperatorEquipment Rental Company Backhoe Loader Operator
CredentialsOSHA certification, relevant experienceOSHA certification, relevant experience
Work EnvironmentOn various job sites, project-basedRental yard, multiple client sites
Employer/Industry UsageSelf-employed or contracted for specific projectsRental company employs or contracts operators
Work ScopeOperate backhoe for construction, excavation, or landscapingOperate backhoe for clients renting equipment

The main difference is that Independent Contractor Backhoe Loader Operators work directly on construction or excavation projects as self-employed professionals, while Equipment Rental Company Backhoe Loader Operators typically operate equipment owned by rental companies, serving multiple clients. Both roles require similar certifications and skills, but their work environments and employment structures differ.

What is the going rate for backhoe work per hour?

The hourly rate for an independent contractor backhoe loader operator typically ranges from $20 to $50 per hour, depending on experience, location, project complexity, and equipment used. Rates may be higher for specialized tasks or in regions with higher living costs, and operators often charge additional fees for travel or overtime.

What's the highest paid heavy equipment operator?

The highest paid heavy equipment operators are often those who specialize in operating large machinery like backhoe loaders, bulldozers, or cranes in high-demand industries such as mining, oil and gas, or infrastructure projects. Experienced operators with certifications, advanced skills, and the ability to work in remote or challenging environments tend to earn the highest wages, which can exceed $70,000 to $100,000 annually depending on location and experience.
What cities are hiring for Independent Contractor Backhoe Loader Operator jobs? Cities with the most Independent Contractor Backhoe Loader Operator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Backhoe Loader Operator jobs? The most popular types of Backhoe Loader Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Independent Contractor Backhoe Loader Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Independent Contractor Backhoe Loader Operator jobs include:
Backhoe Loader Operator Combo

Backhoe Loader Operator Combo

Granite

Orlando, FL • On-site

$43K - $57K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Granite Telecommunications rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 83 rated telecommunications companies


Job description

Building a career at Granite may be the most valuable thing you could do...

Find your dream job today, and be part of something great. Our most powerful partnership is the one we have with our employees. Our people are our most valued asset and the foundation of Granite's century-old success. We're building more than infrastructure; we are building your future.

General Summary

Operates backhoe (hydraulic shovel attached to tractor or train) which digs holes and trenches and removes and transports earth, gravel and other such materials.

Essential Job Accountabilities

  • 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.

  • Performs routine maintenance on equipment, such as lubricating, fueling, and cleaning

Education

  • High School Diploma, GED or equivalent years of experience

Certification

  • Proper certification required

Work Experience

  • Appropriate training and experience required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Workers should be able to:

  • Practice good safety habits

  • Work in dusty or dirty surroundings

  • Follow instructions and meet set standards

  • Judge distances and slopes accurately

  • Make decisions based on verifiable standards.

Physically, workers must be able to:

  • Stoop, bend, and crouch

  • Use hands, arms, and legs fully

  • See well (either naturally or with correction)

  • Lift up to 50 pounds, with frequent lifting and carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

About Granite Construction Incorporated

Granite Construction Incorporated is a member of the S&P 400 Index and is the parent company of Granite Construction Company, one of the nation's largest heavy civil contractors and construction materials producers. Granite is a Drug-Free Workplace and Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.We consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws.

For additional information on applicant/employee rights please clickhere.

Notice to Staffing Agencies

Granite Construction, Inc. and its subsidiaries ("Granite") will not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. Any unsolicited resumes sent to Granite, including unsolicited resumes sent to a Granite mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Granite employees, or to Granite's resume database will be considered Granite property. Granite will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume.Granite will consider any candidate for whom an Agency has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Agency free of any charges or fees.Agencies must obtain advance written approval from Granite's recruiting function to submit resumes, and then only in conjunction with a valid fully-executed contract for service and in response to a specific job opening.Granite will not pay a fee to any Agency that does not have such agreement in place.Agency agreements will only be valid if in writing and signed by Granite's Human Resources Representative or his/ her designee. No other Granite employee is authorized to bind Granite to any agreement regarding the placement of candidates by Agencies.


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