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Mainline Excavator Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Louisa, VA · On-site

$20.50 - $27/hr

Excavator Operator Job Locations US-VA-Louisa ID 2026-14443 # of Openings 1 Category (For search on ... Experience in mainline pipe installation or mass excavation preferred. * Ability to work with GPS ...

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

Excavator Operator Job Locations US-VA-Richmond ID 2026-14659 # of Openings 2 Category (For search ... Experience in mainline pipe installation or mass excavation preferred. * Ability to work with GPS ...

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Fort George G Meade, MD · On-site

$26 - $32/hr

Excavator Operator Job Locations US-MD-Fort Meade ID 2026-14657 # of Openings 4 Category (For ... Excavate for utility installation, including water, sewer, and storm drainage systems (Mainline ...

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$20.75 - $27.25/hr

Allan Myers is looking for a highly skilled and experienced Excavator Operator to join our Mainline Pipe Crew or Mass Excavation Crew on heavy civil construction projects. The ideal candidate has at ...

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Louisa, VA

$20.50 - $27/hr

Allan Myers is looking for a highly skilled and experienced Excavator Operator to join our Mainline Pipe Crew or Mass Excavation Crew on heavy civil construction projects. The ideal candidate has at ...

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Richmond, VA

$20.75 - $27.25/hr

Responsibilities Allan Myers is looking for a highly skilled and experienced Excavator Operator to join our Mainline Pipe Crew or Mass Excavation Crew on heavy civil construction projects. The ideal ...

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Fort George G Meade, MD

$26 - $32/hr

Responsibilities Allan Myers is looking for a highly skilled and experienced Excavator Operator to join our Mainline Pipe Crew or Mass Excavation Crew on heavy civil construction projects. The ideal ...

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Louisa, VA

$20.50 - $27/hr

Responsibilities Allan Myers is looking for a highly skilled and experienced Excavator Operator to join our Mainline Pipe Crew or Mass Excavation Crew on heavy civil construction projects. The ideal ...

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Louisa, VA

$20.50 - $27/hr

Responsibilities Allan Myers is looking for a highly skilled and experienced Excavator Operator to join our Mainline Pipe Crew or Mass Excavation Crew on heavy civil construction projects. The ideal ...

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Richmond, VA

$20.75 - $27.25/hr

Responsibilities Allan Myers is looking for a highly skilled and experienced Excavator Operator to join our Mainline Pipe Crew or Mass Excavation Crew on heavy civil construction projects. The ideal ...

Allan Myers, Inc.

Excavator Operator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$20.75 - $27.25/hr

Responsibilities Allan Myers is looking for a highly skilled and experienced Excavator Operator to join our Mainline Pipe Crew or Mass Excavation Crew on heavy civil construction projects. The ideal ...

Allan Myers, Inc.

Excavator Operator

Louisa, VA · On-site

$20.50 - $27/hr

Responsibilities Allan Myers is looking for a highly skilled and experienced Excavator Operator to join our Mainline Pipe Crew or Mass Excavation Crew on heavy civil construction projects. The ideal ...

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Fort George G Meade, MD · On-site

$26 - $32/hr

Responsibilities Allan Myers is looking for a highly skilled and experienced Excavator Operator to join our Mainline Pipe Crew or Mass Excavation Crew on heavy civil construction projects. The ideal ...

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Fort George G Meade, MD

$26 - $32/hr

Allan Myers is looking for a highly skilled and experienced Excavator Operator to join our Mainline Pipe Crew or Mass Excavation Crew on heavy civil construction projects. The ideal candidate has at ...

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Mainline Excavator Operator information

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How much do mainline excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainline 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 in the Mainline Excavator Operator position, and why are they important?

Mainline Excavator Operators should possess strong mechanical aptitude, experience with heavy equipment operation, and a solid understanding of excavation and safety procedures, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant operator certifications. Familiarity with GPS systems, advanced hydraulic controls, and routine equipment maintenance is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork set outstanding operators apart in this field. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and precise work when handling complex excavation projects and working alongside construction teams.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Mainline Excavator Operator?

Mainline Excavator Operators are primarily responsible for operating heavy excavation equipment to dig trenches, lay pipelines, and perform earthmoving tasks according to project specifications. Each day often involves inspecting and maintaining equipment, reading site plans, adhering to safety protocols, and coordinating with site supervisors and crew members. Operators may be required to adapt to changing site conditions and ensure that excavation work is completed on schedule. Collaboration with other operators, laborers, and utility crews is essential to achieve seamless and safe project execution.

What's the highest paid heavy equipment operator?

The highest paid heavy equipment operators are often specialized roles such as crane or excavator operators with extensive experience, certifications, and working in high-demand industries like oil and gas or construction. Salaries can exceed $70,000 to $100,000 annually, especially for those with advanced skills and in remote or high-risk environments.

What is the highest salary for an excavator operator?

The highest salaries for mainline excavator operators can exceed $70,000 to $100,000 annually, especially for those with extensive experience, specialized skills, or working in high-demand regions. Factors such as certifications, type of equipment operated, and project complexity can influence earning potential.

What is a Mainline Excavator Operator job?

A Mainline Excavator Operator is responsible for operating heavy equipment, specifically excavators, to dig trenches or prepare sites for underground utilities such as water, gas, or sewer lines. They work primarily on large-scale infrastructure projects and must follow safety regulations, interpret blueprints, and coordinate with other crew members. Precision and efficiency are critical, as improper digging can lead to costly errors or hazards. This role requires experience with various soil types, excavation techniques, and machine maintenance.

What's the hourly rate for a mini excavator?

The hourly rate for operating a mini excavator typically ranges from $20 to $45, depending on experience, location, and project complexity. Mainline excavator operators with specialized skills may command higher rates, especially when working with advanced equipment or in demanding environments.

Is 50 too old to become a heavy equipment operator?

Mainline excavator operators can be of various ages, and many employers value experience and skills over age. As long as you are physically capable, have proper training, and obtain necessary certifications, age 50 is not a barrier to becoming a heavy equipment operator.
More about Mainline Excavator Operator jobs
What states have the most Mainline Excavator Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Mainline Excavator Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Mainline Excavator Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Mainline Excavator Operator jobs are:
Mainline Excavator Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mainline Excavator Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,408 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Excavator Operator - Wilmington, NC Region

State Utility Contractors, Inc.

Wilmington, NC

$55K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Salary based on the depth of construction experience - Salary Range - $55,000 to $75,000 (Compensation Range based on Overtime and Bonus Structure)

-Summary/Objective-
Excavator Operator
-Candidates should have at least 3 years of experience operating excavators (operating weight 20,000 lbs. or more) on pipeline construction projects. Some manual labor may be required.

Mainline Excavator Position Responsibilities:

  • - Excavate line and grade for mainline waterline according to project plans
  • - Excavate around existing utilities with precision
  • - Understand and implement trench depth and grade
  • - Understand and implement pothole procedure, pipeline and grade compaction
  • - Knowledge of excavation, trenching amp; shoring practices
  • - Understand and implement the proper rigging for all materials being lowered into the trench
  • - OSHA Certified competent person for trenching amp; shoring
  • - Thorough knowledge of equipment maintenance to ensure safe and reliable equipment at all times


-This will be a full-time position with some travel required.
-All Candidates must be able to meet the following requirements:
-Have a valid driver’s license with a clean record
-Pass a pre-employment drug screen
-Display a professional and courteous attitude at all times
-Be willing to work nights and weekends when required
-Be able to work overtime when required
-Be willing to work outdoors in extreme conditions (hot/cold)
-Be able to do preventive maintenance on equipment, (grease fittings, check fluid levels, refuel)
-Strictly adhere to company Safety requirements and procedures
-Have the willingness to work in a team environment
Benefits provided:
Paid Vacation
Paid Holidays
401K Retirement Plan
ESOP - Employee Stock Ownership Plan
Health/Dental/Life/ and Short Term Disability Insurance
-Salary Range: Between $55,000. to $75,000 per year based on experience and abilities
Please attach your resume and references in the following application.

Apply