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Mainline Excavator Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

Excavator Operator Job Locations US-VA-Chesapeake ID 2026-14594 # of Openings 1 Category (For ... Experience in mainline pipe installation or mass excavation preferred. * Ability to work with GPS ...

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Newport News, VA · On-site

$20.50 - $27/hr

Excavator Operator Job Locations US-VA-Newport News ID 2026-14685 # of Openings 1 Category (For ... Experience in mainline pipe installation or mass excavation preferred. * Ability to work with GPS ...

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

Excavate for utility installation, including water, sewer, and storm drainage systems (Mainline ... Minimum of 5 years of experience operating excavators in heavy civil construction. * Experience in ...

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

Excavate for utility installation, including water, sewer, and storm drainage systems (Mainline ... Minimum of 5 years of experience operating excavators in heavy civil construction. * Experience in ...

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Newport News, VA

$20.50 - $27/hr

Excavate for utility installation, including water, sewer, and storm drainage systems (Mainline ... Minimum of 5 years of experience operating excavators in heavy civil construction. * Experience in ...

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Newport News, VA

$20.50 - $27/hr

Excavate for utility installation, including water, sewer, and storm drainage systems (Mainline ... Minimum of 5 years of experience operating excavators in heavy civil construction. * Experience in ...

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Newport News, VA

$20.50 - $27/hr

Excavate for utility installation, including water, sewer, and storm drainage systems (Mainline ... Minimum of 5 years of experience operating excavators in heavy civil construction. * Experience in ...

Allan Myers, Inc.

Excavator Operator

Newport News, VA · On-site

$20.50 - $27/hr

Excavate for utility installation, including water, sewer, and storm drainage systems (Mainline ... Minimum of 5 years of experience operating excavators in heavy civil construction. * Experience in ...

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

Excavate for utility installation, including water, sewer, and storm drainage systems (Mainline ... Minimum of 5 years of experience operating excavators in heavy civil construction. * Experience in ...

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

Excavate for utility installation, including water, sewer, and storm drainage systems (Mainline ... Minimum of 5 years of experience operating excavators in heavy civil construction. * Experience in ...

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

Excavate for utility installation, including water, sewer, and storm drainage systems (Mainline ... Minimum of 5 years of experience operating excavators in heavy civil construction. * Experience in ...

Allan Myers

Excavator Operator

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

Excavate for utility installation, including water, sewer, and storm drainage systems (Mainline ... Minimum of 5 years of experience operating excavators in heavy civil construction. * Experience in ...

Allan Myers

Utility Pipe Excavator Operator

Laurel, MD · On-site

$28 - $35/hr

Utility Pipe Excavator Operator Job Locations US-MD-Laurel ID 2026-14689 # of Openings 1 Category ... Excavate for utility installation, including water, sewer, and storm drainage systems (Mainline ...

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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

Excavator Operator

Allan Myers, Inc.

Fort George G Meade, MD • On-site

$26 - $32/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Operate hydraulic excavators to perform precise digging, trenching, and grading.

  • Excavate for utility installation, including water, sewer, and storm drainage systems or perform bulk earthmoving, slope work, and grading in large-scale excavation projects.

  • Read and interpret construction plans, grade stakes, and laser levels.

Allan Myers rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

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 candidate has at least three (3) years of experience operating excavators in site development, utility installation, or large-scale excavation projects. This role is essential to ensuring safe and efficient operations on our job sites.
Key Responsibilities
  • Operate hydraulic excavators (e.g., Cat 330, 336, 349, or similar) to perform precise digging, trenching, and grading.
  • Excavate for utility installation, including water, sewer, and storm drainage systems (Mainline Pipe Crew).
  • Perform bulk earthmoving, slope work, and grading in large-scale excavation projects (Mass Excavation Crew).
  • Read and interpret construction plans, grade stakes, and laser levels.
  • Ensure safe and efficient operation of equipment, following company and OSHA safety standards.
  • Perform daily equipment inspections, routine maintenance, and report mechanical issues.
  • Work collaboratively with crew members, site supervisors, and project managers.

Hourly Range:
  • $26.00 - $32.00, based on experience.

Benefits:
  • We offer competitive industry-leading benefits (including Medical, Vision and Dental), vacation, paid holidays, annual performance bonus program and 401k.

Qualifications
  • Minimum 3 years of experience operating excavators in heavy civil construction.
  • Experience in mainline pipe installation or mass excavation preferred.
  • Ability to work with GPS machine control systems is a plus.
  • Strong knowledge of excavation techniques, trenching safety, and soil conditions.
  • Must be able to work in a physically demanding environment and in various weather conditions.
  • Valid driver's license required; CDL is a plus.
  • Must pass pre-employment drug screening and background check.

Overview
Our Company Does Work That Matters
Allan Myers is a leading self-performing heavy civil construction and construction materials company with a strategic network of offices, quarries and asphalt plants covering the Mid-Atlantic from New Jersey to Virginia Beach. We build infrastructure: the highways and bridges that connect cities and towns, the public water and wastewater systems that provide clean water to your home and keep our streams clean. We take pride in meeting the highest quality standards because it ensures our work will have a long-lasting positive impact on the community. When you get home safe each night, you know that what you did that day matters.
At Allan Myers, you are part of a team dedicated to making things better, including your career. We pay well and provide generous benefits. We offer extensive training and promote from within. If you have the drive, we will help you build a career in the thriving construction industry and reach your full potential.
Allan Myers is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Notice to External, Third Party, Agency Recruiting Firms:
Allan Myers maintains a preferred vendor list and does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies not under contract. Any resume submitted without a signed agreement and prior written authorization from our Talent Acquisition team will be deemed the property of Allan Myers. We reserve the right to engage with such candidates (contact, interview and hire) without financial obligation. No other employee is authorized to approve resume submissions or bind Allan Myers to any fee arrangement.

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