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Per Diem Excavator Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Midlands Contracting

Excavator Operator

Kearney, NE · On-site

$27/hr

Nightly per diem for meals when working out of town * Year-round employment (no winter layoffs) Requirements * 5+ years previous experience as an Excavator Operator performing the tasks listed below.

Midlands Contracting

Excavator Operator

Kearney, NE · On-site

$27/hr

Nightly per diem for meals when working out of town * Year-round employment (no winter layoffs) Requirements * 5+ years previous experience as an Excavator Operator performing the tasks listed below.

Midlands Contracting Inc

Excavator Operator

Kearney, NE · On-site

$27/hr

Nightly per diem for meals when working out of town * Year-round employment (no winter layoffs) Requirements * 5+ years previous experience as an Excavator Operator performing the tasks listed below.

Midlands Contracting

Excavator Operator

Kearney, NE · On-site

$27/hr

Nightly per diem for meals when working out of town * Year-round employment (no winter layoffs) Requirements * 5+ years previous experience as an Excavator Operator performing the tasks listed below.

Central Specialties, Inc.

Excavator Operator

Alexandria, MN · On-site

$21.75 - $28.50/hr

Excavator Operator Central Specialties, Inc. is a third generation, family owned, general road ... Per Diem * Electronic Direct Deposit Central Specialties is an equal opportunity employer. All ...

Azuria Water Solutions

Excavator Operator

Lexington, KY · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

The Excavator Operator uses heavy equipment to install underground utilities to depths of greater ... Daily per diem while traveling * 100% covered individual hotel room stays while traveling * Full ...

Azuria Water Solutions

Excavator Operator

Lexington, KY · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

The Excavator Operator uses heavy equipment to install underground utilities to depths of greater ... Daily per diem while traveling * 100% covered individual hotel room stays while traveling * Full ...

Azuria Water Solutions

Excavator Operator

Lexington, KY · On-site

The Excavator Operator uses heavy equipment to install underground utilities to depths of greater ... Daily per diem while traveling * 100% covered individual hotel room stays while traveling * Full ...

The Waterworks

Excavator Operator

Cleves, OH · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Job Type Full-time Description Excavation Operator Haven Services with Ken Neyer Plumbing & Nixco ... Install and assist in the installation of water lines, gas lines, and sewer lines as per city/state ...

Haven Services, LLC

Excavator Operator

Cleves, OH

$25 - $32/hr

Description Excavation Operator Haven Services with Ken Neyer Plumbing & Nixco Plumbing Location ... Install and assist in the installation of water lines, gas lines, and sewer lines as per city/state ...

Haven Services, LLC

Excavator Operator

Cleves, OH

$25 - $32/hr

Description Excavation Operator Haven Services with Ken Neyer Plumbing & Nixco Plumbing Location ... Install and assist in the installation of water lines, gas lines, and sewer lines as per city/state ...

The Waterworks

Excavator Operator

Cleves, OH · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Job Type Full-time Description Excavation Operator Haven Services with Ken Neyer Plumbing & Nixco ... Install and assist in the installation of water lines, gas lines, and sewer lines as per city/state ...

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All JobsPer Diem Excavator Operator Jobs

Per Diem Excavator Operator information

See salary details

$13

$26

$41

How much do per diem excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for per diem 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 the difference between Per Diem Excavator Operator vs Contract Excavator Operator?

AspectPer Diem Excavator OperatorContract Excavator Operator
CredentialsOSHA certification, valid excavator licenseOSHA certification, valid excavator license
Work EnvironmentProject sites, often on a daily basisProject sites, typically for specific contracts
Employment TypePaid daily or weekly, with per diem allowancesPaid per contract or project, often hourly or daily
UsageCommon in temporary or short-term projectsUsed for specific project-based work

Both Per Diem and Contract Excavator Operators require similar certifications and work in construction sites. The main difference lies in their employment structure: Per Diem Operators are paid daily with allowances, while Contract Operators work on specific projects for a set period. Understanding these differences helps job seekers choose the right employment type for their needs.

More about Per Diem Excavator Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Per Diem Excavator Operator jobs? Cities with the most Per Diem Excavator Operator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Excavator Operator jobs? The most popular types of Excavator Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Per Diem Excavator Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Per Diem Excavator Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Per Diem Excavator Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Per Diem Excavator Operator jobs are:
Per Diem Excavator Operator jobs near you
Excavator Operator

Excavator Operator

Midlands Contracting

Kearney, NE • On-site

$27/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

We are currently seeking a skilled Excavator Operator to join our growing construction company. A strong work ethic, attention to detail, willingness to travel, and dependability are a must.
Job Details
  • $27 per hour and up depending on experience
  • 50 or more hours per week (no weekend work)
  • Some projects require being out of town Monday-Friday (home on weekends)
  • Transportation provided from Kearney, NE when working out of town
  • Paid travel time
  • Hotel paid by company
  • Nightly per diem for meals when working out of town
  • Year-round employment (no winter layoffs)

Requirements
  • 5+ years previous experience as an Excavator Operator performing the tasks listed below.
  • Previous experience and the ability to run an excavator in a safe and efficient manner is required.
  • Experience running excavators in pipe laying operations is required.
  • Ability to run backfill excavator and/or lead excavator in pipeline operations.
  • Operation of backfill excavator normally involves use of sheepsfoot compaction wheel. Must be able to achieve specified compaction moisture and density requirements.
  • Operation of lead excavator will require use of trench boxes, shoring, sloping, benching, etc.
  • Responsible for maintenance and basic repairs of excavator.
  • Ability to calculate slopes and grades, perform surveying, use pipe laser, etc. for pipe laying.
  • Some manual labor is required each day.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds individually or as a team when carrying loads heavier than 50 pounds.
  • Ability to sit, stand and walk for long periods of time.
  • Ability to stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl throughout each day.
  • Operate other heavy equipment consistent with skill level and training.
  • Willingness to abide by all safety rules. Safety training will be provided on the job and via formal training.
  • Valid driver's license preferred but not required.
  • Ability to pass a pre-employment (post-offer) drug screen.
  • Must be authorized to work in the US.

Benefits
  • Paid time off.
  • Paid holidays.
  • Health Insurance: Company pays half of the premiums for employee and family members.
  • Life Insurance: Company pays half of the premiums for employee and family members.
  • 401k plan including company match (immediate vesting of company match).
  • Dental and Vision Insurance.
  • Cafeteria/Flexible Benefits Plan.
  • Aflac Supplemental Insurance.

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