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Production Excavator Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Excavator Operator

Locust Grove, GA ยท On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Excavator Operator Company Overview M&M Recycling is a family-owned scrap metal recycling company ... Your skill and judgment will directly impact yard productivity, safety, and customer satisfaction ...

Excavator Operator

Front Royal, VA ยท On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Mass Excavator Operator - Heavy Earthmoving (CAT 352) Location: Front Royal, VA Position Type ... In this role, you'll take command of a high-production CAT 352 (Mass Excavation Configuration) to ...

Excavator Operator

Front Royal, VA ยท On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Mass Excavator Operator Heavy Earthmoving (CAT 352) Location: Front Royal, VA Position Type: Direct ... In this role, you'll take command of a high-production CAT 352 (Mass Excavation Configuration) to ...

Excavator Operator

Monroe, LA ยท On-site

$21.75 - $28.50/hr

The Excavator Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating excavators to perform ... Must be able to give and receive directions effectively for safe and productive job site operations.

New

Excavator Operator

Raleigh, NC ยท On-site

$55 - $75/hr

Excavator Operator Department: Operations Employment Type: Full Time Location: Raleigh, NC ... Safe and efficient operation of equipment to meet production targets * Perform routine inspections ...

Excavator Operator

Sterling, VA ยท On-site

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

Mass Excavator Operator - Heavy Earthmoving (CAT 352) Location: Front Royal, VA Position Type ... In this role, you'll take command of a high-production CAT 352 (Mass Excavation Configuration) to ...

New

Excavator Operator

Dulles, VA ยท On-site

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

Mass Excavator Operator Heavy Earthmoving (CAT 352) Location: Front Royal, VA Position Type: Direct ... In this role, you'll take command of a high-production CAT 352 (Mass Excavation Configuration) to ...

New

Excavator Operator

Bowmansville, PA ยท On-site

$21.50 - $28.50/hr

Production Support: Support mining operations by excavating trenches, stockpiling materials, and shaping terrain as required. Work collaboratively with supervisors and other operators to achieve ...

Excavator Operator

Charles Town, WV ยท On-site

$21.50 - $28.25/hr

Mass Excavator Operator Heavy Earthmoving (CAT 352) Location: Charles Town, WV Position Type ... In this role, you'll take command of a high-production CAT 352 (Mass Excavation Configuration) to ...

Excavator Operator

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$25.50 - $33.75/hr

Mass Excavator Operator - Heavy Earthmoving (CAT 352) Location: Charles Town, WV Position Type ... In this role, you'll take command of a high-production CAT 352 (Mass Excavation Configuration) to ...

New

Excavator Operator

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$25.50 - $33.75/hr

Mass Excavator Operator - Heavy Earthmoving (CAT 352) Location: Charles Town, WV Position Type ... In this role, you'll take command of a high-production CAT 352 (Mass Excavation Configuration) to ...

New

Excavator Operator

Charles Town, WV ยท On-site

$55 - $75/hr

Mass Excavator Operator - Heavy Earthmoving (CAT 352) Location: Charles Town, WV Position Type ... In this role, you'll take command of a high-production CAT 352 (Mass Excavation Configuration) to ...

Excavator Operator

Front Royal, VA ยท On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Mass Excavator Operator - Heavy Earthmoving (CAT 352) Location: Front Royal, VA Position Type ... In this role, you'll take command of a high-production CAT 352 (Mass Excavation Configuration) to ...

Excavator Operator

Charles Town, WV ยท On-site

$21.50 - $28.25/hr

Mass Excavator Operator - Heavy Earthmoving (CAT 352) Location: Charles Town, WV Position Type ... In this role, you'll take command of a high-production CAT 352 (Mass Excavation Configuration) to ...

Excavator Operator

Charles Town, WV ยท On-site

$21.50 - $28.25/hr

Mass Excavator Operator - Heavy Earthmoving (CAT 352) Location: Charles Town, WV Position Type ... In this role, you'll take command of a high-production CAT 352 (Mass Excavation Configuration) to ...

Excavator Operator

Bowmansville, PA ยท On-site

$21.50 - $28.50/hr

Production Support: Support mining operations by excavating trenches, stockpiling materials, and shaping terrain as required. Work collaboratively with supervisors and other operators to achieve ...

Excavator Operator

Bowmansville, PA ยท On-site

$21.50 - $28.50/hr

Production Support: Support mining operations by excavating trenches, stockpiling materials, and shaping terrain as required. Work collaboratively with supervisors and other operators to achieve ...

Excavator Operator

Raleigh, NC ยท On-site

$20 - $26.50/hr

The Excavator Operator is responsible for operating heavy equipment to perform excavation, grading ... Safe and efficient operation of equipment to meet production targets * Perform routine inspections ...

Excavator Operator

Bath, PA ยท On-site

$20.75 - $27.25/hr

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience operating excavators and will be responsible for ... Collaborate with team members to meet production goals. * Report equipment issues or concerns to ...

Showing results 21-40

Production Excavator Operator information

See salary details

$11

$18

$23

How much do production excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for production excavator operator in the United States is $18.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a production excavator operator do?

A Production Excavator Operator is responsible for operating heavy machinery, specifically excavators, to dig, move, and load earth, rocks, and other materials on construction and mining sites. Their primary duties include safely maneuvering the equipment, following project plans, and ensuring productivity targets are met. They also perform routine equipment inspections and basic maintenance to keep the machinery in good working condition. Safety and precision are critical in this role to prevent accidents and ensure efficient site operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a production excavator operator?

To thrive as a Production Excavator Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, experience with heavy equipment operation, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with GPS machine control systems, maintenance protocols, and relevant safety certifications such as OSHA are often required. Attention to detail, spatial awareness, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications ensure safe, efficient, and precise operation, which are critical for productivity and accident prevention on job sites.

What are some common challenges faced by production excavator operators on large construction sites?

Production Excavator Operators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, maintaining safety while operating heavy machinery around other workers, and adapting to rapidly changing site layouts. Efficient communication with site supervisors and other equipment operators is crucial to coordinate digging, loading, and hauling activities. Additionally, operators must stay vigilant for underground utilities and follow strict maintenance routines to minimize equipment downtime.

What is the difference between Production Excavator Operator vs Construction Excavator Operator?

AspectProduction Excavator OperatorConstruction Excavator Operator
CertificationsOSHA safety training, equipment operation licensesOSHA safety training, equipment operation licenses
Work EnvironmentMining sites, industrial facilities, manufacturing plantsConstruction sites, infrastructure projects, building sites
Industry UsageMining, manufacturing, resource extractionConstruction, infrastructure development

Both roles require similar certifications and safety training, but Production Excavator Operators typically work in industrial or mining environments, focusing on material handling and extraction. Construction Excavator Operators work on building sites, focusing on earthmoving and site preparation. While their skills overlap, their work settings and project types differ.

How much do they pay a production excavator operator?

Production excavator operators typically earn an average hourly wage between $20 and $30, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $40,000 to $60,000. Wages can vary based on experience, location, certifications, and the complexity of the equipment operated.
More about Production Excavator Operator jobs

What cities are hiring for Production Excavator Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Production Excavator Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Production Excavator Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,856 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Excavator Operator

M&M Recycling

Locust Grove, GA โ€ข On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Excavator Operator


Company Overview

M&M Recycling is a family-owned scrap metal recycling company that values safety, hard work, and doing the job right. We operate a fast-paced yard where skilled equipment operators keep everything moving efficiently and safely.

As part of our team, you will work with people who look out for each other, take pride in their work, and build long-term careers in the recycling industry.


The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Excavator Operator to run yard cranes and material handlers equipped with grapples, magnets, and shears. Your skill and judgment will directly impact yard productivity, safety, and customer satisfaction every day.

This is a full-time opportunity for a dependable operator who wants steady work, overtime potential, and room to grow by cross-training on different attachments and equipment.


What You'll Do
  • Operate excavators and scrap yard cranes using grapples, magnets, and shears to move and process scrap metal safely and efficiently.
  • Load scrap metal into balers and other processing equipment to meet daily production and turnaround goals.
  • Sort, stage, and organize materials in the yard to keep traffic flowing and maximize space, safety, and efficiency.
  • Perform daily inspections, basic maintenance, and housekeeping on your equipment to keep it in safe, reliable working condition.
  • Communicate clearly with the ground crew and other operators to coordinate safe moves in a busy, fast-paced yard.
What Success Looks Like
  • Within 3060 days, you confidently and safely operate our excavators and cranes with minimal supervision while following all safety procedures.
  • You consistently load, move, and process material to meet or exceed daily and weekly yard production targets.
  • Equipment under your care remains in good working order through thorough pre-trip inspections and timely reporting of issues.
  • You earn the trust of your team by being reliable, communicating well, and contributing to a safe, efficient, team-focused environment.
What We're Looking For
  • At least 3 years of excavator operating experience, ideally in a scrap yard, demolition, or similar heavy equipment environment.
  • Hands-on experience operating grapples and magnets; shear experience is a strong plus.
  • Strong safety mindset with a track record of working safely in fast-paced outdoor environments.
  • Reliable, hardworking, and team-oriented, with the ability to communicate clearly with ground crews and fellow operators.
Compensation and Benefits
  • $22$26 per hour
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Full-time, steady work with opportunities for overtime
  • Fast-paced outdoor work environment
How to Apply

If you are an experienced excavator or crane operator who takes pride in safe, solid work, apply today to join M&M Recycling as our next Excavator Operator.