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Sewer Excavation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Axiom

Sewer Excavation Operator

Troutdale, OR · On-site

$33 - $37/hr

Axiom Plumbing & Sewers is looking for our next Excavation Operator to support our sewer/excavation team. We've been providing construction services to homeowners and commercial businesses since 2014 ...

Any Hour Group

Lead Excavation Installer

Vineyard, UT · On-site

$21.50 - $29.25/hr

We are seeking an experienced Plumbing & Sewer Excavation Technician to join our team. In this role, you'll be responsible for excavating and repairing sewer lines, performing plumbing installations ...

Any Hour Group

Excavation Install Apprentice

Orem, UT · On-site

We are seeking an experienced Plumbing & Sewer Excavation Technician to join our team. In this role, you'll be responsible for excavating and repairing sewer lines, performing plumbing installations ...

Any Hour Group

Lead Excavation Installer

Orem, UT · On-site

$20.50 - $27.50/hr

We are seeking an experienced Plumbing & Sewer Excavation Technician to join our team. In this role, you'll be responsible for excavating and repairing sewer lines, performing plumbing installations ...

Affordable Cesspool Sewer & Drain,

Be Seen First

Excavator Operator & Laborer

Islandia, NY · On-site

$30 - $50/hr

Lead Septic Repair & Excavation Technician Affordable Cesspool Sewer & Drain | Islandia, NY We Rush So You Can Flush ® Affordable Cesspool Sewer & Drain has proudly served Long Island since 1992 and ...

Any Hour Group

Lead Excavation Installer

Las Vegas, NV

$23.25 - $31.25/hr

In this role, you'll be responsible for excavating and repairing sewer lines, performing plumbing installations and repairs, and ensuring the safe operation of excavation equipment. You'll work on a ...

Mr. Rooter

Excavation Crew Member and Labor

Gladstone, OR · On-site

$24 - $33/hr

We had a sewer line clog that's been on-and off for years. Mr. Rooter - our long-time drain go-to ... What Mr. Rooter Plumbing expects of the Excavation Crew Member The role of the Excavation Crew ...

Any Hour Group

Excavation Install Apprentice

Orem, UT · On-site

In this role, you'll be responsible for excavating and repairing sewer lines, performing plumbing installations and repairs, and ensuring the safe operation of excavation equipment. You'll work on a ...

Len the Plumber

Sewer Helper

Halethorpe, MD · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Qualified applicants will ideally possess a minimum of 1 year of Sewer/Excavation work or residential service plumbing work experience * Working knowledge of the care and use of standard hand tools ...

Any Hour Group

Lead Excavation Installer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$22 - $29/hr

Ideal candidates will have hands-on experience with sewer excavation, strong knowledge of plumbing systems, and the ability to operate machinery and tools safely. $22.00 to $29.00 per hour We offer:

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Sewer Excavation information

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$13

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$31

How much do sewer excavation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for sewer excavation in the United States is $21.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is sewer excavation?

Sewer excavation is the process of digging trenches or holes to access underground sewer lines for repair, replacement, or installation. This work is often required when sewer pipes are damaged, clogged, or need to be upgraded. Sewer excavation involves specialized equipment and strict safety measures to protect workers and prevent property damage. It is typically performed by trained professionals who understand local regulations and proper excavation techniques.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sewer excavation worker?

To thrive as a Sewer Excavation Worker, you need a solid understanding of construction safety, excavation techniques, and experience with heavy machinery, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with tools such as backhoes, trenchers, and pipe-laying equipment, along with OSHA safety certifications, is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are critical to ensure safe, efficient, and accurate excavation work that prevents costly errors and maintains public safety.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in sewer excavation, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in sewer excavation often face challenges such as working in confined spaces, encountering unexpected underground utilities, and managing safety hazards like water infiltration or soil instability. These issues can be addressed through thorough site assessment, use of advanced detection equipment, adherence to safety protocols, and clear communication with team members and utility companies. Ongoing training and teamwork are essential for quickly resolving problems and ensuring a safe, efficient excavation process.

What is the difference between Sewer Excavation vs Sewer Pipe Layer?

AspectSewer ExcavationSewer Pipe Layer
Primary RoleExcavates trenches and prepares sites for sewer installationLays and installs sewer pipes within excavated trenches
CertificationsOSHA safety training, excavation permitsOSHA safety training, pipe installation certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, outdoor, often in confined spacesWithin trenches, outdoor, close to excavation sites
Industry UsagePart of excavation and site prep teamsPart of pipe installation crews

While Sewer Excavation involves digging trenches and preparing sites, Sewer Pipe Layer focuses on installing and connecting sewer pipes within those trenches. Both roles often work together on sewer projects but have distinct responsibilities and skill sets.

More about Sewer Excavation jobs

What cities are hiring for Sewer Excavation jobs?

Cities with the most Sewer Excavation job openings:

What states have the most Sewer Excavation jobs?

States with the most job openings for Sewer Excavation jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Sewer Excavation jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Sewer Excavation jobs are:

Sewer Excavation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sewer Excavation job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,248 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Sewer Excavation Operator

Troutdale, OR • On-site

Axiom
See more jobs at Axiomexternal

$33 - $37/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Axiom Plumbing & Sewers is looking for our next Excavation Operator to support our sewer/excavation team. We've been providing construction services to homeowners and commercial businesses since 2014 and are based within the Portland Metro / Tri-County area. If you have at least 5 years experience working as an excavation operator in the Portland Metro Area and have a team player, integrity-driven mindset--we can't wait to hear from you!

*** NOTE *** PLEASE ONLY APPLY IF YOU HAVE EXPERIENCE AS AN EXCAVATION OPERATOR***

Responsibilities

  • Install and repair sanitary sewers, storm sewers, and other excavation projects to specification and code
  • Work in confined spaces and open trenches.
  • Adhere to construction plans and prioritize safety guidelines
  • Safely operate heavy machinery with skill (ie, varying sizes of excavators, skid steers, and other heavy machinery etc.)
  • Ability drive while towing equipment and load, unload and secure equipment on transport trailers
  • Perform machinery inspections and simple safety maintenance before each job
  • Read drawings, understand layouts, and maintain grades
  • Document work with pictures and text and upload to CRM program
  • Professionally communicate and interact with other crew members, management, support teams, customers, and inspectors

Qualifications

  • Valid Driver's License with good/insurable driving record
  • Legally authorized to work in the United States
  • Must have 5 years experience working in sewers in City of Portland and surrounding Metro area
  • 5 years experiencing driving/towing, loading, and operating excavation equipment
  • Team player attitude
  • Dependable and integrity-driven work ethic
  • References validating above qualifications

Company Description

Oh, we love to build! Whether we find a diamond in the rough and rehab an older house with some modern twists or start from the dirt up with a new build...we love it. Our design team at Axiom finds ways to fuse the old bones of a house built by our grandfathers together with design elements and updates that are in high demand with current trends. We even shock ourselves with what we can do with some of the old run-down homes around town!