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Small Excavation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dura Construction LLC

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General Construction/Concrete Labor

Berlin, CT · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Small Excavation Company looking for General Labor skills. Underground piping installation and concrete work helpful. Showing up weekday mornings early is most of the battle! Must have Drivers ...

RJ Excavating

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Excavation Laborer

Ogden, UT · On-site

Excavation experience is helpful but not mandatory. OJT is available. Wage DOE. Applicants must be ... We specialize in residential and small commercial projects. Join an established company that offers ...

NAKON Excavating

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Excavation operator and laborers

Ramsey, MN · On-site

$25 - $42/hr

NAKON Excavating is seeking skilled Excavation Operators and Laborers to work in small teams of 2-3 people. This role involves operating excavators, skidsteers, and loaders and being able to do labor ...

GF Transport

Excavation Laborer

Fortville, IN

$18 - $25/hr

Position Summary The Excavation Laborer supports site development and earthwork operations by ... small tools such as plate compactors, saws, lasers, and hand tools · Help with form setting ...

Bash Excavating

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Excavation Equipment Operator

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$27 - $30/hr

Bash Excavating is looking to hire a new operator ... We are a small company that does a lot of site work and site utilities. YOU WILL BE ASKED TO DO:

Bash Excavating

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Excavation Equipment Operator - Urgently Hiring!!!

Kansas City, KS · On-site

$27 - $30/hr

We are a small company that does a lot of site work and site utilities. YOU WILL BE ASKED TO DO ... Excavator * Backhoe * Dozer * Roller * Scrapers. Company Description Bash Excavating is a 3rd ...

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Small Excavation information

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How much do small excavation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for small excavation in the United States is $22.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Small Excavation Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Small Excavation Operator, you need expertise in operating excavation machinery, understanding site plans, and knowledge of safety regulations, often gained through vocational training or certification. Familiarity with equipment such as mini-excavators, loaders, and utility location devices is essential, along with any required operator licenses. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication make someone stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring safe, precise, and efficient excavation work on construction sites.

Can you make money with a small excavator?

Small excavation work can be profitable for operators who have the necessary skills, equipment, and access to clients. Earnings depend on factors such as project size, hourly rates, and local demand, with experienced operators often earning a competitive income. Proper licensing, safety training, and efficient operation can enhance profitability in this field.

What's the hourly rate for a mini excavator?

For a small excavation job, the hourly rate for operating a mini excavator typically ranges from $50 to $150, depending on factors such as location, project complexity, and operator experience. Rates may also include equipment rental costs and any necessary permits or certifications.

What is the difference between Small Excavation vs Trenching Contractor?

AspectSmall ExcavationTrenching Contractor
CredentialsGeneral excavation licenses, OSHA safety trainingSame as small excavation, with specialized trench safety certifications
Work EnvironmentResidential, commercial, and landscaping sitesPrimarily trenching for utilities, drainage, and foundations
Industry UsageConstruction, landscaping, demolitionUtility installation, drainage, and foundation work

Small excavation and trenching contractors share similar credentials and work environments, but trenching contractors focus specifically on digging trenches for utilities and drainage. While small excavation covers broader tasks, trenching is specialized for narrow, deep excavations. Both roles are essential in construction and utility projects, often overlapping but serving distinct purposes.

What is the 2 4 5 rule in excavation?

The 2-4-5 rule in excavation refers to safety guidelines that specify minimum distances from utility lines: 2 feet from gas lines, 4 feet from electric lines, and 5 feet from water or sewer lines. Small excavation jobs require careful planning and often involve locating underground utilities before digging to prevent accidents and ensure safety.

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

Professionals in small excavation often encounter challenges such as working in tight or restricted spaces, ensuring safety around underground utilities, and managing varying soil conditions. To address these issues, it's important to conduct thorough site surveys, use appropriate equipment designed for compact areas, and follow strict safety protocols. Regular communication with site supervisors and utility companies also helps minimize risks and ensures efficient project completion.

What is small excavation?

Small excavation refers to the process of digging, removing, or moving earth and other materials on a smaller scale, typically for residential, landscaping, or minor construction projects. This work often involves the use of compact machinery like mini-excavators or backhoes to create trenches, foundations, or to clear land. Small excavation is commonly needed for installing utilities, building driveways, or preparing a site for a garden or pool. It requires knowledge of soil types, safety protocols, and sometimes permits, depending on local regulations.

What are small excavation jobs?

Small excavation jobs involve digging, trenching, or moving earth on a limited scale, often for residential projects like landscaping, foundation work, or utility installation. These tasks typically require the use of compact equipment such as mini excavators and may involve site preparation, grading, or debris removal.
More about Small Excavation jobs
What cities are hiring for Small Excavation jobs? Cities with the most Small Excavation job openings:
What states have the most Small Excavation jobs? States with the most job openings for Small Excavation jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Small Excavation jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Small Excavation jobs are:
Small Excavation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Small Excavation job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,598 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

General Construction/Concrete Labor

Dura Construction LLC

Berlin, CT • On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

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Job description

Small Excavation Company looking for General Labor skills. Underground piping installation and concrete work helpful. Showing up weekday mornings early is most of the battle! Must have Drivers License. Experience with equipment is helpful.