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Sue Utility Locator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Underground Utility Locator (SUE)

Nashville, TN ยท On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

Underground Utility Locator (SUE) Department: Construction/CEI Employment Type: Full Time Location: Nashville, TN Description HMB Professional Engineers is seeking an Underground Utility Locator to ...

Utility Locator II (SUE Technician)

Stafford, TX ยท On-site

$14 - $17.50/hr

Requiring 3-5 years of experience as a Utility Locator or a SUE (Subsurface Utility Engineering), a Utility Locator II assists in the coordination of a field crew ensuring quality of work and safety.

Utility Locator II (SUE Technician)

Addison, TX ยท On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

Requiring 3-5 years of experience as a Utility Locator or a SUE (Subsurface Utility Engineering), a Utility Locator II assists in the coordination of a field crew ensuring quality of work and safety.

Underground Utility Locator (SUE)

Nashville, TN ยท Hybrid

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

HMB Professional Engineers is seeking an Underground Utility Locator to join our team and help us expand our SUE capabilities. The right candidate will have 5+ years of experience in locating ...

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Sue Utility Locator information

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How much do sue utility locator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for sue utility locator in the United States is $16.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay $10,000 a month without a degree?

A Sue Utility Locator typically earns less than $10,000 a month, but some high-paying trades like commercial diving, certain sales roles, or specialized technical positions can reach or exceed that income level without a college degree. These jobs often require specialized skills, certifications, or experience and may involve working in demanding environments or sales-based compensation structures.

Is utility locating a good career?

Utility locating is a stable career that involves identifying underground utilities to prevent damage during construction or excavation. It requires knowledge of mapping tools, safety protocols, and often certification, with job prospects generally steady in the construction and infrastructure sectors.

What are some common challenges faced by SUE Utility Locators when working on construction sites?

SUE Utility Locators often encounter challenges such as incomplete or outdated utility records, varying soil conditions that can affect detection accuracy, and the need to coordinate with multiple contractors to ensure all utilities are properly marked before excavation. Additionally, working in high-traffic or congested urban environments can pose safety risks and logistical difficulties. Effective communication, attention to detail, and adaptability are essential for overcoming these challenges and preventing costly utility strikes.

What jobs pay $400 an hour?

High-paying jobs that can reach $400 an hour often include specialized roles such as experienced utility locators, certain consulting professionals, or highly skilled contractors in fields like engineering or construction. These positions typically require advanced certifications, extensive experience, and specialized skills, often working on complex projects or in niche markets.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a SUE Utility Locator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a SUE Utility Locator, you need strong knowledge of subsurface utility engineering practices, geospatial mapping, and interpreting utility plans, often supported by relevant certifications or field experience. Familiarity with ground-penetrating radar (GPR), electromagnetic locating equipment, GPS devices, and CAD or GIS software is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication with contractors and engineers are essential soft skills. These competencies ensure accurate utility detection, prevent costly damage, and support safe, efficient construction or excavation projects.

How much do pipeline locators make?

Pipeline locators, including those who work as utility locators, typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Experienced locators with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher wages, and some may work overtime or on a contract basis for additional pay.

What are SUE Utility Locators?

SUE Utility Locators, or Subsurface Utility Engineering Utility Locators, are professionals who use specialized equipment and techniques to identify and map underground utilities such as water, gas, electrical, and telecommunications lines. Their work helps prevent costly and dangerous utility strikes during construction or excavation projects. By providing accurate information about the location and depth of underground utilities, SUE Utility Locators play a crucial role in project planning and safety. They often use tools like ground-penetrating radar and electromagnetic locators to detect utilities below the surface.

What is the difference between Sue Utility Locator vs Pipe Locator?

AspectSue Utility LocatorPipe Locator
CertificationsOSHA safety training, utility locating certificationsOSHA safety training, utility locating certifications
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, urban and rural areas, construction sitesOutdoor, construction sites, industrial areas
Industry UsageUtility companies, construction firms, municipal projectsConstruction, plumbing, infrastructure repair

Both Sue Utility Locator and Pipe Locator roles require similar certifications and work in outdoor environments. However, Sue Utility Locator typically focuses on locating underground utilities like gas, water, and electrical lines, while Pipe Locator specializes in identifying underground pipes. The roles often overlap in industry usage, but their specific focus areas differ, making them distinct but related professions.

Infographic showing various Sue Utility Locator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,584 per year, or $16.1 per hour.
SUE Technician I - Utility Locator/Utility Designator

SUE Technician I - Utility Locator/Utility Designator

Halff Associates, Inc.

Richardson, TX โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

SUE Technician I - Utility Locator/Utility Designator - Richardson, TX!
Halff has an immediate opening for a Utility Locator/Utility Designator located in our Richardson, TX office. The ideal candidate would bring at least a year of utility locating and utility designating experience. The position offers an excellent career development opportunity for someone looking to grow with Halff, with potential for not only business and personal growth, but ownership in the firm.
What you will do:
  • Operate various electromagnetic designating equipment, to locate and mark underground utilities within prescribed accuracy limits.
  • Assist in the operation of vacuum excavation truck and related tools and equipment.
  • Read and interpret utility plans / prints to identify the type and size of underground utilities.
  • Provide accurate documentation and or sketches related to locates completed.
  • Operate company vehicle in a safe manner and maintain professional appearance.
  • Perform manhole entry using assigned equipment and safety devices.
  • Perform work in all weather conditions, during normal and after hours.
  • Communicate and coordinate with supervisors, coworkers, and utility representatives.

What you will need:
  • Valid Texas Driver's License.
  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds and stand for long periods of time.
  • Must be able to work starting 6:30 AM, Monday through Friday.
  • Must have reliable transportation.
  • Available and flexible to travel out of town.
  • 1 year of utility locating/utility designating experience is preferred.
  • Vac Truck experience a plus.
  • Survey experience a plus.
  • Must have excellent attention to detail and strong ability to ensure accuracy.
  • Ability and willingness to follow instructions that may be written or delivered verbally.
  • Must be dependable and responsible regarding punctuality and attendance.
  • Overtime and weekend work may be needed to meet project deadlines.

The Halff SUE/Utility Coordination Advantage
  • Cross-trained personnel make Halff a one-stop shop for client's SUE/utility coordination needs.
  • 20+ years of experience with more than 10 million lf of utilities located and more than 10,000 test holes performed.
  • Our team has proven processes and QA/QC procedures that provide accuracy and economy in project-driven utility inventories.

Learn more about Halff's SUE/Utility Coordination Solutions services, check out some of our projects, and meet our team
Halff's SUE/Utility Coordination Services:
  • 2D and 3D SUE Quality Levels A-D
  • Alignment and ROW Staking
  • Peer Reviews
  • Permitting Assistance
  • Reimbursement Negotiations
  • Surveying
  • Utility Adjustment Monitoring and Verification
  • Utility Coordination
  • Utility Engineering
  • Utility Relocation Design

Company Overview:
Halff is a full-service infrastructure consulting firm planned, designed, engineered, constructed - and purposed - for people. Since 1950, we've been creating smart solutions that improve lives and communities by turning ideas into reality.
Halff was founded on a core tenet: Focus on people, treat them well, and success will follow. It's no wonder, then, that our employees and the culture they create result in our firm consistently being named a Top Workplace in America.
Our industry-leading professionals collaborate to meet tough challenges in creative ways. You can view Halff's full complement of services here
Halff has over 30 offices in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Florida, Arkansas, Arizona, and Georgia. For a full list of our locations, click here
We offer excellent benefits, including but not limited to:
  • Medical, dental, prescription and life insurance
  • Long-term and short-term disability insurance
  • Paid time off (PTO) and 8 company paid holidays (and Veteran's Day for our veterans)
  • Traditional and Roth 401(k) plans
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • 529 College Savings Plan
  • Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
  • Employee Assistance Plan
  • Click here for a more comprehensive list of Halff's benefits

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.
Halff is a drug-free workplace. This offer of employment is contingent upon the receipt of a clear drug screen and background check prior to your first day of employment. This position may be subject to random drug testing pursuant to federal regulations.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.