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Underground Cable Locator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cable Locator

Bixby, OK

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

The Cable Locator is responsible for accurately locating and marking underground telecommunications lines to prevent damage during excavations and construction activities. This role requires a keen ...

Cable Locator

Bixby, OK · On-site

$18/hr

The Cable Locator is responsible for accurately locating and marking underground telecommunications lines to prevent damage during excavations and construction activities. This role requires a keen ...

Cable Locator

Bixby, OK · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

The Cable Locator is responsible for accurately locating and marking underground telecommunications lines to prevent damage during excavations and construction activities. This role requires a keen ...

Cable Locator

Rock Hill, SC

$13.25 - $16.50/hr

SUMMARY Self motivated Individual able to manage locate caseload of underground cable locate requests received through PUPS and other electronic providers, accurately locating all buried facilities ...

Cable Locator

Rock Hill, SC · On-site

$13.25 - $16.50/hr

SUMMARY Self motivated Individual able to manage locate caseload of underground cable locate requests received through PUPS and other electronic providers, accurately locating all buried facilities ...

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Underground Cable Locator information

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$13

$18

$26

How much do underground cable locator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for underground cable locator in the United States is $18.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Underground Cable Locators on the job, and how can they be addressed?

Underground Cable Locators often encounter challenges such as inaccurate utility maps, difficult terrain, or adverse weather conditions. Misidentified utility lines can pose safety risks and cause project delays. To address these challenges, locators rely on advanced detection equipment, thorough site assessments, and clear communication with construction teams and utility companies. Regular training and adherence to safety protocols are essential for accurately marking utilities and ensuring a safe work environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Underground Cable Locator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Underground Cable Locator, you need a solid understanding of utility maps, electrical systems, and field safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with electromagnetic locating equipment, GPS devices, and specialized software is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for this role. These abilities are essential to accurately identify underground utilities, prevent costly damages, and ensure workplace safety.

What does an underground cable locator do?

An underground cable locator is responsible for detecting and marking the location of underground utilities, such as electrical cables, fiber optic lines, and pipes, to prevent accidental damage during excavation or construction projects. They use specialized equipment to identify the position and depth of these utilities and communicate their findings to construction crews or clients. This role is essential for ensuring safety, minimizing service interruptions, and complying with legal requirements before any digging occurs.

What is the difference between Underground Cable Locator vs Utility Locator?

AspectUnderground Cable LocatorUtility Locator
CertificationsOSHA safety training, industry-specific certificationsOSHA safety training, industry-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, utility corridors, urban and rural areasConstruction sites, utility corridors, urban and rural areas
Job FocusLocating underground cables and wiringLocating various underground utilities including cables, pipes, and conduits
Industry UsageConstruction, telecommunications, electricalConstruction, municipal services, telecommunications

While both roles involve locating underground utilities, an Underground Cable Locator primarily focuses on identifying underground electrical cables and wiring. A Utility Locator has a broader scope, including locating various underground utilities such as pipes and conduits. Both roles require similar certifications and work environments, but their specific focus differs based on the utility type.

More about Underground Cable Locator jobs
What cities are hiring for Underground Cable Locator jobs? Cities with the most Underground Cable Locator job openings:
What states have the most Underground Cable Locator jobs? States with the most job openings for Underground Cable Locator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Underground Cable Locator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Underground Cable Locator jobs are:
Infographic showing various Underground Cable Locator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,319 per year, or $18.4 per hour.
Cable Locator

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Other

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Description

Note: This position is one involving safety-sensitive job duties under Bixby Telephone Company's Alcohol & Drug-Free Workplace Policy- Policy #514 (Revision Date: 10-15-19).


I. POSITION SUMMARY:

The Cable Locator is responsible for accurately locating and marking underground telecommunications lines to prevent damage during excavations and construction activities. This role requires a keen attention to detail, proficiency with electronic locating equipment, and a strong commitment to safety and compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.


II. JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Utilize specialized locating equipment to accurately locate and mark underground copper and fiber optic cables with appropriate indicators.
  • Uses tablet to interpret utility maps and as-built drawings to determine cable information and approximate location of underground utilities.
  • Document and report locating activities, including discrepancies between existing records and actual field conditions.
  • Coordinate with construction teams and other utilities to ensure safe excavation near communication lines.
  • Perform routine inspections and maintenance on locating equipment to ensure optimal performance.
  • Respond to emergency call outs as they arise which can include after-hours emergencies. Collecting incident documentation including photos and written statements etc.
  • Performs all other related duties as assigned by management.

Requirements

III. EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:

  • High School diploma or equivalent.
  • One year of utility locating or industry experience preferred.
  • Knowledge of basic electronic locating equipment and understanding of utility construction practices preferred.
  • Knowledge of telecommunications cable plant and associated structures preferred.
  • Basic PC skills and ability to read and interpret maps blueprints drawings to determine cable information preferred.
  • Ability to pay close attention to detail.
  • Knowledge of company products and services.
  • Knowledge of company policies and procedures.
  • Must be able to operate a motor vehicle appropriate for the job position.
  • Skill in basic tool operation.
  • Ability to communicate with co-workers and various business contacts in a professional and courteous manner.
  • Ability to work independently and make sound technical decisions as related to cable locate activity using information at hand.
  • Ability to effectively function as a team player.

IV. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Seeing - Must be able to read printed locate request form, area maps, and computer screen text / dwgs: 75-100%
  • Hearing - Must be able to hear well enough to communicate with employees and business contacts: 75-100%
  • Standing/Walking - Must be able to move about work site and walk long distances over varied road shoulder terrain carrying locate equipment: 75-100%
  • Climbing/Stooping/Kneeling - Must be able to climb construction site slopes, stoop, kneel to perform cable locates: 75-100%
  • Lifting/Pulling/Pushing - Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs.: 25-49%
  • Fingering/Grasping/Feeling - Must be able to write, be laptop/PC/keyboard literate, and use fell phone and two-way radio: 75-100%


V. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must maintain a valid Oklahoma driver's license.
  • Participate in on-call rotation with other department members, respond to alarm notifications from monitoring system, and travel to remote sites after-hours if necessary.


Working Conditions:

This factor measures the surroundings or physical conditions under which a job must be done and the extent to which those conditions make the job pleasant or less agreeable. Consider the local climate and or weather conditions along with the presence and relative amount of exposure to dust, dirt, heat, fumes, contaminants, cold, noise, vibration, wetness, etc. 


This position requires a great deal of exposure to the outdoors, which varies greatly on a daily basis, based on the climate and weather patterns of Oklahoma. In addition to working outdoors, this position may require exposure to attics and crawl spaces which introduce exposure to other external variables which can be uncomfortable. This position may require exposure to heavy machinery and industrial equipment which can greatly affect the pleasantness of the employee's work environment.


Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.                        Â