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Underground Contractor Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

6AM City, LLC

Wet Utility Project Manager

California, MO · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

Our client is a well-established underground utility contractor seeking a Wet Utility Project Manager to join their growing team in San Diego, California . This is an excellent opportunity for a ...

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COPAKEN BROOKS LLC

Smart Storage Manager

Kansas City, MO · On-site

... contractors, and internal team members to ensure the facility operates efficiently, safely, and consistently within the unique Downtown Underground environment. * Manage customer and tenant relations ...

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Underground Contractor information

See Missouri salary details

$4

$24

$37

How much do underground contractor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for underground contractor in Missouri is $24.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.40 and $31.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an underground contractor?

Underground contractors are specialized construction professionals who install, repair, and maintain infrastructure systems below ground level. This includes utilities such as water and sewer lines, storm drains, electrical conduits, and telecommunications cables. They are responsible for tasks like trenching, pipe laying, and ensuring projects comply with safety and regulatory standards. Underground contractors often work with municipalities, utility companies, and private developers to ensure essential services are safely and efficiently delivered to homes and businesses.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an underground contractor?

To thrive as an Underground Contractor, you need strong knowledge of excavation, utility installation, and safety regulations, often supported by relevant licenses or certifications in construction or heavy equipment operation. Familiarity with tools such as trenchers, backhoes, pipe lasers, and project management software is essential. Problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication are important soft skills for coordinating crews and managing unexpected site challenges. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring projects are completed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with industry standards.

What are some common challenges faced by underground contractors on construction projects?

Underground contractors often encounter challenges such as unexpected subsurface conditions, utility conflicts, and coordinating with other trades working above ground. Managing groundwater, ensuring worker safety in confined spaces, and maintaining project timelines despite weather or permitting delays are also typical hurdles. Effective communication with project managers, engineers, and municipal inspectors is crucial to address these issues quickly and keep the project on track.

What is the difference between Underground Contractor vs Excavation Worker?

AspectUnderground ContractorExcavation Worker
CredentialsOSHA certifications, specialized underground work licensesOSHA certifications, basic excavation safety training
Work EnvironmentUnderground construction sites, tunnels, utility installationsOpen trenches, surface excavation sites
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction, utility, infrastructure projectsConstruction, landscaping, infrastructure projects

Underground Contractors focus on planning, managing, and executing underground projects, often requiring specialized licenses and safety protocols. Excavation Workers perform the physical digging and site preparation, typically with less specialized licensing. Both roles are essential in construction projects but differ mainly in scope and responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Underground Contractor jobs in Missouri?

For Underground Contractor jobs in Missouri, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Underground Contractor jobs in Missouri look for?

The top searched job categories for Underground Contractor jobs in Missouri are:

What cities in Missouri are hiring for Underground Contractor jobs?

Cities in Missouri with the most Underground Contractor job openings:

Underground Contractor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Underground Contractor job openings in Missouri as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,038 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Underground Utility Laborer

Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc

Columbia, MO

$17 - $21.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Emery Sapp & Sons rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

We are seeking a Underground Utility Laborer to join our Columbia Operations team and support the day-to-day operations of our construction projects.

The Underground Utility Laborer supports the installation, maintenance, and repair of underground utility systems, including water, sewer, storm drainage, electrical, telecommunications, and gas infrastructure. This position performs physically demanding work, assists equipment operators and utility crews, and helps ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and according to specifications.

Responsibilities:
  • Assist with excavation, trenching, backfilling, and site preparation activities.
  • Install, repair, and maintain underground utility lines and related infrastructure.
  • Load, unload, and transport materials, tools, and equipment.
  • Operate hand tools and small power tools safely and effectively.
  • Assist equipment operators during utility installation and repair work.
  • Identify and expose existing underground utilities using approved methods.
  • Follow utility plans, blueprints, maps, and supervisor instructions.
  • Set up traffic control devices and maintain safe work zones.
  • Clean and maintain work sites, equipment, and tools.
  • Report unsafe conditions, incidents, and equipment issues promptly.
  • Follow all company, OSHA, and local safety regulations.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • 1 +year of experience in underground utilities preferred
  • Strong work ethic and willingness to learn
  • Ability to perform physical tasks, including lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds and working in all weather conditions
  • Basic math and measurement skills
  • Ability to follow directions and work independently or as part of a team

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

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