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Underground Contractor Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

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We are looking for experienced Underground Utility / Electrical Infrastructure Superintendents to ... managers, general contractors, inspectors, and customers ● Lead crews and hold employees ...

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We are looking for experienced Underground Utility / Electrical Infrastructure Superintendents to ... managers, general contractors, inspectors, and customers ● Lead crews and hold employees ...

New

Safety Manager

Clinton, TN · On-site

$7.58/hr

Join a contractor supporting construction activities at an active manufacturing facility in Clinton ... Underground Utility Construction * Concrete Construction Operations * Rebar Installation Activities

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Underground Contractor information

See Tennessee salary details

$4

$24

$37

How much do underground contractor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for underground contractor in Tennessee is $24.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.60 and $31.68 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 Tennessee?

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

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

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

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Underground Contractor jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Underground Contractor job openings:

Infographic showing various Underground Contractor job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,686 per year, or $24.8 per hour.

Project Superintendent Construction

Tennessee Underground LLC

Hendersonville, TN • On-site

$35 - $40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

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Job description

We are looking for experienced Underground Utility / Electrical Infrastructure Superintendents to join our team.


This is NOT just an equipment operator position.


We are looking for experienced field leaders who can take ownership of a project and run it from start to finish. You need to be able to think ahead, solve problems, manage people, and keep a project moving without waiting for someone else to tell you the next step.


What we’re looking for:

● Strong underground utility / site construction experience

● Ability to read and understand plans, drawings, and specifications

● Plan work days and weeks ahead, not just today’s production

● Schedule and coordinate crews, equipment, subcontractors, and deliveries

● Determine material needs and order materials ahead of production

● Track production and keep projects on schedule

● Communicate professionally with project managers, general contractors, inspectors, and customers

● Lead crews and hold employees accountable for quality and production

● Identify problems early and develop solutions before they impact the schedule

● Strong understanding of OSHA excavation and trenching requirements

● Must understand soil classification, protective systems, sloping/benching, trench boxes/shoring, spoil placement, access/egress, inspections, and Competent Person responsibilities

● Maintain a safe, organized, and productive jobsite


We are looking for leaders—not someone who needs to be managed every step of the way.

If you’re the kind of superintendent who can look at a set of plans, look at the schedule, and know what needs to happen today, next week, and three weeks from now, we want to talk to you.


Competitive compensation based on experience.

Must have drivers license and clean driving record.

Drug screen required

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Equal Opportunity Employer

Benefits: 401(k), Health, Dental, Vision, Paid Time Off,

Work Location: In person

Company Description

Tennessee Underground, established in 2015, is a leading construction company committed to providing superior quality and results in the excavation industry. Specializing in a diverse range of services including earthwork, highway construction, concrete work, underground utilities, excavation, land clearing, asphalt/concrete cutting and coring, and demolition, Tennessee Underground offers a comprehensive solution for construction needs.