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Underground Contractor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

FPS Civil, LLC

Construction Laborer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Company Description FPS Civil, LLC is a civil underground contractor specializing in civil infrastructure, water/wastewater, piping/mechanical, underground excavation and grading projects. The work ...

Davis H Elliot Company, Inc.

Underground Foreman

Lexington, KY · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Elliot is a full-service electrical contractor specializing in overhead and underground distribution, transmission, substations, lighting, traffic signaling, utility locating and industrial ...

Davis H Elliot Company, Inc.

Underground Foreman

Lexington, KY · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Elliot is a full-service electrical contractor specializing in overhead and underground distribution, transmission, substations, lighting, traffic signaling, utility locating and industrial ...

City of Las Vegas

NV · On-site

$27.19 - $2.6K/hr

Reviews the work of the contractors in reference to their hitting or damaging a city-owned utility during excavation; responds to emergency calls when unknown utility is located; identifies utility ...

Connect One

Cable Underground Technician

Oxford, CT · On-site

$19.75 - $25.25/hr

Oxford, Connecticut Area Zaloumis Contracting Service DBA Connect/One is a utility telecommunication company seeking to fill full-time positions for the Installation of underground utilities using ...

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Underground Contractor information

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$17

$25

$42

How much do underground contractor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for underground contractor in the United States is $25.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

More about Underground Contractor jobs
What cities are hiring for Underground Contractor jobs? Cities with the most Underground Contractor job openings:
What states have the most Underground Contractor jobs? States with the most job openings for Underground Contractor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Underground Contractor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Underground Contractor jobs are:
Underground Contractor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Underground Contractor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 21% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,564 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

Estimator - Underground Utilities

Platinum Contracting of Nevada LLC

Henderson, NV • On-site

$65K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

The Underground Utilities Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates for underground utility construction projects. This role requires a strong understanding of excavation, utility installation, project specifications, and construction methods. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, organized, and capable of managing multiple bids while working closely with operations, project management, vendors, and clients.


Key Responsibilities

  • Review project plans, specifications, and bid documents.
  • Perform quantity takeoffs for underground wet and dry utility systems.
  • Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier quotations.
  • Develop detailed cost estimates, budgets, and bid proposals.
  • Analyze labor, equipment, materials, production rates, and project risks.
  • Attend pre-bid meetings and conduct site visits as needed.
  • Identify value engineering opportunities and cost-saving alternatives.
  • Coordinate with project managers and field operations during bid preparation.
  • Maintain estimating databases, historical costs, and vendor relationships.
  • Prepare bid packages and ensure timely submission.
  • Assist with project handoff following contract award.


Qualifications

  • 5+ years of estimating experience in underground utility construction.
  • Strong knowledge of:
    • Wet utilities (water, sewer, storm drain)
    • Dry utilities (electrical, telecommunications, gas)
    • Concrete experience is ideal
    • Trenching and shoring
  • Ability to read and interpret civil plans, specifications, and utility drawings.
  • Experience with estimating software such as HCSS HeavyBid, B2W, Agtek, Bid2Win, or similar.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
  • Strong analytical, mathematical, and organizational skills.
  • Excellent communication and negotiation abilities.
  • Valid driver's license.


Preferred Qualifications

  • Civil Engineering or Construction Management degree (preferred but not required).
  • Experience with public works and private development projects.
  • Knowledge of PlanSwift, AutoCAD, Trimble Business Center, or Civil 3D.
  • Familiarity with DOT, municipal, and utility company standards.


What We Offer

  • Competitive salary based on experience
  • Performance bonuses
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid vacation and holidays
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Stable workload with opportunities for career advancement


Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate is a self-motivated professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, understands underground utility construction from the ground up, and takes pride in producing accurate, competitive estimates that contribute to company growth.


Apply Today

If you have a passion for underground utility construction and enjoy turning project plans into winning bids, we'd like to hear from you. Submit your resume along with a brief summary of your estimating experience.

Company Description

Platinum Contracting of Nevada, LLC, is a full service general contracting firm serving the Southern Nevada market. We specialize in the installation of underground utilities, demolition, grading, and excavating. Utilizing our Las Vegas roots, we are able to provide an innovative product built with our vast knowledge of the community and expert craftmanship in a wide range of unique services and projects. Visit our website at platinumnv.com to gain more insight on what our company offers.